Ex-Tesla and Lucid Executives Launch Longbow, Britain's Ultra-Lightweight Electric Sports Cars

In a bold revival of Britain's storied sports car legacy, a new manufacturer has unveiled plans for what they're calling the world's first Featherweight Electric Vehicles (FEVs). Led by veterans from Tesla and Lucid, Longbow aims to recapture the essence of legendary lightweight British sports cars while embracing electric power.

Longbow's debut models — the open-top Speedster and the closed-cockpit Roadster — promise to deliver an authentic driving experience through their focus on minimal weight, agile handling, and thoughtful design. Both vehicles target a sub-1000kg weight class, a remarkable achievement for electric vehicles.

Longbow's founding team brings impressive credentials to the ambitious project. CEO Daniel Davey and co-founder Mark Tapscott both played roles in the development of the original Tesla Roadster, the vehicle that helped reshape perceptions of electric performance. Their careers have included senior positions at Lucid Motors and BYD, giving them extensive experience in guiding innovative automotive startups to market success.

The third co-founder, Jenny Keisu, contributes commercial and investment expertise, having previously served as CEO of electric marine company X Shore and built a career spanning startup leadership, private equity, and strategic investment.

"Amidst the e-mobility revolution, we have lost something important," explains Davey. "Many modern 'sports cars' tip the scales at 1,500kg and BEVs can reach almost double that. There is a need for a more driver-oriented, featherweight, electric sports car — one that is attainable and accessible, for those who love driving and the places it takes them."

Both the Speedster and Roadster are built on Longbow's proprietary aluminum chassis, designed specifically to minimize weight while maximizing structural rigidity. The company's motto, Celeritas Levitas (the speed of lightness), encapsulates their performance philosophy.

The open-topped Speedster weighs just 895kg — less than half the weight of many modern electric vehicles — and can accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds. It offers a WLTP range of 275 miles and will start at £84,995 (including VAT). Production will be limited to just 150 hand-built examples.

Following the Speedster, the closed-cockpit Roadster weighs in at 995kg with a 0-62mph time of 3.6 seconds. It will be available at a more accessible starting price of £64,995 (including VAT).

Both models feature interiors that emphasize craftsmanship over technology, creating what Longbow describes as a "tactile cockpit that defies time to become timeless." The design philosophy aims to deliver a driving experience that feels engaging and immediate, reminiscent of classic sports cars while incorporating modern electric performance.

All Longbow vehicles will be designed, engineered, and hand-built in the UK, leveraging the country's rich motorsport heritage and access to high-performance engineering expertise. The company's engineering team includes veterans from Formula E, Lotus, Aston Martin, Ariel, and Tesla.

"There are only a few places in the world where you can hand build a sports car," notes co-founder Mark Tapscott. "Here in the UK, British engineering and automotive craftsmanship have a long history of developing lightweight sports cars with great commercial and competitive success. Longbow is the next chapter in that story."

The company is now accepting reservations for both models, with first customer deliveries planned for 2026. The Speedster will be offered in standard form along with two special editions: the Luminary 1st Edition (limited to 10 examples) and the Autograph Edition (limited to 25 examples). The Roadster will similarly offer Luminary and Autograph editions, limited to 50 and 100 units respectively.

For enthusiasts looking to experience what Longbow calls "driving like it used to feel," but with modern electric performance and zero emissions, reservations are now open at longbowmotors.com.