Letter "E" on the hood or radiator grill of a car is one of the most recognizable, but at the same time mysterious symbols for many car owners. Some people immediately associate it with premium European brands, others with electric cars or even rare tuning studios. In practice logo "E" may belong to several brands at once, and not always obvious ones. In this article we will look at all possible options: from serial models to exclusive projects, and we will also learn to distinguish original emblems from fakes or re-glued badges.

It is especially important to understand the meaning of this symbol when purchasing a used car. For example, a car with a logo "E" on the secondary market it can cost 15–30% more than similar models without such a sign - but only if we are talking about real brand, and not about a homemade sticker. We will analyze legal nuances (is it possible to legally drive with a modified logo?), technical features (does the symbol affect insurance?) and even psychological aspects (why some drivers specifically glue the letter "E" for budget cars).

Let's start with the most obvious: Which manufacturers put the letter “E” on their cars? There are more of them than meets the eye. Here are the main players:

  • 🚗 Eagle - American brand (division Chrysler), which produced cars in 1988–1998. The logo is stylized as an eagle, but the letter "E" read clearly. Popular models: Eagle Talon, Eagle Vision.
  • ⚡ E-Mobility - a generic name for electric vehicles from some manufacturers (for example, Volkswagen ID.3 early prototypes had a temporary logo «E»). Today such emblems are found on concept car.
  • 🏁 Ecurie Ecosse - a legendary racing team of the 1950s and 1960s that competed in 24 Hours of Le Mans. Their cars (eg. Jaguar D-Type) carried the logo «E» in a blue diamond.
  • 🔧 Eunomia is a Dutch startup that produces microcars for cities. Minimalistic logo: simple «E» in a circle.

Separately worth mentioning unofficial cases. For example, some tuning studios (like ABT Sportsline or Mansory) add a letter "E" to standard brand logos, indicating electrified versions (for example, Audi e-tron after modification). Such cars are often sold as “unique”, but legally remain the same Audi or BMW.

Important: if you see the letter "E" on a car manufactured after 2000, with a 90% probability it is either electric car, or tuned version. There are almost no original brands with this logo left today.

📊 What do you think the letter “E” on a car means?
Electric car
Exclusive version
Racing team
I don't know

2. The “E” logo on electric vehicles: marketing or technical necessity?

Since the 2010s, the letter "E" became associated with electric cars. Manufacturers use it in different ways:

  • 🔋 Volkswagen adds «e» to model names (e-Golf, ID.3), but the logo on the body remains standard.
  • ⚡ BMW for hybrids and electric vehicles uses a blue border of the logo, but sometimes appears on concept cars «i» or «E».
  • 🚘 Nissan Leaf in some markets (such as Japan) had temporary stickers «E» to indicate environmentally friendly transport.

However not all cars with the letter “E” are electric cars. For example, in China symbol «E» may mean export version (from English Export). And in Germany until 2015 some diesel models Mercedes-Benz had a sticker «E» (from Economy) to indicate low fuel consumption.

How to distinguish? Look at VIN code car. If the 8th character contains the letter «E» or «B» (denoting electric or hybrid engine), then the car is truly “green”. If there are no such symbols in the VIN, but the logo "E" pasted on top of the standard one - this is either tuning or a fake.

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Before buying a car with the “E” logo, check its history through services like CarVertical or AutoDNA. Often such cars are resold after an accident or conversion, and the symbol is added to increase the value.

In Russia and CIS countries Replacing the logo on the car is not prohibited, but there are important caveats:

  1. You can't hide the original brand. If you have covered the logo Lada letter "E", but there was a record in the PTS about Lada Granta, this is not a violation. But if you the factory mark was completely removed (for example, they cut down the emblem Mercedes), this can be regarded as deliberate alteration of identification numbers (Article 326 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
  2. Insurance may not be valid. If the OSAGO policy specifies Ford Focus, and there is a logo on the car Eagle, the insurance company has the right to refuse to pay in case of an accident.
  3. Technical regulations. In some regions (for example, in Moscow) cars with non-standard lighting elements or logos may not pass inspection.

⚠️ Attention: If you buy a car with logo "E", but the PTS indicates a different brand, ask the seller documents for re-equipment (if it is an electric car) or certificate from the traffic police about permission to change the appearance. Without this, the car may be deregistered.

Case study: in 2022 in St. Petersburg to the owner Toyota Prius fined for logo "E" on the hood, since the PTS indicated a standard version, not a hybrid. The court sided with the driver, but the process took 3 months.

What happens if the logo change is not approved?

At best - a warning at the technical inspection. At worst, a fine of up to 2,500 rubles (Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses) or even deregistration if the inspector suspects a fake VIN number.

4. How to distinguish the original “E” logo from a fake?

Fake logos "E" often found on the secondary market. Here 5 signs” that this is not the original:

Sign Original Fake
Material Metal or high quality plastic with chrome plating Thin sticker or cheap plastic that turns yellow in the sun
Fastening Rivets or screws on the back, often with factory markings Double-sided tape or superglue; traces of the previous logo
Color An even shade that matches the brand’s corporate identity (for example, blue Ecurie Ecosse) Uneven edges, blurry print, mismatched body color
Location Symmetrical to the center of the radiator grille or hood Shifted to the side, pasted crookedly
Documents Indicated in the PTS or there is a certificate from a tuning studio No mention in documents

Critical point: if the "E" logo is pasted on top of the original mark (for example, on the emblem Volkswagen), then if you try to remove the sticker you will most likely damage the factory paint. This will reduce the resale value of the car by 10-20%.

🔍 How to check? Take a flashlight and shine it at an angle on the logo. The original emblems have relief structure (even if it's a sticker), and fakes are smooth. Also note gaps between letter and body: for factory marks they are minimal.

☑️ Check the “E” logo before purchasing

Done: 0 / 4

With symbol "E" There are many misconceptions associated. Let's look at the most common ones:

⚠️ Attention: If they tell you that the car has a logo "E" automatically falls under benefits for electric vehicles (free parking, no vehicle tax), this is not always the case. Benefits apply only if available corresponding entry in the PTS (for example, "electric car" or "hybrid"). The letter itself "E" on the dome does not guarantee anything.
  • 🔌 Myth 1: “All cars with an “E” are electric cars.”

    Reality: As we found out earlier, a symbol can mean export version, racing team or even tuned petrol car.

  • 💰 Myth 2: “A car with an “E” is always more expensive.”

    Reality: Price depends on real model. For example, Eagle Talon 1990s today costs 300–500 thousand rubles, and re-glued VAZ 2107 with the letter “E” - no more than 150 thousand rubles.

  • 🚓 Myth 3: “The traffic police fines you for the “E” logo.”

    Reality: Fines are issued only if the logo hides the original brand or misleading (for example, on Lade pasted the emblem Mercedes with the letter "E").

📌 Advice: If the seller claims that the car has a logo "E" - this is a “rare version”, ask to see it spare parts catalog for this model. From official brands (like Eagle) there are unique parts that do not fit standard cars.

6. Where can you find cars with the “E” logo today?

Original cars with factory logo "E" today - a rarity. Here's where collectors look for them:

  • 🏎️ Classic car auctions: Ecurie Ecosse Jaguar or Eagle Talon sold at Bring a Trailer or RM Sotheby’s. Prices start at $50,000.
  • 🔧 Tuning workshops: In Germany and the USA, some workshops (for example, Edo Competition) put a letter "E" for modified Porsche or Audi.
  • ⚡ Electric taxi: B Amsterdam and Berlin some taxi companies use cars with temporary stickers "E" to indicate environmentally friendly transport.
  • 🎮 Film industry: Letter "E" often drawn on film machines (e.g. "Belair" or "Fast and Furious") to give the car a “futuristic” look.

If you want to buy such a car, pay attention to:

  • 📄 Documents: The PTS must contain a record of the model with a logo "E" (for example, Eagle Vision ESi).
  • 🔍 Details: Original cars have unique spare parts (for example, a radiator grille with an engraved letter).
  • 💬 Reviews: Check owner forums (eg. EagleOwnersClub.com).

⚠️ Attention: On Avito and Drom.ru often sell re-glued cars disguised as rare models. For example, VAZ 2110 with sticker "E" passed off as an “exclusive project”. Always demand photo of the original logo before plywood.

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The most valuable cars with the "E" logo are racing cars. Ecurie Ecosse and American Eagle 1990s All other cases require careful verification.

7. How can I install the “E” logo myself legally?

If you want to add a letter "E" to your car (for example, to designate an electric car or a tuned version), follow this algorithm:

  1. Select material:

    For a temporary option, a vinyl sticker is suitable (cost ~500 ₽). For permanent - order metal emblem in the studio (from 3,000 ₽).

  2. Check legality:

    If you don't hide the original logo (for example, stick "E" next to the logo Toyota), it's legal. If you are replacing the logo completely, it is required approval from the traffic police (Resolution No. 1090).

  3. Install:

    For sticker: clean the surface with alcohol and use car vinyl (not paper!). For a metal emblem you will need drill and sealant.

  4. Update documents (if necessary):

    If the logo changes car appearance (for example, you cut off the factory emblem), make changes to the title through the traffic police.

💡 Lifehack: If you own an electric vehicle, some insurance companies (e.g. RESO-Garantiya) give a 5–10% discount on compulsory motor liability insurance, subject to availability visual designation (like a letter "E"). Check this point with your insurer.

❓ Is it possible to put the “E” logo on any car?

Yes, but with reservations. If you do not hide the original brand (for example, stick "E" on the trunk), this is legal. If you completely replace the logo (for example, remove the emblem BMW and place "E"), approval is required from the traffic police.

❓ Does the “E” logo affect the cost of insurance?

The symbol itself has no effect, but if the machine officially recognized as an electric car (there is an entry in the PTS), some insurance companies give a discount of up to 15% on compulsory motor liability insurance. Check with your insurer.

❓ Where can I order an original “E” logo for a rare car?

For Eagle or Ecurie Ecosse emblems can be found at eBay (section Vintage Car Badges) or order a replica from a studio, for example, Badges & Emblems UK. Cost: from $50 to $300.

❓ Why do some taxi drivers put the letter “E” on their cars?

In some European cities (for example, Amsterdam) cars with logo "E" have the right free parking or driving in dedicated lanes. However, such benefits do not apply in Russia.

❓ How to remove the “E” sticker without damaging the paint?

Use hair dryer (heat the sticker to 60–70°C) and plastic scraper. Remove any remaining glue white spirit or a specialized tool (3M Adhesive Remover). Do not use acetone - it will corrode the varnish!