The Speed of Lightness meets the open road
Longbow’s first prototype, the Speedster, represents the company’s stated goal of building a lightweight, driver-focused electric sports car. The firm refers to the vehicle as a “Featherweight Electric Vehicle” (FEV), a new category that prioritizes simplicity, compact proportions, and low mass. The Speedster weighs under 1,000 kilograms (2,205 pounds), distinguishing it from larger and heavier electric performance cars.
The company says it moved from a design sketch to this running prototype in six months. All design and engineering were completed in-house in the United Kingdom. The project was developed under Longbow’s “Speed of Lightness” philosophy, intended to accelerate the traditional automotive development process without skipping essential stages.
A clean-sheet design focused on low weight
According to Longbow, the Speedster was developed from a clean sheet with no shared components from other vehicles. Its body and chassis were created with the goal of minimizing mass while maintaining rigidity and safety. The car uses an aluminum chassis that the company says was designed for maximum stiffness with minimal material.
The design’s front section emphasizes minimalism and aerodynamic efficiency, while the car’s proportions highlight its compact electric drivetrain. Every visible surface, including the low windshield cut and exposed wheel arches, supports the lightweight theme. Longbow describes the Speedster as the “definitive driver’s car” for modern electric enthusiasts.
Built in Britain, developed for enthusiasts
The Speedster will be built, engineered, and hand-finished entirely in the United Kingdom. Longbow states that its production approach is rooted in British sports car tradition while adopting modern electric technology. The car is aimed at drivers who prioritize engagement and simplicity rather than outright speed or luxury.
The company says the Speedster is designed as a spiritual successor to vehicles such as the Lotus Elise and Jaguar E-Type. Its compact size and open cockpit are meant to deliver an accessible, tactile driving experience uncommon in today’s EV market. Longbow calls this approach a revival of “lightweight British sports cars for the modern era.”
A chassis designed around efficiency
The Longbow Speedster’s bespoke aluminum platform serves as both structure and powertrain housing. The company’s “module-to-chassis” battery integration means the battery pack forms part of the car’s frame, reducing redundancy and saving weight. The chassis is paired with a compact electric motor positioned to optimize balance and responsiveness.
This structural approach results in a claimed curb weight of 895 kilograms (1,973 pounds). The car can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0–100 km/h) in 3.5 seconds and has an estimated WLTP range of 275 miles (443 kilometers). Longbow has not disclosed power output or battery capacity specifications.
Design inspired by the past and the future
The Speedster’s two-tone body design conveys what Longbow calls “duality.” The front half references the timeless design language of classic British sports cars, while the rear half incorporates more modern electric car cues. This combination of old and new reflects the company’s goal of uniting traditional proportions with advanced EV architecture.
The vehicle’s open cockpit includes two individual seats trimmed in tan leather with integrated headrests. Its exterior design avoids unnecessary ornamentation and focuses on clean lines and surface transitions. The styling also integrates aerodynamics and cooling channels without visible clutter.
Pricing and production timeline
Longbow says customer deliveries of the Speedster are expected to begin in 2026. Pricing starts at £84,995 (about $107,000 USD) including VAT. A second model, the closed-roof Roadster, will follow with a starting price of £64,995 (about $82,000 USD). Both models are available for reservation now.
The company describes the Speedster prototype shown here as a “Dynamic Demonstrator,” serving as proof of concept for its rapid development method. Longbow has not provided production targets or detailed technical data but says the Speedster project confirms its ability to accelerate EV development timelines compared to traditional automakers.
