British Electric Vehicle (BEV) Smaller Companies Pursue Success and Achievement

New U.K.-Based EV Brand Perseus and British Sports-Car Maker Longbow Unveil Premium BEV Models

Two new British electric vehicle (BEV) brands, Perseus and Longbow, are making waves in the automotive industry with their upcoming premium BEV models.

Perseus: A Promising Newcomer

Perseus, a U.K.-headquartered BEV brand, is gearing up to launch vehicles in two years. Founded by Moroccan-born entrepreneur Mohammed Yehya El Bakkali, the leadership team of Perseus includes former senior executives from Jaguar Land Rover, Lotus, Bentley, and Ineos Automotive.

Perseus is set to introduce its luxury SUV model, despite uncertain sales growth rates ahead. The company will leverage a proprietary BEV platform and design and engineering will be handled by an Italian studio. Perseus will also adopt a direct-to-consumer sales model, combining an online platform with brand experience centers.

The Speedster, one of Perseus's first BEVs, will start at a price of £84,995 ($92,600), including VAT, and only 150 will be built. The SUV, on the other hand, will be developed with the help of a yet-to-be-named global automaker and partnerships with Tier 1 suppliers.

Longbow: Pursuing High-Performance BEVs

Longbow, another British electric sports-car manufacturer, made its debut at the Geneva auto show. The company's motto is "Celeritas Levitas," or "the speed of lightness."

Longbow plans to launch two models, the Apex and the Speedster, in 2026. The Apex boasts a 0-60 mph acceleration time of less than 2.5 seconds, a top speed exceeding 200 mph, and an estimated range of 400 miles per charge. The Speedster's starting price is £64,995 ($70,850), including VAT.

The Apex weighs 995 kg (2,193 lbs.), while the Speedster weighs 895 kg (1,973 lbs.). Longbow's founders include Daniel Davey, Mark Tapscott, and Jenny Keisu, who have worked at Tesla, Lucid, BYD, and X Shore.

Longbow also has ambitious expansion plans, with plans to add a 4-door grand tourer, an SUV, and a hypercar to its lineup in the future.

European Market Challenges

However, both Perseus and Longbow face challenges in the European market. Market data has consistently revealed a softening of demand for premium BEVs by consumers due to cheaper Chinese state-subsidized products.

Despite these challenges, both brands are optimistic about their prospects and are eager to make their mark in the competitive world of electric vehicles.