Longbow: Ushering in a New Era of Electric Sports Cars
British automotive innovation is experiencing a renaissance with the arrival of Longbow, a new manufacturer poised to redefine the electric sports car. The company is pioneering the concept of Featherweight Electric Vehicles (FEVs), promising a driving experience rooted in agility, engagement, and authentic performance.
The ambition of Longbow’s initial models, the Speedster and Roadster, clearly echoes the spirit of lightweight driving legends like the Lotus Elise and Jaguar E-Type. However, these new vehicles leverage the advantages of modern electric powertrains, showcasing an exciting blend of classic appeal and cutting-edge technology.
A Team of Automotive Veterans
Longbow is the brainchild of Daniel Davey, Mark Tapscott, and Jenny Keisu—a trio of automotive veterans bringing a wealth of experience to the table. Davey and Tapscott, who have both held crucial roles at Tesla and Lucid Motors, are at the helm of the venture. Keisu, with her background in electric marine technology and strategic investment, completes the team. Their collective expertise promises to deliver exceptional engineering and innovative design.
The Essence of Pure Driving
Longbow’s philosophy is clear: minimize weight, maximize driver engagement, and create an electrified driving experience that captures the purity and raw enjoyment of classic sports cars. Both the Speedster and Roadster utilize a custom-designed aluminum chassis, engineered to deliver both rigidity and minimize weight, resulting in a curb weight of under 1,000kg. This is a remarkable feat in today’s EV market, where heavier battery packs are the norm.
The Speedster and Roadster: Key Specifications
The Speedster, an open-top model, weighs just 895kg, accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in a brisk 3.5 seconds, and boasts a range of 275 miles (WLTP). Production is limited to 150 units. Prices start at £84,995 (incl. VAT).
The Roadster, featuring a closed cockpit and a slightly sturdier build, tips the scales at 995kg and reaches 62mph in 3.6 seconds. The Roadster will have a limited production run, with starting prices at £64,995 (incl. VAT).
Both the Speedster and Roadster are designed to deliver an intimate, tactile driving experience that combines timeless design with the instant performance of electric technology.
Handcrafted in the UK
Longbow’s vehicles will be built in the UK, capitalizing on the country’s rich legacy in motorsport and engineering. With access to premium suppliers and the benefit of expertise drawn from Formula 1, Formula E, and other high-performance automotive brands, Longbow is strongly positioned to create electric sports cars that stay loyal to the core values of lightweight construction.
Co-founder Mark Tapscott emphasized the company’s mission: “There are only a few places in the world where you can hand-build a sports car. Here in the UK, we have a legacy of creating some of the finest lightweight performance cars ever made. Longbow is the next chapter in that story, bringing those principles into the electric age.”
Reservations Now Open
With production slated to begin in 2026, reservations for both the Speedster and Roadster are currently open. Special editions, including Luminary 1st Edition and Autograph Edition variants, are also available. Longbow’s entry to the market marks a significant moment for driving enthusiasts searching for an electric vehicle that prioritizes driving experience over raw power.
Longbow is betting on this electric sports car to bridge the gap between traditional sports cars and the future of motoring. Time will tell if they succeed, but their vision is certainly one that any enthusiast will be watching.
