Longbow Challenges Industry by Redefining Lightness at CES 2026

Longbow unveiled its prototype Speedster at the CES 2026, constructed on its proprietary Featherweight Electric Vehicle (FEV) platform. The company emphasized reducing mass and enhancing driving experiences. The open-top Speedster weighs under 900 kg (1984 lbs). The car is equipped with four 17-inch hub motors produced by Donut Lab, with a total power output of 900 hp. This ensures a power-to-weight ratio of one-to-one-a figure typically seen only in modern hypercars.

Longbow co-founder Mark Tapascott positions the novelty as a response to the industry’s obsession with size and features. The company believes weight has become a defining issue for the entire auto industry. Instead of adding complexity, Longbow removes it, eliminating non-essential systems and designing each component with weight reduction in mind. Tapascott claims that weight reduction improves everything from acceleration to braking and efficiency. Lighter vehicles also require less raw material and smaller batteries, reducing environmental impact.

Longbow developed architecture to support multiple layout options. Engineers can install a single engine behind the driver to drive the rear wheels or install separate motors in each wheel. The version presented at CES has a motor at each wheel, providing 900 hp to demonstrate the platform’s upper limits. For the production version, Longbow expects significantly less power, aiming for 300 hp for customer vehicles. Even at this level, performance remains high: the 0-60 mph acceleration is estimated at approximately 3.5 seconds.

Longbow also wants to change the driving experience of electric vehicles. Tapascott believes speed no longer thrills drivers. The Speedster’s interior includes elements rarely seen in electric cars, such as a gear lever. Longbow plans to deliver the first customer cars by the end of 2026.

Existing industry analysis suggests a growing focus on sustainability and innovative design, with Longbow’s lightweight approach setting a trend expected to influence other manufacturers. Experts believe that such initiatives will likely inspire further advancements in reducing overall vehicle mass and increasing efficiency without compromising performance.