Green light for electric E-type Jaguar

The electric version of the iconic Jaguar E-type, famously driven by Prince Harry as he whisked bride Meghan away to their wedding reception, will be available to buy from 2020.

Jaguar Classic – a heritage division within Jaguar Land Rover – will produce the E-type Zero at its Coventry facility.

It will sell original E-types that have been restored and converted to run on battery power. There will also be a conversion service for existing E-type owners.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive reaction to the Jaguar E-type Zero concept,” said Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director.

“E-type Zero showcases the incredible heritage of the E-type, and the expertise and craftsmanship at Classic Works, while demonstrating Jaguar Land Rover’s dedication to creating zero emission vehicles across every part of the business, including Jaguar Classic.”

Combining Jaguar Classic’s restoration expertise with cutting-edge technology from the all-electric new Jaguar I-Pace, the E-type Zero not only drives and looks like an E-type, it also offers outstanding performance, with quicker acceleration than the original Series 1 E-type.

Jaguar Classic is targeting a range in excess of 170 miles, helped by the car’s low kerb weight and sleek aerodynamics. The E-type Zero is powered by a 40kWh battery, which can be recharged in six to seven hours, depending on power source.

Apart from its state-of-the-art electric powertrain and modified instrumentation showcasing the latest touchscreen infotainment (available as an option), the E-type Zero concept is largely original.

The electric motor lies just behind the battery pack, in place of the E-type’s gearbox. A new propshaft sends power to a carry-over differential and final drive.