British motor company reveals its first EV sports car that weighs under a tonne and is going for just £65k

A NEW motors company has revealed its first EV sports car – and it weighs under a tonne.

British manufacturer Longbow is set to launch the Roadster electric vehicle in 2026.

The lightweight Longbow Roadster is set to be released next yearCredit: Longbow Motors

Motorists can scoop the keys to the vehicle for £64,995Credit: Longbow MotorsIts single motor chugs 322hp and the motor can go from zero to 62mph in less than four seconds.

While it is a lightweight motor, the Roadster’s weather-tight roof and windscreen weigh a hefty 100kg.

The motor also features a bespoke aluminium chassis for stiffness and minimal weight.

Petrol heads will need deep pockets for the Roadster, with prices starting at £64,995.

Longbow Motors was founded by British engineers Daniel Davy and Mark Tapscott.

“I used to design and build Lotuses, but realised electrification was the future and the other day I spoke to ex-Lotus CEO Phil Popham, and laid it on a bit thick that this is the car the Chinese won’t let Lotus build,” Daniel said.

“If you want to sell cars, make it cheap.

“Whatever anyone tells you, if you’re not Ferrari or Bugatti or a known brand, if you want to sell cars, make it as affordable as possible.

“That’s how you move volume. That’s a lesson from both Tesla and Lucid.”

He added: “Amidst the e-mobility revolution, we have lost something important. Many modern ‘sportscars’ tip the scales at 1,500kg and BEVs can reach almost double that.

“There is a need for a more driver-oriented, featherweight, electric sportscar – one that is attainable and accessible, for those who love driving and the places it takes them.

“That is why we have created Longbow.

“Our first two cars, Speedster and Roadster embody everything a modern driver’s car should be: agile, balanced, electric, and exhilarating.

“We are reviving an icon, the lightweight British sportscar.”

Are electric cars cheaper to run?​This is a complex question.

If we simply compare the cost of filling up a petrol-powered car compared to an EV, there’s a clear winner.

Maintenance and servicing costs for EVs are lower, too, with much fewer moving parts to go wrong.

Bookmygarage estimates the average EV service to be £103, that’s almost half of a typical service.

VED (commonly known as road tax) on EVs is currently £0, which can save you compared to a petrol or diesel-powered car. (How long this lasts, we can’t be sure so don’t bank on this saving over the long-term.)