Jaguar announces production of E-Type Zero EV

Jaguar has announced production plans for the E-Type Zero - an all-electric car based on the 1960's sportscar. Existing owners of the 6-cylinder models of the E-Type can get the fully reversible conversion done in their cars as well.

According to Jaguar, the electric car will maintain the handling, design and looks as well as performance of the original car, while delivering no emissions. The electric powertrain along with the lithium-ion battery is comparable to the size of the original straight-six engine. The car also gets a digital instrument cluster, LED headlights and an optional touchscreen infotainment system.

The motor and batteries are derived from the Jaguar I-Pace. It gets a 220 kW (295 BHP) motor with a 40 kWh battery pack. The company is aiming for a range of 274 km on a single charge. The motor is connected to the wheels using a single speed reduction gear. The electric version is also reported to match the conventional car's 241 km/h top speed, while its claimed 0-100 km/h time is under 7 seconds.

It is reported that an E-Type restored by Jaguar and converted to a "Zero" would cost over US$ 375,000, while the conversion of an existing car in good shape is expected to cost US$ 75,000.