UPDATE 8/24/18: While other ambitious electric vehicles languish, today Jaguar announced it will officially be offering all-electric E-Types for sale, with the first deliveries planned for summer 2020.
Accompanying the release date are some key details on what to expect from the E-Type Zero.
The most important thing to note is that no new E-Types are being made. The Zero is a Jaguar Classic project offering “tailor-made E-types restored and converted to electric power” out of their Classic Works facility in the U.K.
Yes, that means if you own an E-Type already, they’ll also be offering EV conversions. And because of the aforementioned similarities between the original powertrain and the new emission-less setup, these conversions will be — miraculously — fully reversible. So there’s no chance of buyer’s remorse here.
Also, as a new concept version of the Zero is debuting at Monterey Car Week, we’ve got some new photos to whet your appetite:
Photos via Jaguar Land Rover Classic
Interested? Jaguar Classic is currently accepting expressions of interest via email (zero@jaguarlandrover.com) and the Classic Works website.
Both upstart and established auto brands have been unveiling new electric vehicles on what seems like a daily basis of late. Given the volume, you’d expect some distinctive vehicles. But for the most part, that’s yet to happen, with nothing but maximalist, geometric, TRON-inspired silhouettes permeating even the most storied circles of automotive design.
Save one marque: Jaguar. For their newest electric car, the English company didn’t have to redesign a thing … because they already built it. Almost 60 years ago.
The forthcoming E-Type Zero will be an electrified replica of the Series 1.5 E-Type Enzo Ferrari once called “the most beautiful car in the world.” The only major difference between then and now? Instead of a six-cylinder engine, the car will pack a rechargeable battery mated to an electric motor and transmission, all of which weigh the same as the original engine and transmission. The trio will give the car a 170-mile range and 0-60 time of 5.5 seconds (faster than the original).
Also, since the proportions of the electric powertrain are the same as the ‘60s model, the E-type Zero will maintain the same structure, suspension, brakes and weight distribution of its predecessor.
The desire to look ahead by channeling the past (which Jaguar Land Rover is making old hat at this point) continues with the car’s interior, as the new E-Type’s electronic instruments and central touchscreen display sit alongside classic clocks and toggle switches.
The Zero looks great, has no emissions and, we’re happy to learn, it’s just the beginning.
“Every new Jaguar Land Rover model line will be electrified from 2020, giving our customers even more choice,” JLR CEO Dr. Ralf Speth announced at the company’s first-ever Tech Fest. “We will introduce a portfolio of electrified products across our model range, embracing fully electric, plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid vehicles. Our first fully electric performance SUV, the Jaguar I-PACE, goes on sale next year.”
Personally, we’re happy Jaguar has found a way to keep things classic and progressive, but, if you prefer to leave the past in the rearview, they also unveiled a new concept that’s purely fixated on the future:
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