Is This New 400 HP Electric E-Type Genius Or Sacrilege?

There’s perhaps nothing more contentious in classic car circles than the debate surrounding EV conversions. But with the jury still out on exactly how we’ll be allowed to enjoy our classic cars in the decades to come, the prospect of electrifying vehicles of an era gone by is one that continues to gather pace.

However, while some may see the electrification of classics as the future, many think otherwise. FIVA, the world’s authority on historic vehicles, claims that converted classics can no longer be considered historic vehicles as plumbing in the electric gubbins fundamentally changes the “historically correct condition” of a vintage car.

Despite those opposed, Electrogenic, a UK-based vehicle electrification company, announced that they have taken on the task to electrify the iconic E-type. In what we can only assume will cause a mild uproar, the finished product will be displayed at the London Classic Car Show, on view to the public for the very first time.

Read: Classic EV Bentley S3 Continental Flying Spur By Lunaz Is $490k

Electric E-Types are nothing new, with Jaguar themselves creating the E-Type Zero back in 2017. However, Electrogenic will offer three different types of E-Type, with differing price points, motors, and battery configurations. The company says that the different powertrains will provide unique driving experiences and offers the perfect way to pay tribute to this iconic vehicle that will celebrate its 60th anniversary this year.

The first conversion on offer will be the ‘Tourer.’ The Tourer features a lower than original curb weight, said to make it more agile around corners while offering a good combination of handling and range. The top speed is decent, reaching 100 mph (160 km/h) using the E-Type’s original gearbox for a familiar driving experience.

For those looking for a slightly more exhilarating experience, customers are encouraged to try out the ‘Sprint’ conversion. This trim will offer a near-identical curb weight to an original E-Type but consists of a powertrain capable of producing 470 Nm (347 lb-ft) of torque, again using the car’s original gearbox. Sure enough, the performance figures in this guise exceed that of its original counterpart, with the additional weight kept low in the chassis to improve its balance and overall drivability. Electrogenic has also advised clients who have chosen this conversion to consider aftermarket brakes and suspension to bear the boost in performance.

Finally, the ‘Grand Tourer’ conversion is a high-performance edition that will truly reinvent how an E-Type drives. This conversion lives behind the original gearbox for improved power delivery and drivetrain to the car’s updated form. The Grand Tourer’s electric powertrain will produce up to 300 kW (400 hp) of power, resulting in an impressive 442 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque delivered via a single-speed ‘box. Certainly not one for the purists then.

See: Electrogenic Makes Electric Versions Of 1976 Triumph Stag And 1957 Morgan 4/4 

According to Electrogenic, their ‘Tourer’ and ‘Sprint’ conversions will offer up to 150 miles (240 km) of range on a single charge, with the option of adding up to two range extenders, each giving you an additional 50 miles (80 km). In addition, the ‘Grand Tourer’ can be fitted with a single range extender that will bump up its total single-charge range to 250 miles (400 km).

Prices for the conversion are said to start at £54,000 ($75,000) for the ‘Tourer,’ £62,000 ($86,000) for the ‘Sprint,’ and £80,000 ($111,000) for the ‘Grand Tourer.’ But, before you go rushing out to place your deposits, bear in mind that those prices exclude the cost of a base car.

Electrogenic say that all E-Type conversions will retain their original form inside and out, with the exception of a few switches and dials moved around for functionality. The British-based company has also managed to cram in all their new equipment using the existing engine mounts to ensure the E-Type retains its original character and makes sure that the conversion can be reversed.