In an era where electric vehicles are growing heavier due to large batteries, a new British company, Longbow, is taking a different approach. They are developing two ultra-lightweight electric sports cars, the Speedster and Roadster, with a strong focus on driving pleasure. If everything goes according to plan, these "featherweight" EVs will launch in the UK in 2026.
A New Era for Lightweight Electric Sports Cars
Longbow aims to create true driver-focused EVs, with each model weighing under 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs), a remarkable achievement in today’s market, where most modern sports cars weigh significantly more. The open-top Speedster is expected to tip the scales at 895 kg (1,973 lbs), while the fixed-roof Roadster will be slightly heavier.
Though technical specifications remain under wraps, Longbow has revealed that the EVs will feature a lightweight aluminum chassis, compact electric motors, and batteries capable of 0-100 km/h acceleration in under four seconds. The estimated driving range is 275 miles (WLTP), making them practical for longer journeys.
Industry Veterans Leading the Project
Longbow is spearheaded by three automotive industry veterans with experience in Tesla, Lucid, BYD, and Lotus. CEO Daniel Davey, who played a key role in the early days of Tesla and the launch of the Model 3, believes modern EVs have become too heavy, straying from the essence of true sports cars.
“Many modern sports cars weigh over 1,500 kg, and electric vehicles can be nearly double that. We need a lightweight, driver-focused electric sports car that is both accessible and exciting. That is why we created Longbow,” said Davey.
Limited Production, High-End Pricing
Both the Speedster and Roadster will be hand-built, with only 150 units of each model planned. Prices will start at £84,995 (AED 403,969) for the Speedster and £64,995 (AED 308,912) for the Roadster.
It remains unclear whether Longbow will expand beyond the UK and European markets, but for enthusiasts looking for an electric alternative to lightweight classics like the Lotus Elise, the Longbow Speedster and Roadster could be a game-changer.
Yasir Al-Mansouri have more than 10 years of experience in the automotive journalism world. He is an expert of automotive news articles, features, and reviews on cars, from the latest models to industry trends. He've built strong relationships with car manufacturers and industry experts. Connect with Yasir Al-Mansouri on LinkedIn to stay updated on all things automotive and join our exciting journey in exploring the world of automobiles.
