Converting a classic car to run exclusively under electric power is not a new concept. ICON 4x4 turned the Volkswagen Thing into an EV, Zelectric Motors did pretty much the same thing to a 1973 Porsche 911, and the list keeps growing. On this occasion, Jaguar has taken to itself to electrify the most iconic model ever offered by the automaker: the mesmerizing E-Type Series I in topless attire.
Created in-house by the Jaguar Land Rover Classic division, the E-Type Zero is a concept at this stage. A fully working one-off, to be more specific, with the donor vehicle coming in the form of a 1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 Roadster. The electric powertrain is capable of thrusting the vehicle from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.5 seconds, making the E-Type Zero passably quick.
Popping the phallic-like hood reveals a box beautified by the lettering XK 330-4. Tipping the scales at 46 kilograms over the donor vehicle, the E-Type Zero’s underhood box hides the lithium-ion battery. From 40 kWh, the electrified standout promises a real-world range of 170 miles (270 kilometers).
It takes six to seven hours to recharge the pack from zero to 100% from the typical household plug. And would you believe the exclusive powertrain borrows various components from Jaguar’s first-ever EV? According to the British company, the E-Type Zero has to thank the I-Pace for its go-faster bits.
With front-rear weight distribution unchanged from the ICE-powered E-Type, the Zero has 220 kW of get-up-and-go at its disposal. That’s 300 metric ponies or 295 horsepower, with the electric motor sitting in the location where the transmission used to be. Thanks to an all-new propshaft, the goodies are sent to the rear axle. So, will Jaguar put it into production?
According to the manufacturer, Jaguar is “looking forward to the reaction of our clients as we investigate bringing this concept to market.” If a business case can be made, then expect low-volume production to happen.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News