Jaguar Land Rover to be electrified by 2020… all-electric E-Type Zero revealed
Every new Jaguar and Land Rover launched from 2020 will be “electrified” as JLR Classic revealed all-electric E-Type Zero.
ON THE EVE of the Frankfurt Motor Show, Jaguar Land Rover boss, Dr Ralph Speth has announced that every new JLR model built from 2020 will be electrified. To make a point of the fact, the JLR Classic team have revealed an electric E-Type, E-Type Zero, one of the brand’s most iconic vehicles.
“Every new Jaguar Land Rover model line will be electrified from 2020, giving our customers even more choice. 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,” Dr Speth said.
The announcement follows on from Volvo’s recent announcement that its vehicles would be electrified from 2020. Now, electrified doesn’t mean all-electric, it can mean everything from full electric to hybrid and everything in-between. But, what it does signal is a decision to move away from a focus on internal combustion engine development and an eventual downsizing while development of electric motors and batteries will take over.
All the announcement seems a little out of the blue, JLR has been working on hybrid and electric vehicles for some time now, including an all-electric Land Rover Defender concept, and the production Range Rover Sport Hybrid.
And now the Jaguar Land Rover Classic team has fitted an electric drivetrain to an E-Type, calling it the E-Type Zero. The all-electric E-Type Zero is faster (220kW) than the original and can reach 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds, which is around one second quicker than an E-Type Series 1.
The E-Type Zero is a restored E-Type Series 1.5 Roadster and besides the electric drivetrain and updated dashboard and LED headlights is all original. The battery pack used is about the same size and weight as the Jaguar XK six-cylinder; the electric motor sits just at the back of the battery pack. A new propshaft sends power to a carry-over differential and final drive. Total weight is 46kg lower than the original E-type.
“Using an electric powertrain with similar weight and dimensions to the outgoing petrol engine and transmission means the car’s structure, including suspension and brakes, has not changed, simplifying the conversion and homologation. It drives, handles, rides and brakes like an original E-type. Front-rear weight distribution is unchanged, Jaguar said.
The E-type Zero has a ‘real world’ range of 270km, helped by the low weight and good aerodynamics. It uses a 40kWh battery, which can be recharged from home overnight (typically in six to seven hours, depending on the power source).
Tim Hannig, Director, Jaguar Land Rover Classic, said: “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.”
“In order to seamlessly combine the new electric powertrain of E-type Zero with the dynamic set-up of the original E-type specification, we have limited the vehicle’s power output. We believe this provides the optimum driving experience.”
Interestingly, Jaguar said, “The XK six-cylinder engine was made from 1949 until 1992, and was fitted to nearly all iconic Jaguar models of that period, including the E-type, XK120, Mk2 and XJ6. The new electric powertrain could be used in any of these vehicles”. This means that any XK-engined Jaguar could be electrified… and surely there wouldn’t be much modification required to get this battery pack and motor fitted to a modern Jaguar or Land Rover vehicle. Indeed, the E-Type Zero actually uses some bits and pieces from the upcoming Jaguar I-Pace.
