British Startup Longbow Targets Tesla with $84K Electric Roadster Backed by Auto Titans

The perpetual waiting game for Tesla’s next-generation Roadster has created an opportunity – and British startup Longbow is racing to seize it. With Tesla’s halo EV stuck in development limbo since its 2017 reveal, Longbow has assembled automotive heavyweights from McLaren, Lotus, and Alpine to launch a lightweight electric Roadster by 2027 at just $84,000.

Longbow’s Veteran-Led Charge Into Electric Sports Cars

Co-founded by engineer Daniel Davey (ex-Tesla and Lucid), Longbow has recruited an advisory board that reads like a luxury auto hall of fame. Former McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt – who famously resisted SUV development at the British marque – joins ex-Lotus Europe CEO Dan Balmer and Michael van der Sande, whose resume includes Alpine and Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations. Their mission: deliver driver-focused EVs prioritizing engagement over raw power.

“These are characteristics starting to be lost in the industry,” Flewitt told Autocar in March 2025. “To see somebody coming in with leading-edge technology but with lightweight and driver engagement at the forefront is quite novel.” The trio will help steer Longbow’s aluminum EV platform toward production, leveraging decades of niche vehicle expertise.

The Lightweight EV Revolution: Speedster and Roadster

Longbow’s strategy hinges on radical weight reduction – a counterpoint to today’s increasingly heavy EVs:

• Speedster Launch Model (2027): Windshield-less two-seater targeting just 1,973 lbs (895 kg) – lighter than a Mazda Miata. Rear-wheel drive with 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Priced at $110,000
• Roadster Follow-Up: Removable-roof fastback at 2,193 lbs (995 kg) – still under a classic Lotus Elise. 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds. Targets $84,000 price point

Both models share core architecture but diverge in positioning. The Roadster’s name directly challenges Tesla’s vaporware offering, originally promised at $250,000. Davey emphasized the advisory board’s role: “You have plans, but you need to sense-check with people who’ve done it before.”

Engineering Philosophy: Less Mass, More Magic

Where most EVs add battery mass for range, Longbow pursues efficiency through minimalist design. The target weights would make their cars approximately half the heft of a Tesla Model 3. This philosophy resonates with Flewitt’s McLaren legacy, where he oversaw models like the 1,188-lb Elise-based McLaren M1A.

Van der Sande brings critical EV experience from Lucid, where he launched the Air sedan in Europe. Balmer’s background at Lotus – synonymous with lightweight handling – completes a dream team for reimagining electric performance. Production is slated for the UK, though factory details remain undisclosed.

The window for lightweight electric performance cars is opening just as giants focus on SUVs and hyper-EVs. Longbow’s veteran-led approach could deliver what Tesla hasn’t – an engaging, accessible electric Roadster that remembers driving is supposed to be fun. Watch for prototype reveals in 2026.

Must Know

Q: How does Longbow’s Roadster compare to Tesla’s promised Roadster?
A: Longbow targets 0-60 mph in 3.6 sec vs Tesla’s claimed 1.9 sec, but at 1/3 the price ($84K vs $250K). Crucially, Longbow emphasizes sub-2,200 lb weight versus Tesla’s expected 4,000+ lbs.

Q: Who are the auto executives backing Longbow?
A: Key advisors include ex-McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt, former Lotus Europe head Dan Balmer, and Michael van der Sande (Lucid Europe, JLR Special Ops, Alpine).

Q: When can buyers get a Longbow electric sports car?
A: The Speedster launches first in 2027, followed by the Roadster. Pre-orders may open in late 2025 following prototype testing.

Q: Why focus on lightweight EVs instead of big batteries?
A: Reduced mass improves handling, efficiency, and braking while requiring smaller batteries. This aligns with classic sports car principles increasingly rare in modern EVs.

Q: Where will Longbow vehicles be built?
A: Production will be UK-based according to Autocar reports, though the specific facility hasn’t been announced.