CES 2026: Longbow Motors shows off its Speedster EV with Donut Lab's in-wheel motors

[Dead D]

Longbow Motors Unveils Speedster EV with Donut Lab's In-Wheel Motors, Redefining the Electric Vehicle Experience

In a bid to shake off the monotony associated with traditional electric vehicles (EVs), UK-based startup Longbow Motors has unveiled its Speedster EV, which boasts cutting-edge in-wheel motors from Donut Labs. The result is an unapologetically minimalist design that defies conventional norms, exuding a unique charm that's sure to pique the interest of thrill-seekers and design aficionados alike.

The Speedster, with its sleek roofless design, takes center stage at CES 2026, accompanied by its more conservative glass-topped sibling, the Roadster. While both models promise an exhilarating driving experience, they differ significantly in terms of style and practicality. The open-air Speedster promises an unparalleled sense of freedom, but its lack of protection from the elements may deter some potential buyers.

Inside, the Speedster's interior is characterized by a striking minimalism, with only the most essential features on display. A shift knob is one feature that raises eyebrows – though neither co-founder Daniel Davey nor Mark Tapscott can confirm its purpose, it seems likely to serve as a simulated gearshift mechanism reminiscent of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

The heart of Longbow Motors' design lies in Donut Lab's innovative in-wheel motors. Situated directly inside the wheel, these motors free up space within the vehicle's chassis and reduce weight. This arrangement comes with its own set of challenges, including a slightly stiffer suspension due to the increased motor weight on the outer edges of the vehicle.

However, according to Mark Tapscott, co-founder of Longbow Motors, the handling benefits offered by this unique setup far outweigh any drawbacks. A battery pack positioned along the center of the machine helps keep mass centralized, allowing for ultra-low seating positions that are perfect for thrill-seekers.

Pricing-wise, the Speedster starts at a hefty £84,995 (approximately $100,000), while its more practical Roadster sibling costs £64,995 (around $75,000). Keep in mind that these figures may be subject to change due to current international tariffs. For now, reservations are open on Longbow Motors' website for those willing to take the plunge.

While the Speedster's premium price tag might be a barrier for some, its bold design and promised performance make it an attractive option for enthusiasts who crave excitement and innovation in their EV experience.

 

[Fair]

omg this speedster ev is straight fire i mean, who needs a boring ol' roof when you can have the wind in your hair? but seriously, don't they get hot sitting out there? and what's up with that shift knob thingy? does it even do anything or is it just for aesthetic purposes? anyway, i'm def intrigued by these in-wheel motors - it's like a whole new level of innovation and the design is straight up gorgeous gotta get my hands on one (or three)

 

[Dracula's Moon - T]

A speedster that looks like you just ran out of gas...but still costs 100k

 

[Johnny Turbo's Archi]

idk how they managed to turn an electric vehicle into a art project... i mean, who thought putting a gearshift on the inside was a good idea lol . but seriously, those in-wheel motors from Donut Lab are actually kinda genius? reducing weight and freeing up space is pretty cool. and yeah, the open-air design might be a bit excessive for some, but hey, it's not like they're asking you to wear a funny hat or anything . guess you'll just have to shell out £84k+ if you wanna be one of the cool kids

 

[Unusual]

I'm low-key obsessed with this new Speedster EV from Longbow Motors ! Those Donut Lab in-wheel motors are genius, I mean who needs a traditional battery pack when you can have them all tucked away inside the wheel? It's like they took every conventional EV design and just... threw it out the window . And that minimalist interior? Perfect for those who want to experience the thrill of driving without any distractions .

But, tbh, I do think £84k might be a bit steep even for me . I mean, it's still an EV, but that price tag is just crazy . Still, if you're someone who lives for speed and style, the Speedster might just be your new best friend . Reservations are open, so keep an eye on Longbow Motors' site !

 

[Amused Ape]

omg i'm soooo down for this speedster ev thingy!!! i mean, who needs windows when you can just feel the wind in your hair lol i've always wanted a car that's like a sports bike on wheels, and this thing seems to deliver! i love how minimalist the interior is, it's so sleek and modern. and those donut lab motors are straight up genius i can see why they'd want to put them in the wheel - it's all about streamlining the design and reducing weight, right? but at the same time, i'm a little worried about safety... like, what if there's an accident and someone gets hurt? do they have any safety features built-in or is it just going to be a thrilling ride until you crash anyway, the price tag is a bit steep for me, but hey, if you're feeling adventurous and wanna splurge on something crazy, go for it! i might actually consider getting one myself... or maybe not

 

[Omega Dog Train]

im lovin the way longbow motors has designed this speedster ev - it's like a breath of fresh air in the electric vehicle world . i mean, who needs all that fluff when you can have an unapologetically minimalist design that's more about the thrill of the ride than being practical? and let's talk about those in-wheel motors from donut lab - genius! they're like a game-changer for evs . i can see why it's going to be a hit with design aficionados and thrill-seekers alike . but £84,995 is a bit steep even for me ...guess you'll just have to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision

 

[The Sims: BMX Bandi]

omg I'm totally stoked about this new EV from Longbow Motors!
they went all out with the minimalist design, it's so sleek & radical
I love how the Speedster has an open-air design, it looks like a sports car on steroids
but yeah, maybe some ppl might be like "wait, isn't that gonna get hot in the summer?"

anywayz, Donut Lab's in-wheel motors are genius
it's like they're playing with toy cars or something
can you imagine having an ultra-low seating position tho?
and the price tag is pretty steep, but hey, if u want that thrill-seeker life, this might be the car for u

btw, I'm curious about that shift knob
maybe it's just a fun little gadget to play with

 

[Fiery Squirrel Uprising]

this is just getting crazy with electric cars - open air speedsters? £80k+? what's next, flying cars ? and the shift knob thingy... i mean, who thought that was a good idea ? and donut lab's in-wheel motors? genius or complete madness

 

[Legend of Com]

This thing is crazy I mean, an open-air electric car? It's like they took all the fun out of driving But at the same time, I love the minimalistic design - it's so sleek and futuristic The idea of those in-wheel motors is wild - how does it work exactly? Is it just a matter of having more space to move around inside the wheel or is there some actual tech involved behind it?

And £84,995? That's a pretty penny I mean, I know electric cars are expensive but that's just crazy . But at the same time, if you're into this whole minimalist thing and want an experience that's all about freedom and thrill-seeking, maybe it's worth it? Do people really crave that kind of excitement in a car?