Longbow Unveils Lightweight Electric Sports Cars
British electric vehicle startup Longbow is poised to enter the sports car market with the release of its all-electric Roadster and Speedster models. Founded in 2023 by industry veterans Daniel Davey, Jenny Keisu, and Mark Tapscott, the company aims to capture a segment of the market that prioritizes handling and a driver-centric experience.
Longbow’s approach highlights lightweight construction, claiming to introduce what they call a “Featherweight Electric Vehicle (FEV).” The founders bring extensive experience from industry leaders such as Tesla, Polestar, Lucid, Uber, and BYD, intending to leverage this expertise in creating engaging electric sports cars.
The Speedster: An Open-Top Performance Machine
The Longbow Speedster, an open-top electric sports car, prioritizes performance. Weighing in at just 895 kg (1,973 pounds), the Speedster boasts a claimed WLTP range of 275 miles and can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 3.5 seconds. The car’s rear-wheel-drive configuration is designed for enhanced handling and driver feedback.
The Roadster: A Coupe with Enhanced Weather Protection
As an alternative to the open-top Speedster, Longbow offers the Roadster, a fixed-roof coupe. The Roadster weighs 995 kg (2,193 pounds) and accelerates from 0-62 mph in 3.6 seconds, with a reported range of 280 miles. The hardtop design of the Roadster offers increased protection from the elements.
Experienced Leadership Driving EV Innovation
The leadership team at Longbow has a history of innovation in the automotive industry. Daniel Davey and Mark Tapscott bring experience from Tesla, with Tapscott also having worked at BYD. Jenny Keisu previously served as the CEO of X Shore, a company specializing in electric boat development.
Strategic Integration of Software and Hardware
Longbow’s engineering strategy centers on integrating in-house software with commercially sourced hardware components such as batteries, motors, and brakes. This approach is intended to simplify the development process allowing the company to focus on enhancing vehicle handling and minimize weight. Utilizing existing supplier networks for core components is also intended to manage production costs.
Sustainable Materials and Streamlined Production
The vehicles are built using an aluminum chassis combined with composite body panels, manufactured using sustainable processes. Additionally, standard automotive components, including lights and mirrors, are sourced from established suppliers. This strategy aims to reduce development costs associated with customized parts.
Rapid Market Entry
By prioritizing lightweight construction and superior handling, Longbow is looking to differentiate itself in the competitive electric vehicle market. The company plans to unveil a functional prototype by the summer and to begin customer deliveries within the following year, indicating a rapid development cycle.
Limited Edition Offerings
Longbow will produce limited-edition versions of both the Speedster and the Roadster, hand-built in the UK, with deliveries scheduled for 2026. The Speedster, priced at £84,995 ($92,600), will be limited to 150 units, including specialized editions. The Roadster, priced at £64,995 ($70,850), will also offer alternative limited-edition configurations.
