UK-based startup Longbow Motors showcased its Speedster electric vehicle at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, featuring innovative in-wheel motors from Donut Labs. The roofless roadster boasts a curb weight of just 2,200 pounds and accelerates to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Priced at around $100,000, it highlights a blend of classic design and modern electric performance.
At CES 2026, Longbow Motors, a UK-based electric vehicle startup, displayed its Speedster model on the show floor at the Donut Labs booth. The Speedster, along with its sibling the Roadster, utilizes advanced in-wheel motors developed by Donut Labs, a spinoff of Verge Motorcycles. These hub-less motors enable a distinctive Tron-style aesthetic and eliminate the need for a traditional drivetrain, contributing to the vehicle's lightweight construction at 2,200 pounds—over 100 pounds lighter than a Mazda Miata.
Co-founders Daniel Davey and Mark Tapscott, who previously worked at Tesla and Lucid, along with Jenny Keisu, designed the Speedster with a classic yet modern look. The roofless version offers visual simplicity but lacks protection from the elements, appealing to dedicated open-air driving enthusiasts. Inside, the interior is spartan and minimalistic, rejecting touchscreen-heavy designs common in other EVs. A notable feature is a shift knob, likely for simulated gearshift action similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, though its exact function remains unconfirmed.
The in-wheel motors are positioned directly inside the wheels, which Tapscott noted provides handling benefits from multiple motors despite added suspension demands. To centralize weight, the battery pack runs vertically along the vehicle's center, enabling ultra-low seating. While exact power output is undisclosed, the Speedster achieves 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, offering supercar-like performance.
Pricing starts at £84,995 (about $100,000) for the Speedster and £64,995 (about $75,000) for the Roadster, with production slated for later this year. Reservations are open on the company's website, and a left-hand drive version will be road-legal in the U.S. Donut Labs aims to expand its motor technology across platforms from scooters to trucks, with Longbow's implementation standing out for its compelling design and performance.
