Jaguar E-Type is latest classic car to get electric conversion

Classic-car electrification company Electrogenic has unveiled its zero-emissions conversion of a 1967 Jaguar E-type Series 1 Coupe, along with plans to offer customers a choice of three electric powertrains for their own E-Types.

The Oxford-based electric conversion company has developed three packages for the classic Jaguar sports car: ‘Tourer’, ‘Sprint’ and ‘Grand Tourer’, all of which retain the original bodywork and interior of the E-Types used.

E-Types fitted with the ‘Tourer’ conversion package will have a lower-than-original kerbweight, be able to reach a top speed of roughly 100mph and send their power through the car’s original gearbox. 

The ‘Sprint’ package leaves converted cars weighing close to their original kerbweight, but producing 470Nm of torque and thus exceeding the E-Type’s original performance figures while still using the original transmission. However, customers looking at this package are also advised to upgrade the E-Type’s suspension and brakes to handle the extra performance.

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Finally, there’s the ‘Grand Tourer’ E-Type conversion, which does away with the original transmission, replacing it with a single-speed unit like most modern electric cars. The total power output is also increased to 396bhp and 600Nm of torque, with a maximum driving range of 250 miles on a full charge.

E-Types with the ‘Tourer’ and ‘Sprint’ conversion packages are capable of roughly 150 miles, but Electrogenic will offer “one or two” range extenders that'll increase that figure by about 50 miles each.

Prices for Electrogenic's E-Type conversion packages start from £54,000 for the ‘Tourer’, £62,000 for the ‘Sprint’ and £80,000 for the ‘Grand Tourer’ – however, those figures don’t include a donor vehicle or VAT.

Steve Drummond, director and co-founder of Electrogenic, said of the company’s electric E-Type: “Each vehicle we re-create is customised, but engineering three distinct motor options gives our customers a clear starting point for the conversion.

“Each of the motor systems complements our battery and power electronics module that bolts directly to the original engine mounts, and which is designed to accommodate both left and right-hand drive.”

Ian Newstead, fellow director and co-founder, added: “As with every classic that we convert to run on electric power, the E-type presented its own unique challenges – the main one being the weight of expectation. The E-Type’s reputation is well known in the industry, and living up to that is never going to be easy – but this is a wonderfully engaging car to drive.”