Longbow Motors, a startup founded in 2023, has unveiled two ultra-lightweight, fully electric sports cars.
The automotive industry is undergoing a massive shift toward electrification, but one new British brand is going against the trend of increasingly heavy EVs. Their promise? To bring back the joy of driving with vehicles weighing under a ton while delivering performance worthy of top-tier supercars. But is it really possible?
Read more:
- The price of 10,830 F-150: Rolls-Royce overwhelmed by demand, investing millions to keep up
- $800,000 on the line! He buys a totally wrecked Lamborghini and faces a string of setbacks, but he’s the ONLY one who can restore it
A radical approach to electric cars
Most electric vehicles have one major drawback: their weight. With ever-larger batteries needed for decent range, EVs often end up significantly heavier than their gasoline-powered counterparts. Longbow Motors aims to change that with its two models, the Speedster and the Roadster. Both are built on an aluminum chassis, keeping their weight down to just 1,973 lbs (895 kg) for the Speedster and 2,194 lbs (995 kg) for the Roadster. This strategy echoes the core philosophy of classic British sports cars, like Lotus, which have always prioritized lightness over sheer power. With an estimated range of 275 miles on the WLTP cycle, these two models aren’t looking to compete with Tesla on endurance but rather to offer a more engaging driving experience.
Performance worthy of the best sports cars
Despite their lightweight design, the Longbow Speedster and Roadster don’t compromise on performance. The Speedster claims a 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of just 3.5 seconds, while the slightly heavier Roadster does it in 3.6 seconds—figures comparable to some high-performance gasoline-powered supercars. But it’s not just about acceleration. Longbow Motors insists that the agility and responsiveness of its cars will deliver a driving experience unlike the two-ton EVs that dominate today’s market. The combination of a low center of gravity and reduced weight could indeed work wonders for handling dynamics.
A design inspired by racing legends
In terms of styling, Longbow Motors wears its influences proudly. The Speedster and Roadster feature designs reminiscent of the classic racing barchettas from the 1950s and 60s, with a modern twist. Some may see similarities to the Ferrari Monza, but at a much more accessible price point. The open-top Speedster will start at £84,995 (around $110,000), while the hardtop Roadster will be available from £64,995 (around $84,000). Both models will be hand-assembled in the UK, following a pure artisan tradition.
A risky but ambitious gamble
While Longbow Motors’ concept is appealing, it remains a bold challenge. The electric vehicle market is dominated by industry giants like Tesla, BYD, and Porsche, all of which have vast resources to develop cutting-edge technology. Moreover, small electric sports car startups have rarely lasted long, as seen with the struggles of other niche EV manufacturers. However, Longbow Motors has one key advantage: its team. The company’s founders and engineers have experience at Tesla, Lotus, Aston Martin, and Formula E, bringing strong expertise in both electric and high-performance vehicle engineering. The question remains: is the market ready for a new kind of EV—lighter, sharper, and built purely for driving pleasure?
This article explores Longbow Motors’ unique approach as the British startup seeks to revolutionize the electric sports car segment by prioritizing lightness and driving dynamics. With its Speedster and Roadster models, the company aims to bring the spirit of classic sports cars into the EV era. A bold move that just might shake up the industry.
Images: © Longbow Motors
