The British sportscar has always been about elegance, agility, and the thrill of the drive. Now, Longbow, the UK’s first dedicated electric sportscar manufacturer, is bringing that legacy into the electric age. Founded by former Tesla and Lucid executives, Longbow has unveiled its first two models, the Speedster and Roadster. Both cars promise a driving experience that blends tradition with cutting-edge EV technology, all while pioneering an entirely new category: the Featherweight Electric Vehicle (FEV).
The Philosophy Behind Longbow
Longbow’s motto, Celeritas Levitas – meaning ‘the speed of lightness’ – sums up its philosophy. The company is determined to build lightweight, exhilarating, and beautifully crafted electric cars. It aims to fill the void left by iconic British roadsters like the Lotus Elise and Jaguar E-Type, delivering cars that focus on the sheer joy of driving rather than overwhelming the road with excess weight and power.
Both models share a bespoke lightweight chassis and all-electric drivetrain, tipping the scales at under 995kg. This keeps them agile and responsive, proving that electric vehicles don’t have to be heavy to deliver outstanding performance.
The Minds Behind the Vision
Longbow’s leadership team has an impressive track record. Co-founders Daniel Davey and Mark Tapscott played pivotal roles in the development of the original Tesla Roadster, which changed the course of the automotive industry. Their experience at Lucid Motors and BYD gives them deep insight into scaling EV startups. Completing the trio is Jenny Keisu, whose background in private equity and leadership at electric marine company X Shore brings strategic expertise to the table.
Together, they have one goal: to build electric sportscars that prioritise driving pleasure without compromising on performance or sustainability.
Meet the Cars: Speedster & Roadster
Longbow’s debut models, the Speedster and Roadster, redefine what an electric sportscar can be. Their focus on lightweight design makes them incredibly engaging to drive, setting them apart from the often heavy, tech-laden EVs on the market today.
Speedster
- Weight: 895kg
- 0-62mph: 3.5 seconds
- Range: 275 miles (WLTP)
- Starting Price: £84,995 (incl. VAT)
- Production: Limited to 150 units
For those looking for exclusivity, Longbow is offering the Luminary 1st Edition (10 units) and Autograph Edition (25 units), each with bespoke features and detailing.
Roadster
- Weight: 995kg
- 0-62mph: 3.6 seconds
- Starting Price: £64,995 (incl. VAT)
- Production: Limited to 100 Autograph Editions and 50 Luminary 1st Editions
The Roadster will follow the Speedster in production, offering a closed-cockpit alternative while maintaining the same lightweight philosophy.
Built in Britain, Engineered for the Future
Every Longbow model will be designed, engineered, and hand-built in the UK. This ensures access to some of the world’s best motorsport and performance engineering talent. With partnerships across Formula 1, Formula E, and high-performance automotive suppliers, Longbow benefits from a level of expertise that guarantees precision and quality.
The company also utilises a state-of-the-art powertrain package, balancing weight, efficiency, and range to deliver an electric vehicle that feels like a true sportscar rather than a compromise.
A Lightweight Revolution
Daniel Davey, Longbow’s CEO, sums up the mission:
“Many modern sportscars weigh over 1,500kg, and some electric vehicles nearly double that. We’ve lost sight of what makes a driver’s car truly engaging. Longbow is here to change that. Our Speedster and Roadster are light, balanced, and built for the pure joy of driving.”
Mark Tapscott, co-founder, adds:
“Britain has a long history of building iconic lightweight sportscars. We’re proud to continue that legacy, crafting modern driver’s cars that are electric, agile, and unmistakably British.”
The Future of Longbow
With production slots already filling up, Longbow’s debut marks a bold step forward for British electric performance cars. While many manufacturers chase extreme horsepower figures and ever-larger batteries, Longbow is taking a different path – one focused on balance, driving dynamics, and a return to the essence of the sportscar.
Reservations for the Speedster and Roadster are now open at longbowmotors.com.
What Do You Think?
Is the lightweight electric sportscar the future of performance driving? Would you take the Speedster over a traditional petrol-powered roadster? I love the look of the Roadster and cannot wait to see one in the flesh. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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