Jaguar Land Rover Classic showcased an electric-powered Jaguar E-type at the Jaguar Land Rover Tech Fest in London. The car, called as the Jaguar E-type Zero Concept was restored and converted to run the e-powertrain at Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works in Coventry.
“E-type Zero combines the renowned E-type dynamic experience with enhanced performance through electrification. This unique combination creates a breathtaking driving sensation. Our aim with E-type Zero is to future-proof classic car ownership. We’re looking forward to the reaction of our clients as we investigate bringing this concept to market,” said Tim Hannig, Director, Jaguar Land Rover Classic.
The Jaguar E-type Zero Concept is a restored Series 1.5 Roadster which is almost original in specification apart from the modern electric powertrain and the future ready interior which has been inspired by the original E-type. The concept car also makes use of LED headlights to achieve energy efficiency and adopts the styling theme of the original Series 1 E-type.
The electric powertrain of the Jaguar E-type Zero Concept develops 220 kW of power. The lithium-ion battery is similar in size and weight to the XK six-cylinder engine used in the original roadster.
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The unique electric powertrain was developed by an electric powertrain specialist in conjunction with Jaguar Land Rover engineers and Jaguar Land Rover Classic. It uses some technology and components borrowed from the upcoming Jaguar I-PACE, the company’s first production all-electric vehicle.
The powertrain is placed in the exact same location as the XK engine. The electric motor is placed behind the battery pack and is in the same location where the gearbox of the E-type used to be. A new propeller shaft sends power to a carry-over differential and final drive. Overall the weight is 46kg lower than the original E-type.
The Jaguar E-type Zero Concept not only looks like the original car but also performs like it. It takes only 5.5 seconds to reach from zero to 100 km/h which is about a second faster than the original E-Type.
Since the electric powertrain is similar in dimensions and weight of the petrol engine and transmission, the engineers were able to use the original car’s structure. Even the suspension and brakes have not changed which simplifies its conversion and homologation.
The best part is that conventional engine could be reinstalled at any point. It even drives, handles, rides and brakes like an original E-type. Front-rear weight distribution is unchanged.
The low weight and the good aerodynamics of the Jaguar E-type Zero Concept give it a range of 270km (170 miles). It is powered by a 40kWh battery, which can be recharged in six to seven hours, depending on power source.
It was in the year 1961 that Jaguar had launched the E-type and since then it has been voted the best-looking car of all time. The E-type was fitted with the XK six-cylinder engine that was made from 1949 until 1992. This engine was fitted to nearly all iconic Jaguar models of that period. The newly developed electric powertrain could be used in any of these vehicles that use the XK engine.
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