British start-up Longbow is about to revolutionize the electrical automobile market with its introduction of the primary “Featherweight Electrical Automobiles” (FEVs). The corporate has unveiled two fashions: the rear-drive Speedster and Roadster, each anticipated to be out there for purchasers by 2026.
This announcement brings hope to the light-weight sports activities automobile lovers who fear that the transition to electrical automobiles will result in heavier fashions dominated by massive batteries and hefty weights.
Longbow claims that each the closed-cockpit Roadster and the open-topped Speedster will weigh below a tonne, with outstanding figures of 995kg for the Roadster and 895kg for the Speedster. These weights rival that of the Lotus Elise S2, which is a promising comparability for sports activities automobile followers.
How does Longbow plan to maintain the burden down whereas nonetheless providing spectacular efficiency? Opposite to some assumptions, they don’t seem to be counting on minimal battery energy. The corporate states that the Roadster and Speedster may have a spread of 442km (WLTP) and shall be powered by 2170 nickel-cadium cells delivering power to a 240kW motor. There may be additionally potential for a dual-motor model sooner or later.
The facility-to-weight ratio guarantees exhilarating efficiency, with estimations of 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds for the Speedster and three.6 seconds for the Roadster. The design of the automobiles is equally interesting, evoking styling cues paying homage to the Ferrari Roma in entrance, mixed with a Lotus and TVR essence within the rear.
In a current interview with TopGear, Daniel Davey, considered one of Longbow’s co-founders, shared that they’ll use available off-the-shelf elements to maintain prices manageable. The beginning worth for the Roadster is about at ₤64,995 ($135,000), whereas the Speedster will start at ₤84,995 ($177,000). Longbow plans to fabricate 150 models of every mannequin within the UK, with deposits already being accepted.
Within the aggressive panorama of electrical sports activities vehicles, the one direct competitor in Australia is the MG Cyberster EV, which, at 1985kg, weighs considerably greater than Longbow’s projections. Whereas fast, the Cyberster’s heavier construct might hinder its efficiency as a real sports activities automobile.
The Longbow method emphasizes light-weight building as foundational to its philosophy, encapsulated of their motto “Celeritas Levitas,” or “the velocity of lightness.” This displays a ardour for creating automobiles that encourage driving lovers.
The engineering rules guiding Longbow’s design prioritize simplicity, aesthetic attraction, and a relentless deal with decreasing weight. The bespoke chassis is crafted from aluminum to maximise stiffness whereas minimizing weight, and the automobile’s physique employs light-weight composite panels.
Longbow additionally emphasizes a return to conventional craftsmanship, stating its vehicles shall be “constructed like they was once,” although hopefully with out the problems seen within the vehicles from British Leyland within the Seventies.
The group behind Longbow boasts spectacular credentials: Daniel Davey has expertise with Tesla since 2010 and beforehand labored at Lucid; Mark Tapscott has developed vehicles for Lotus and has held positions at Tesla and BYD; and Jenny Keisu is the previous CEO of X Shore, an organization centered on electrical improvements within the boating trade.
Longbow’s engineering group is wealthy in expertise from highway and motorsport industries, together with roles at Lotus, Aston Martin, and Method E.
Davey articulates Longbow’s mission: “Amidst the e-mobility revolution, now we have misplaced one thing essential. Many fashionable ‘sports activities vehicles’ weigh 1500kg or extra, and BEVs will be almost double that. There’s a want for a driver-oriented, featherweight electrical sports activities automobile. We’re reviving an icon, the light-weight British sports activities automobile.”
Many electrical automobile startups face challenges that result in delays or failures, however Longbow stays optimistic, with anticipations for first deliveries in 2026. For the sake of driving lovers worldwide, the profitable launch of those light-weight sports activities vehicles can be a big improvement.
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