RBW EV Roadster evokes MG MGB vibes, costs £90k

UK-based company RBW Classic Electric Cars has revealed a pre-production version of its latest open-top battery car called simply the EV Roadster. Despite its striking likeness to the iconic MG MGB model produced back in 1962 – 1980, the model sports an all-new body designed by British Motor Heritage.

The car comes with two top options – hard and soft – but neither is automatic. Power-wise, the only electric motor available sits at the rear axle producing 95 hp (70 kW). Getting from zero to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) takes around nine seconds, and the max speed is 80 mph (129 km/h). The traction battery consists of six elements and is enough for 162 miles (260 km) of range; adding an optional seventh element extends the range to 200 miles (322 km).

The cabin comes trimmed with Prototrim leather available in seven colors, and the Pioneer AVIC-Z920DAB infotainment system offers a seven-inch touchscreen display, sat-nav, two USB slots, an HDMI out port, and SD slots.

The car has been co-designed with Continental Group, Zytek Automotive (powertrain) and Hyperdrive Innovation (battery). Brake and suspension part suppliers remain to be announced.

The powertrain reportedly took three years to design and will later find its way into other replicas, including those of classical MINIs, Jaguar E-Types, and Austin-Healeys.

The RBW EV Roadster will go into production in early 2021, although the company already has thirty nearly finished copies on its hands. Prices will begin from £90,000 before taxes. Later on, a GT Coupe variant of the car will join the lineup.