Skip advert
Advertisement

Jaguar E-Type Zero prototype review

The E-Type Zero might boast an electric drivetrain, but it still feels like a proper Jaguar

There’s always a risk that converting classic cars to electric propulsion will dilute their character, but Jaguar’s strict in-house parameters have created a car that feels almost identical to the original in everything but sound. With strong performance and an ultra-smooth drivetrain, it’s undoubtedly a “proper” Jaguar too.

The proliferation of hybrids and electric vehicles means near-silent transportation is a familiar sensation in 2018, but the 1960s surroundings of Jaguar’s E-Type Zero prototype lead you to expect the rousing of something rather more rudimentary when you twist the key.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Approaching the sleek Series 1 model from the outside there are certainly no clues as to its new power source, unless you approach from the rear and clock the missing exhausts - from the wire wheels to the delicate doorhandles, it’s identical to any other E-Type. Click the tiny door open and it’s only once inside that you’ll spot any differences. While the beautiful wooden-rimmed steering wheel and slim chrome handbrake handle are carried over, the digital gauges, central display and Jaguar rotary transmission selector hint at the technology hiding within.

Best electric cars on sale 2018

Owners will have the option to tone down some of the more modern features, according to Tim Hannig, Director of Jaguar Land Rover Classic, who joined us for our drive down Monterey’s iconic Cannery Row. One change will be to that selector, which will make way for something more conventional - and something with a Park position, which the prototype lacks.

There’s work to be done on the calibration too, though it’s a credit to Hannig’s team that even this early prototype (customer cars will be ready from 2020) feels very well resolved from behind the wheel. After a brief introduction to the controls - essentially, it’s like any other EV or automatic vehicle - the E-Type pulls away smoothly, with just wind noise and the audible but not unpleasant whine of an electric motor.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

i20

2023 Hyundai

i20

14,320 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,750
View i20
Tucson

2023 Hyundai

Tucson

17,000 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £25,995
View Tucson
Tucson

2023 Hyundai

Tucson

25,657 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £24,650
View Tucson
Galaxy

2019 Ford

Galaxy

42,169 milesManualDiesel2.0L

Cash £17,750
View Galaxy

Squeeze the accelerator pedal a little harder and there’s a familiar sense of urgency to the 295bhp Zero’s acceleration - not just from other electric vehicles, but from the original straight-six E-Type too. The unassisted steering feels identical to the original (assistance will be optional) while lifting off results in moderate regenerative braking.

Jaguar has worked hard to maintain the E-Type’s feel and performance, and the final cars will be identical in both weight and weight distribution to a fully-fuelled original, two parameters set to ensure it feels as close as possible to the classic.

The E-Type Zero conversions also require no structural changes, while passenger and luggage space is unaffected, and the car has a range of at least 150 miles - a figure settled upon after discussion with potential owners on how they’d use the car.

Jaguar knows the Zero has niche appeal, and Hannig tells me they even dubbed it “Project Marmite” during development, but the team’s strict adherence to its in-house parameters and the use of JLR’s own componentry - batteries are from the firm’s plug-in hybrids, while the motor and related components are I-Pace - mean it’s still an authentic Jaguar. If nothing else, no other electric car on sale is as beautiful…

Skip advert
Advertisement

Antony is a freelance motoring writer with more than 15 years of experience in everything from the latest wave of hybrid and electric vehicles, to sports cars, supercars and classics. You’ll find him covering a little of everything on Auto Express.

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,575Avg. savings £2,614 off RRP*Used from £7,850
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,495
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,297 off RRP*
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £5,494 off RRP*Used from £14,350
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New BMW i1 will cram big EV tech into a small package
BMW 1 Series render - front

New BMW i1 will cram big EV tech into a small package

The all-new BMW i1 will rival the all-electric Audi A3 and new Mercedes CLA when it arrives in 2027
News
28 Aug 2025
MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years
MG Cyber X design render - front

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years

Boxy small SUV is gearing up for production, and our exclusive images show how the model might look
News
30 Aug 2025
Updated Tesla Model Y Performance revealed at a bargain price
2025 Tesla Model Y Performance

Updated Tesla Model Y Performance revealed at a bargain price

Tesla’s mid-size SUV has returned in its high-performing Performance trim for a surprisingly low £61,990
News
29 Aug 2025