by Lightness as a Priority
The British startup Longbow, founded by former Tesla engineers Daniel Davey and Mark Tapscott, together with the ex-CEO of an electric boat manufacturing company and other later joined specialists, aims to change the situation in the electric vehicle market by focusing on lightness to improve performance.
The Weight Problem in Electric Vehicles
Looking at modern electric cars, it’s hard not to notice that they are extremely heavy. Even relatively compact models like the Kia EV6 can weigh over 4,000 pounds (1,814 kg).
Guided by Colin Chapman’s philosophy of “simplify and add lightness,” the Longbow Speedster and its future closed-top sibling, ironically named Roadster, aim to deliver impressive performance without excess weight.
Development Speed
Just half a year after announcing two models, the company has already presented the first dynamic demonstrator based on the roofless and windowless Speedster.
Innovative Approach
Longbow calls it the world’s first “Featherweight Electric Vehicle” (FEV), which is entirely justified, as the Speedster’s weight is only 895 kg. The production version will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds and provide a range of 275 miles according to the WLTP standard.
Affordability and Competition
The price of the Speedster will start from £84,995, while the future Roadster with a roof will cost from £64,995. These figures look attractive, considering their uniqueness among electric vehicles.
Technologies and Design
The Speedster is built on a unique aluminum chassis with a compact electric motor and a battery using a “module-to-chassis” scheme, ensuring maximum rigidity and minimum weight. The company claims the car is designed from scratch and is a “spiritual successor” to icons like the Lotus Elise and Jaguar E-Type.
Co-founder and CEO Daniel Davey noted that the Speedster “has resonated with enthusiasts,” and its creation is the best example of the “speed through lightness” approach.
Future Plans
The prototype, named the aesthetic dynamic demonstrator, was presented in London to early clients and partners, with the first deliveries scheduled for 2026. Weight remains a critical factor for high-performance cars, and Longbow emphasizes that “weight breeds complexity, reduces agility, and dulls the sensation.”
Expert Support
To bolster its ambitions, Longbow has enlisted automotive industry veterans to its advisory board, including former McLaren executive Mike Flewitt, ex-Lotus Europe chief Dan Balmer, and Michael van der Sande, who worked at Lucid Europe, JLR, and headed Alpine.
Longbow’s success could pose a serious challenge to Tesla, which has long delayed the release of its own Roadster. If the British startup manages its plans, it could significantly impact the electric sports car market, where lightness and performance are combined with eco-friendliness. The involvement of experienced specialists indicates the seriousness of the company’s intentions and the potential for innovation in an area traditionally dominated by heavy battery packs.
