Longbow, a bold British startup, is turning heads in the automotive world with its new electric sports models, the Speedster and Roadster. Designed by industry veterans with experience at Tesla, Polestar, and Lucid, Longbow aims to fill a gap in the EV market by creating lightweight, performance-driven vehicles that remain true to the spirit of traditional sports cars. The Speedster, an open-top, windshield-less vehicle weighing just 895kg (1,973 pounds), offers an electrifying 275-mile range and an impressive 0-62mph sprint time of only 3.5 seconds. Meanwhile, the sleek Roadster weighs slightly more at 995kg (2,193 pounds) and provides a similarly exhilarating driving experience, with a range of 280 miles and a 0-62mph time of 3.6 seconds.
What sets Longbow apart is its pragmatic approach to engineering. Eschewing the expensive custom-components strategy followed by many EV manufacturers, Longbow integrates tried-and-tested batteries, motors, and brakes from established suppliers, combining these with bespoke software to optimize performance. The use of an aluminum chassis clad in sustainably produced composite panels ensures the vehicles remain lightweight without compromising durability or cost efficiency. This focus on innovation and simplicity, rather than brute force, allows the Speedster and Roadster to prioritize agility and driving dynamics, especially appealing to purists who value a visceral connection between the car and the road.
Facing stiff competition from brands like Lotus, Alpine, and Porsche, Longbow is carving out a niche by focusing on lightweight design and unparalleled driving experiences. The Speedster and Roadster reflect the company’s ethos of stripping cars down to their essentials while delivering cutting-edge performance. As Longbow plans to release its prototypes this summer and begin customer deliveries as early as next year, its distinct vision for lightweight agility in the electric sports car market is poised to make a lasting impact on the future of EV innovation.
📷: LONGBOW
