If you’re a classic car enthusiast, you’ve probably had this dilemma in mind: can you keep driving your beloved vintage car and still say it’s environmentally conscious? Luckily, advanced technology has given us a solution, with several companies offering EV conversion kits for classic cars. One of the latest and most remarkable additions to this market is Electrogenic’s plug-and-play, ‘drop-in’ conversion kit for the Jaguar E-Type. In this blog post, we’ll delve deeper into this exciting development and explore how it’s changing the game for classic car preservation and sustainability.
Key Points
- 0-60 mph acceleration in under 6 seconds
- The Electrogenic E-Type conversion kit uses a proprietary EV powertrain kit that is developed and manufactured in the UK
- The kit is easy to install and can be fitted by a qualified technician
- The kit is reversible, so the car can be converted back to its original ICE engine
- Range of up to 150 miles on a single charge
- Full charge in about 50 minutes (CCS)
- The kit is priced at £25,000, which is ~$31,000
Electrogenic, a British EV conversion specialist, has proudly announced the completion of the first customer Jaguar E-Type conversion using their proprietary powertrain kit. The conversion turned a 1962 Series 1 Roadster into an eco-champion by replacing its original petrol engine with a zero-emissions electric motor. The car’s owner, a Jaguar enthusiast from Dorset, said that “driving a beautiful E-Type that doubles as an EV is a joy that can’t be put into words.”
But why is Electrogenic’s solution such a big deal for classic car fans? Firstly, their conversion kit requires no modifications to the car’s chassis or body, meaning the vehicular heritage isn’t compromised in any way. Secondly, the conversion is fully reversible, should owners choose to restore the original powertrain at any point. Thirdly, the kit offers high-performance, with a maximum power of 295 horsepower and a top speed of 120mph, ensuring that the car maintains its thrilling driving experience. And finally, the kit repurposes and revitalizes the old Jaguar models, making them more roadworthy and sustainable for future generations to enjoy.
Electrogenic’s conversion kit for Jaguar E-Types includes a 30kWh battery pack, an 4-year/80k mile warranty and an estimated range of 150 miles on a single charge. The kit also features a ‘Formula One’ style KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) function that produces regenerative braking, which extends the car’s range and improves overall efficiency. The vehicle’s charging time stands at 6-7 hours, from zero to full capacity using a standard 7kW charger. The company also offers retrofitting services for other classic cars, such as the Morris Minor, the Land Rover Series, and the Volkswagen Beetle.
The company based in Oxford has made various endorsements, from industry experts to media publications. In 2019, Electrogenic won an award for ‘Most Significant Electric Vehicle’ at the Future of Transport Awards, and in early 2020, they featured in a Viral Video for the BBC News. The company’s founders, Ian Newstead and Michael Faraday, both have engineering backgrounds, and Electric Classic Cars added that “they have created an outstanding conversion model that honours the classic Jaguar while implementing a powerful electric motor that will give the car new life.”
Electrogenic’s EV conversion kit for the Jaguar E-Type provides a remarkable solution for a dilemma classic car preservationists have long faced: sacrificing the pleasure of driving an old beauty for sustainability purposes. With Electrogenic’s kit, owners can keep enjoying the legacy and heritage embodied by classic cars, but with the added bonus of driving a clean and green vehicle. Electrogenic’s approach is unique, as it involves refurbishing the old engines and repurposing the components, rather than scrapping and replacing them altogether. Thanks to Electrogenic, the Jaguar E-Type (and other classic models in the future) can have the best of both worlds: maintaining the charm and characteristics that made them famous while adopting modern technology for a bright, green future.
