Jaguar will rebuild your classic E-Type as an electric vehicle

It was only last year when Jaguar introduced the E-Type Zero Concept, a Series 1.5 Roadster fitted with an electric powertrain, as a way to showcase the brand's commitment to electrification. Now, the British-marque has announced that the electric E-Type will be heading into to production with deliveries slated to begin in the summer of 2020.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive reaction to the Jaguar E-type Zero concept. Future-proofing the enjoyment of classic car ownership is a major stepping stone for Jaguar Classic,” said Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director

Handling production of the E-Type Zero will be Jaguar's Classic division. They will also be offering the electric conversion to interested E-Type owners. That said, the electric conversion does not require any modifications to the vehicle's structure. This allows owners who have had their classic E-Types converted to EVs to put the original inline-6 back into the engine bay.

Full technical specifications of the E-Type Zero have yet to be released. Jaguar however states that they are targeting a range in excess of 274 km for all electric E-Types. In the concept, the classic roadster uses a 40kWh lithium-ion battery which the company says can be recharged in 6 to 7 hours. It will also borrow technology from the Jaguar I-Pace.

Inside, Jaguar Classic will fit the electric E-Types with a new digital instrument cluster. Buyers can also opt to have a modern infotainment screen fitted in the center of the dashboard as an option. Given that it is already electric, the standard gearshift is also gone, and in its place is a rotary dial. Aesthetic wise, the only change would be the new LED headlights.

With Jaguar also offering the E-Type Reborn program, what would you rather choose; An "greener" electric E-Type or one rebuilt with concours-quality?