Electric vehicles (EVs) are typically known for their hefty battery packs, making them far from lightweight—until now.
British startup Longbow, founded by former executives from Tesla, Lucid, and Polestar, has officially emerged from stealth mode, unveiling plans for two ultralight EVs. These vehicles are described as the “spiritual successors” to the iconic Lotus Elise and Jaguar E-Type.
The first model, the Speedster, is an agile, open-top sports car weighing just 895kg. It boasts a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.5 seconds, an estimated range of 275 miles, and a starting price of ₤84,995. Initial deliveries are expected in 2026, with Longbow planning to manufacture just 150 units before shifting focus to its second model, the Roadster.
Priced at ₤64,995, the Roadster is slightly heavier at 995kg but only marginally slower, reaching 100km/h in 3.6 seconds. Both models are remarkably light compared to most EVs today, which typically weigh around 2,000kg. Even Tesla’s original Roadster, one of the lightest EV sports cars in production before being discontinued in 2012, weighed 1,305kg.
“Our first two cars represent everything a modern driver’s car should be—agile, balanced, electric, and thrilling,” said Longbow’s co-founder and CEO, David Davey. Having launched Lucid Motors in Europe, Davey also claims to have driven the Tesla Roadster sent into space by Elon Musk. “We’re bringing back an icon—the lightweight British sports car,” he added.
Challenging the EV Status Quo
As EVs have evolved, they’ve also grown larger and heavier, largely due to increasing battery sizes and rising demand for electric SUVs and trucks. Yet, one segment remains relatively untouched by electrification—the global two-seater sports car market, valued at approximately $16 billion with around 250,000 units sold annually. Longbow aims to fill this gap.
What Sets Longbow Apart?
While many EV startups showcase flashy concepts, Longbow brings deep industry expertise. The company’s leadership team—Davey, Jenny Keisu, and Mark Tapscott—has extensive experience in electric mobility, having worked at Tesla, Uber, Polestar, Lucid, and X Shore (electric boating).
Rather than overcomplicating its designs, Longbow is taking a practical approach. Its cars feature a simple yet durable aluminum chassis with reusable components. Many parts, including a 240kW off-the-shelf motor, will be sourced externally to streamline production and costs.
While the Speedster and Roadster may not match the performance of high-end electric hypercars or luxury EVs like the Porsche Taycan, they offer a compelling alternative at a fraction of the price. Longbow’s models are positioned as the ideal modern replacements for enthusiasts of classic sports cars like the Porsche Boxster or Lotus Elise.
Pre-orders for both vehicles are now open, with the first prototype set to be unveiled later this year.
“We understand the challenges ahead,” said Davey. “Scaling production, managing global supply chains, and competing with established automakers require strategic planning.” To ensure a smooth launch, Longbow will start with the limited-edition Speedster before transitioning to full-scale Roadster production.