First drive in the electric Jaguar E-Type from ECD Automotive Design: A welcomed upgrade
Just over a year after my last visit, I recently got the chance to visit my friends at ECD Automotive Design down in central Florida and take their latest EV conversion – the all-electric Jaguar E-Type for a spin. As always, there were tons of new and exciting happenings at ECD, as it continues to learn, grow, and delve further into electrification.
If you haven’t heard of ECD Automotive Design, you should look it up. It’s arguably one of the best one-of-one vehicle builders in the industry and continues to grow its customer base because of the quality, service, and level of customization it provides.
Last week, I got to visit the company’s HQ near Orlando for the third time, and let me tell you – every time I return, the group over there is improving, expanding, and experimenting with new things. That’s a huge key to ECD’s growth in the last decade, coming from one single industrial bay to a new 100,000-square-foot facility down the road it is already outgrowing.
The company’s founders have UK roots, so ECD was founded upon delivering top-tier, fully customized British classics like Range Rovers and Defenders. In recent years, we saw ECD begin offering its customers electric options, cleverly integrating Tesla motors and battery packs into the existing chassis and drivetrain.
In June of 2022, ECD announced plans for an electric Jaguar E-Type from the 1970s, available in a roadster convertible or a 2+2 coupe. When I last visited in October of 2022, I got a peek at the E-Type’s assembly line, as the ECD team was familiarizing itself with the classic before beginning to build complete and fully customized restorations.
Last week, I got to walk the assembly lines yet again to see the progress of the Jaguar E-Type builds – a majority of which are going electric. Furthermore, ECD had recently completed its first all-electric E-Type for a customer and I got to take it out for a spin and help with some quality control before it’s delivered. Here are my thoughts.
ECD’s Jaguar E-Type feels like it was made to be electric
Having visited ECD multiple times in the past, I knew the routine at this point. ECD co-founder Scott Wallace took me on a brief tour, focusing specifically on the E-Types because there are several currently being built, which is a completely unique process to what the custom auto builder is used to with its Land Rovers.
Wallace told me the ECD team initially thought it could transfer its build process from the Defender lines, anticipating a need for more knowledgeable staff as the key hurdle, but explained they got it wrong. It was the opposite. ECD’s talented workers handled the Jaguar just fine, but the building process is entirely different.
For instance, ECD had previously specialized in custom ground-up builds with the Land Rovers, using components shipped from the UK. The electric Jaguar E-Types on the other hand, are complete restorations – meaning ECD is acquiring entire vehicles around the US, disassembling them, sandblasting the usable parts, and building them back up as EVs. To this point, ECD says it reuses around 50% of the original car on each build, a process that currently takes significantly longer compared to the Land Rovers ECD has been building for several years.
Walking the assembly line, it was rather interesting how efficiently the electric motor and batteries fit inside the Jaguar E-Type, almost as if it were made to be electric – An argument I now standby having driven the roadster.
What’s even more interesting is that ECD’s electric configuration is a damn near match in weight distribution compared to the original V12 engine and transmission setup. So, the electric Jaguar E-Type drives nearly how its original makers intended, albeit with more torque and quicker acceleration. Wallace told me ECD would love to take credit for that design prowess, but it was merely a welcomed coincidence.
The drivetrain configuration consists of two batteries and a motor up front, plus a third battery pack in the trunk, combining for a total capacity of 42 kWh. Small by today’s EV standards, but remember – ECD is limited by the E-Type’s existing chassis.
Regardless, such a small vehicle can garner plenty of “oomph,” trust me. The drivetrain delivers 450 hp, while its batteries combine for up to 150 miles of all-electric range.
As you may recall, back in March, we reported that ECD was moving on from the refurbished Tesla motors and battery packs in favor of a new configuration from Ampere EV, enabling the custom builder to now offer its customers new features like 4WD, three different drive modes, creep mode, and finally… DC fast charging.
With this new drivetrain system, present in the electric Jaguar E-Type, ECD can deliver many of the EV technologies consumers come to expect today, even if their original vehicle was built 50+ years ago. So, how does an electrified E-Type drive? Well, let me tell you, my friends.
Test driving the E-Type
After my tour, it was time to take the E-Type out for a spin alongside ECD co-founder Elliot Humble. We did our usual route around the Orlando area I had driven several times before, offering areas of long open roads to see what the roadster could do. I was not disappointed.
While the new drivetrain system from Ampere is less powerful than the previous Tesla configuration, its other perks gained in return outweigh the loss. The regenerative braking is much smoother and more effective, moving closer to genuine one-pedal driving, but not quite yet. Perhaps next year (wink, wink).
Acceleration was a breeze. One that whipped my longer hair around into a voluminous helmet by the time we were done because of a very low windshield. Still, I immediately felt at ease behind the wheel of this EV, whipping around and overtaking several “slower” cars on the road – although, I did need to use my neck to check beside me and in my blind spots because the side mirrors on this car are relatively useless.
Before I drove, I sat down with ECD’s head of sales and design, John Price, who walked me through the design process of my own electric Jaguar E-Type. Surprisingly, when I returned from my drive, the ECD had assembled a mini replica to take home. I share this detail because it speaks volumes about the level of customization and customer service ECD puts into every one of its builds – from the first design meeting to delivery and beyond. Check out my work!
Overall, this was yet another insightful trip to ECD Auto Design, filled with inspiration and laughter. Every time I visit, I’m amazed at how much the company has grown – both in size and in know-how. As someone that tries to improve and optimize his own life daily, I’m always impressed at how ECD can do it at such a scale and do it damn well.
That work has paid off as well. ECD’s success has caught investors’ eyes, and the company intends to go public later this month following a bell-ringing ceremony at the New York Stock Exchange. It is a huge milestone, but this company must maintain its small and scrappy attitude toward its one-of-a-kind builds, and it knows that. Let’s hope corporate America doesn’t kill the magic. My money’s on ECD (not literally… at least not yet).
I’m already looking forward to my next visit, especially since the company has given me a sneak peek at what’s next in its pipeline. I can’t say anything publicly yet, but it’s an exciting next step. Expect another visit in the future, but until then, check out this detailed look at ECD’s new electric Jaguar E-Type:
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T1 Energy (NYSE: TE), formerly FREYR Battery, kicks off preparations for its new solar cell factory, set to be one of the largest in the US.
T1 Energy has chosen Yates Construction as the contractor for preconstruction services and site preparations for its planned $850 million, G2_Austin 5 GW Solar Cell Facility.
The G2_Austin site is in Milam County, Texas, in the Advanced Manufacturing and Logistix Campus at Sandow Lakes.
It’s expected to create up to 1,800 new direct US advanced manufacturing jobs. Construction is on track to kick off in mid-2025, and the facility is expected to begin producing cells by the end of 2026. There are currently far fewer solar cell manufacturing sites in the US than solar module factories, according to the SEIA.
On December 24, FREYR announced that it had closed its acquisition of China-headquartered Trina Solar’s 5-gigawatt (GW), 1.35 million-square-foot solar panel factory in Wilmer, Texas. The company renamed the factory G1_Dallas, which employs more than 1,000 people and is now fully online.
Daniel Barcelo, T1’s chairman of the board and CEO, said, “Our facilities will manufacture solar cells and modules to invigorate our economy with abundant energy. We’re excited to work with Yates and Milam County to bring American advanced manufacturing to the heart of Texas and to unlock our most scalable energy resources.”
T1 Energy says it anticipates finalizing commercial terms with Yates Construction as General Contractor.
Read more: FREYR rebrands after killing its $2.6B Georgia battery factory plans
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![Kia's affordable EV2 may be small, but it looks bigger in person [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/Kia-EV2-closer-look.jpeg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
The EV2 is set to arrive as Kia’s smallest and most affordable electric vehicle next year. With its official debut coming up, the electric SUV was spotted driving on public roads. The electric SUV may be small, but it looks bigger in person.
Kia’s new EV2 is an affordable, small electric SUV
Kia has yet to say precisely how big the EV2 will be, but it’s expected to be around 4,000 mm (157″), or slightly smaller than the EV3 at 4,300 mm (169.3″). That’s even more compact than the outgoing Chevy Bolt EV (163.2″).
During its EV Day event in April, Kia unveiled the Concept EV2, a preview of the entry-level EV that will sit below the EV3.
Although it’s the brand’s smallest EV, Kia promises that it will feel larger when you’re inside. The EV2 sits higher than you’d expect with a wide front end, giving it a bigger presence on the road, similar to the three-row EV9.
We got a sneak peek at Kia’s affordable EV last month after it was spotted testing on public roads in Korea, but the latest sighting gives us a closer look at the EV2 in its production form. The new video from HealerTV reveals a few details that could look a little different from the concept.
The footage shows what appears to be different daytime running lights (DRLs). When Kia unveiled the Concept EV2 in April, it featured a unique split vertical headlight design.
The EV2 spotted driving still has the split design, but both the inner and outer lights appear to be angled more inwards. It’s not a huge difference, but given most of Kia’s new EVs look almost identical to the concepts, this could be something to keep an eye on.
Prices, specs, and more
Despite being an entry-level model, the EV2 is still equipped with advanced technology and features, including vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, which allows it to power a campsite, home appliances, and other electronics. With OTA updates, it will only get smarter and more advanced over time.
The interior will feature Kia’s new ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit), which features dual 12.3″ driver cluster and touchscreen navigation screens in a panoramic display.
Like its other new EV models, it’s also expected to include a 5″ climate control display for nearly 30″ of screen space.
Kia plans to launch the EV2 next year in Europe and “other global regions.” For those in the US, sorry to disappoint, but it’s not expected to make the trip overseas. We do have the EV4, Kia’s first electric sedan, to look forward to.
We will learn prices and final specs closer to launch, but given it will sit below the EV3, it will likely be cheaper than that.
The EV3 starts at £32,995 ($44,800) in the UK and €35,990 ($41,600) in Europe. Kia’s CEO, Ho-Sung Song, told Autocar in 2023 that the company aims to launch the EV2 at around £25,000 ($32,000) in the UK. With new battery technology and other advancements, it could be even more affordable when it arrives next year.
Kia isn’t the only automaker gearing up to launch a new entry-level EV. Last week, we got a glimpse of the upcoming Volkswagen ID.2 after it was spotted in public testing.
Should Kia bring the EV2 to the US? Would you buy one for around $30,000 or even slightly less? Drop us a comment below and let us know.
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Environment
This electric pickup is taking Korea by storm, now it’s going global on a ‘full-scale conquest’
It’s not a Kia or Hyundai, but the Musso EV pickup truck is shaking up the Korean Market. After the first models left for Europe, the company’s CEO is already saying it will be a “driving force” as it goes on a global conquest.
Korea has a new EV pickup that’s going global
During an event celebrating the first exports of its new Musso EV and Torres HEV pickup trucks, KG Mobility’s CEO, Kwak Jae-Seon, said the new models “have already received favorable reviews and garnered much attention from reporters and sales agents.”
KG Mobility (KGM) expects them to serve as “a driving force” as it expands exports into new global markets. The first Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) hit the seas on June 12 carrying 983 vehicles, 184 Musso EVs, and 799 Torres HEVs.
The vessel is headed for Europe, where the first models will be sold in Germany, Spain, Norway, Hungary, and other markets, starting in August.
Jae-Seon, who personally drove the Musso EV onto the car carrier, said during the event that pickup is now on a “full-scale conquest” as it rolls out globally.
KGM’s EV pickup has already generated quite the buzz in Korea, beating Hyundai and Kia to the first fully electric pickup truck.
After launching the Musso EV pickup in Korea in March, the company announced it had secured over 3,200 orders in two weeks. The Special Edition model sold out in an hour and a half.
KGM promotes the vehicles as “a new alternative to mid-size SUVs” that’s more useful as an everyday ride with more interior space.
Measuring 5,160 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,740 mm tall, the electric pickup is about the size of a Ford Ranger (5,225 mm long, 1,910 mm wide, and 1,866 mm tall).
The infotainment system looks a lot like new Hyundai and Kia EVs with a dual 12.3″ driver cluster and touchscreen navigation screens in a panoramic display.
It also comes with a Land Rover-like ClearSite Ground View camera, allowing you to see what’s beneath you through several strategically placed cameras.
The electric pickup is powered by an 86.6 kWh LFP battery, providing a range of nearly 250 miles (400 km). With up 200 kW fast charging, it can recharge to 80% in 24 minutes.
KGM’s Musso EV is available in both single (FWD) and dual-motor setups. The FWD version features a 152.2 kW front motor, producing up to 207 horsepower, while the AWD model boasts up to 413 horsepower. It can tow almost 4,000 lbs (1.8 tons) and includes a “trailer sway function” to stabilize the vehicle while towing.
The Musso EV pickup starts at 48 million won, or about $35,000. With incentives, KGM says the purchase price is closer to 39.62 million won ($29,000).
With more monthly exports in May than it has in 10 years, KGM expects the Musso EV pickup to accelerate the momentum.
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