Longbow Motors founder: 'Nobody has done this before' #281
About this episode
Daniel Davy, co-founder of Longbow Motors, shares insights into their innovative British EV sports cars that challenge the norms of electric vehicle design. With a focus on lightweight construction and engaging driving experiences, Longbow aims to redefine sports cars by integrating modern technology without compromising on performance or affordability. Davy discusses the company's origins, their unique approach to engineering, and the impressive credentials of their advisory board, which includes industry veterans from Tesla and McLaren. This episode delves into the future of electric sports cars and the vision behind Longbow's ambitious plans.
Dan Prosser and Andrew Frankel are joined in the studio by Daniel Davey, co-founder of British electric sports car startup Longbow Motors. Can the company really deliver on its promise to build and sell two lightweight, affordable sports cars weighing less than 1000kg? And why will Longbow be any different when countless low-volume sports car makers have come and gone over the years?
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Tesla Roadster
"...e almost genesis of the EV movement was the Tesla Roadster. So I joined Tesla 2010 with the Tesla Roadster, ..."
cylindrical cells
"...the way everyone builds electric vehicles, which is using cylindrical cells mostly and having a power electronics module..."
Cylindrical cells are battery cells that are shaped like tubes. They are often used in electric cars because they can store a lot of energy and are very efficient.
Cylindrical cells are a type of battery cell design that is commonly used in electric vehicles. They are shaped like cylinders and are known for their high energy density and efficiency.
three phase AC induction motor
"...and then a three phase AC induction motor around it."
A three phase AC induction motor is a type of motor used in electric cars. It runs on electricity and is very efficient, helping the car to accelerate quickly.
A three phase AC induction motor is a type of electric motor that uses alternating current and is commonly found in electric vehicles. It is known for its efficiency and ability to provide high torque at low speeds.
MSRP
"...If you say a car company is delivering 800 cars a year for a total run of 2,500 cars at a £150,000 price point, that's success."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests dealers sell the car for. It's a starting point for how much you might pay for a new car, but the final price can be higher or lower depending on various factors.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends that retailers sell a product for. In the context of cars, it represents the starting price for a vehicle before any dealer markups or discounts.
battery
"...when Tesla was looking to build the powertrain and the battery,..."
The battery in an electric car stores energy so the car can run. It's like the fuel tank in a gas car, but it holds electricity instead of gasoline.
In electric vehicles, the battery is a crucial component that stores electrical energy to power the electric motor. It is essential for the vehicle's range and performance.
Tesla Model S
"...Bottom floor was in the caves was where they were engineering Model S. And in the middle floor in this big open,..."
The Tesla Model S is a high-end electric car that can go a long distance on a single charge. It's known for being fast and having a lot of modern technology inside.
The Tesla Model S is a luxury all-electric sedan known for its high performance and long range. It features advanced technology and a minimalist interior design, making it a popular choice among electric vehicle enthusiasts.
18650 cells
"...it was literally a guy taking 18650 cells out of a cardboard box,..."
18650 cells are a type of battery that looks like a small tube. They're used in many electric cars, including Teslas, to store energy.
18650 cells are cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells commonly used in electric vehicles and portable electronics. They are known for their high energy density and are a key component in Tesla's battery packs.
Tesla Model Y
"...business roadster SX3 Model Y."
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV made by Tesla. It's similar to a car but has more space and is designed for families or people who need more room.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV that shares many components with the Model 3, offering a spacious interior and advanced technology features.
weight
"...weight 895 kilograms with a 275 mile range..."
Weight is how heavy a car is. A lighter car usually goes faster and handles better than a heavier one.
Weight in automotive terms refers to the total mass of the vehicle, which can affect performance, fuel efficiency, and handling. Lighter cars generally accelerate faster and handle better than heavier ones.
range
"...with a 275 mile range costing 84,995 pounds..."
Range is how far a car can go before it needs to be refueled or recharged. It's especially important for electric cars to know how far they can travel on a single charge.
In automotive terms, range refers to the distance a vehicle can travel on a single charge or tank of fuel. For electric vehicles, this is particularly important as it determines how far the car can go before needing to recharge.
0-60 time
"...not 62 in 3.6 seconds a little bit heavier at 995 kilograms..."
0-60 time is how fast a car can go from a stop to 60 miles per hour. It's often used to show how quickly a car can speed up.
0-60 time measures how quickly a vehicle can accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common performance metric used to evaluate a car's acceleration capabilities.
Porsche Boxster
"the new versions of the Cayman and Boxter"
The Porsche Boxster is a small sports car that has a convertible roof. It's designed to be fun to drive, especially on sunny days.
The Porsche Boxster is a two-seater roadster that offers a convertible top and a mid-engine layout. Like the Cayman, it is known for its sporty handling and performance.
Porsche Cayman
"we know that Porsche is coming out with electric versions the new versions of the Cayman and Boxter"
The Porsche Cayman is a two-door sports car made by Porsche. It's known for being fun to drive and has a good balance between performance and comfort.
The Porsche Cayman is a mid-engine sports car known for its balance and performance. It shares many components with the Porsche 911 but is designed to be a more affordable option in the Porsche lineup.
Alpine A110
"there's going to be a new electric Alpine A110"
The Alpine A110 is a small sports car from a French company called Alpine. It's known for being light and quick, making it fun to drive.
The Alpine A110 is a lightweight sports car known for its agile handling and performance. It has a rich motorsport heritage and is designed to be a modern interpretation of the classic A110.
power steering
"...so just a couple of things where so presumably will it car have power steering or is it an unassisted rack..."
Power steering makes it easier to turn the steering wheel when driving. It uses special systems to help you steer without using too much strength, especially when parking or going slow.
Power steering is a system that helps drivers steer the vehicle by using hydraulic or electric actuators to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the steering wheel. It enhances driver comfort and control, especially at low speeds.
unassisted rack
"...or is it an unassisted rack it will be an unassisted rack..."
An unassisted rack is a type of steering that doesn't have any help from power steering. This means you have to use more strength to turn the wheel, which can give you a better feel for the road.
An unassisted rack refers to a steering system that does not use power steering assistance. This means the driver must exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, providing a more direct connection to the road and often enhancing driver engagement.
track day
"...that's the sort of car that you might expect to see in a track day..."
A track day is when people take their cars to a racetrack to drive fast and have fun. It's a safe place to see how well your car performs without worrying about traffic.
A track day is an event where car enthusiasts can drive their vehicles on a racetrack, allowing them to experience high-performance driving in a controlled environment. It's a popular way for drivers to test their skills and their cars' capabilities.
Lotus Elise
"...you look at an Elise which is a road car but you go to any track day and there will always be a couple of Elise's"
The Lotus Elise is a small, light sports car that's fun to drive on racetracks. Many people take it to track days because it's very good at handling curves and going fast.
The Lotus Elise is a lightweight sports car known for its agility and performance on the track. It's often seen at track days due to its excellent handling and driving dynamics.
passive suspension
"...purely passive suspension on the car..."
Passive suspension is a type of car suspension that doesn't change automatically. It uses springs and shock absorbers to keep the ride smooth but doesn't adapt to different road conditions while driving.
Passive suspension systems use fixed components, such as springs and dampers, to absorb shocks and maintain ride comfort. They do not adjust to changing road conditions or driving dynamics in real-time, unlike active systems.
performance derivatives
"...look at core vehicle versus derivatives and performance derivatives later on..."
Performance derivatives are special versions of cars that are made to go faster and handle better. They usually have upgrades that make them more fun to drive.
Performance derivatives refer to variations of a base vehicle that are enhanced for better performance, often including modifications to the engine, suspension, and other components. These derivatives are designed to appeal to enthusiasts looking for a sportier driving experience.
semi-tuning damper
"...because you know semi-tuning damper the things that people want when they play around their car..."
A semi-tuning damper is a part of the car's suspension that helps make the ride smoother and more controlled. It can be adjusted a little to fit how you want the car to handle.
A semi-tuning damper is a type of suspension component that helps control the movement of a vehicle's springs and shocks, providing a balance between comfort and performance. It allows for some level of adjustment to suit different driving conditions or preferences.
rear drive
"[1860.0s] single motor [1862.0s] rear drive [1864.0s] lithium ion battery"
Rear drive means that the back wheels of the car are the ones that get the power from the engine. This setup can help the car handle better, especially when driving fast.
Rear drive refers to a vehicle configuration where the rear wheels receive power from the engine, enhancing traction and handling, especially in performance cars.
infotainment system
"...to make a car a daily driver seriously have an infotainment system in there..."
An infotainment system is the technology in cars that provides music, navigation, and other information. It helps you stay connected and entertained while driving.
An infotainment system is an integrated system that combines entertainment and information delivery in a vehicle. It typically includes features like navigation, audio playback, and connectivity options for smartphones.
air conditioning
"...air conditioning in the roadster again drawing a differentiation between the..."
Air conditioning in a car is what keeps the inside cool and comfortable when it's hot outside. It helps you feel better during your drive.
Air conditioning in vehicles is a climate control system that cools and dehumidifies the air inside the car, providing comfort to passengers, especially in hot weather.
hyperscreen
"...infotainment system hyperscreen distraction it's something you can choose to opt into..."
Hyperscreen is a big, curved screen in some cars that shows everything from maps to music. It's like having a giant tablet in your car that controls many things at once.
Hyperscreen refers to a large, curved display that spans across the dashboard of certain vehicles, integrating multiple functions such as navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings into one seamless interface. It enhances the user experience by providing a visually appealing and interactive control system.
Apple CarPlay
"and there's no apple carplay and you've got to hope your copilot is"
Apple CarPlay lets you use your iPhone in your car, showing apps and maps on the car's screen so you can drive safely and stay connected.
Apple CarPlay is a system that allows you to connect your iPhone to your car's infotainment system, enabling access to apps, navigation, and music through the car's display.
driver assistance systems
"and in terms of the dreaded driver assistance systems you have to have those don't you"
Driver assistance systems are features in cars that help you drive more safely, like keeping you in your lane or helping you stop if something is in front of you.
Driver assistance systems are technologies in vehicles designed to enhance safety and facilitate driving by providing features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking.
homologation
"...the required homologation standards and features but not with a view to exceed them..."
Homologation is a way to make sure a car is safe and meets rules before it can be sold. It's like getting a stamp of approval that says the car is good to go.
Homologation refers to the process of certifying that a vehicle meets specific regulatory standards and requirements for safety, emissions, and performance. This is crucial for vehicles intended for sale in various markets, especially in motorsports where specific regulations must be met for competition.
two-seater sports cars
"if you look at sports cars 200,000 two-seater sports cars are sold a year"
Two-seater sports cars are cars made for two people that are built for speed and fun to drive. They usually have strong engines and are lighter than regular cars.
Two-seater sports cars are performance-oriented vehicles designed primarily for two occupants, focusing on speed, handling, and driving enjoyment. They often feature powerful engines and lightweight designs.
Porsche 911
"of which 50,911 40,000 Corvettes"
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that has been around for a long time. It's known for its unique shape and powerful performance, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car that has been in production since the early 1960s. Known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout, it is one of the most iconic sports cars in automotive history.
Chevrolet Corvettes
"of which 50,911 40,000 Corvettes really"
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car that many people love. It's famous for being powerful and fun to drive, and it's often seen as a symbol of American car culture.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its performance, sleek design, and affordability compared to other high-performance vehicles. It has a rich history dating back to 1953 and is often celebrated for its powerful engines and sharp handling, making it a staple in automotive culture.
BYD
"Mark was involved in launching BYD in other parts of the world"
BYD is a car company from China that makes electric vehicles and batteries.
BYD is a Chinese automaker that produces electric vehicles, batteries, and other renewable energy products.
Hyundai Ioniq
"or they think of a Hyundai Ioniq with our roof or they think of a BWD with our roo..."
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a new electric car that looks modern and cool. It runs on electricity instead of gas, which means it's better for the environment and can save you money on fuel.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a fully electric compact SUV that has gained attention for its futuristic design and advanced technology. It offers a spacious interior, impressive range, and fast charging capabilities, making it a strong contender in the growing electric vehicle market.
MG Cyberster
"why on earth are you doing it then you're a cyberster exactly and then also"
The MG Cyberster is a new electric car that looks sporty and stylish. It’s designed to be fun to drive while being good for the environment since it runs on electricity instead of gas.
The MG Cyberster is an upcoming electric sports car that aims to blend classic MG styling with modern electric vehicle technology. It represents MG's push into the electric market, showcasing innovative features and a focus on performance.
Mclaren 570S
"fluid cars, all the way through the the 570S up to the 720 and all those amazing ultimate"
The McLaren 570S is a super-fast sports car designed for people who love speed and precision driving. It’s built to be lightweight and powerful, giving drivers an exciting experience on the road.
The McLaren 570S is a high-performance sports car that is part of McLaren's Sports Series lineup. Known for its lightweight construction and powerful twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the 570S offers exceptional speed and handling, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
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