After a COVID-related delay, RBW Electric Classic Cars has restarted production of the electric classic roadster it revealed in October. After starting production in February 2020 of the first of eight cars for Summer 2020 delivery, the COVID-related delay is over. Inspired by the MG MGB Roadster of the 1960s, the RBW EV Roadster takes the classic sports car’s design and enhances it for an electrifying world, retaining most of its style.
The electrified RBW company got its start in 2017 by Peter Swain, who had an affection for British sports cars, having owned many MGs, Triumphs, and Jaguars over the years. Following a long weekend in England’s Cotswolds in Swain’s MG roadster, his wife said she would love to drive a classic, but it was hard to drive and not reliable.
As the MD of restoration company RBW Classic & Sports Cars, Swain also could see that these vehicles faced an uncertain future in the modern world. He saw the potential for an electric car that had all the benefits of a modern vehicle but with the aesthetic appeal of a beautiful classic car.
Peter began his EV journey by writing to a number of companies and had a response from one of the world leaders in automotive EV solutions, Zytek Automotive. So, RBW Electric Classic Cars was born.
RBW worked with Zytek and Continental Engineering Services (CES), both part of Continental AG, which has provided technology for Formula E racing cars. Following Swain’s vision, together they created a vehicle with the aesthetic appeal of a classic car but with modern electric-power engineering.
Under the brand-new heritage bodyshell from British Motor Heritage sits a patented drivetrain system three years in development. It produces 70 kW to accelerate the Roadster from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 9 s on to a top speed of 80 mph (129 km/h).
The electric motor at the rear of the car and Hyperdrive Innovation’s lithium-ion battery technology under the hood give balanced weight distribution. The base configuration with six Hyperdrive lithium-ion battery modules has a range of 160 mi (257 km). Range increases to 200 mi (322 km) if an optional seventh battery module is installed. Up to eight modules are possible. With 3.0-kW DC charging, the car can be fully charged in 8 h.
“Not only does this give the driver much better handling of the car, retaining that sports car feel, but it also affords maximum battery volume to be housed,” said Swain. “The RBW system has been tested and has achieved European Regulation No 100 of the Economic Commission, which confirms RBW as a recognized automotive worldwide manufacturer.”
The RBW roadster features a custom front and rear double-wishbone suspension, the all-independent setup using a coil-over setup. The “OEM developed” braking system features regenerative capabilities for energy recuperation. It also has the latest generation of hub design and wheel-bearing technology installed to ensure maintenance-free use. All parts and components installed are new. The patented bespoke subframe has Gen 3 bearings, five-stud wheel adaption, and uprated driveshafts.
The initial 30 limited-edition hand-crafted models have been designed with low levels of noise and vibrations. Over the past 20 years, CES has accumulated experience in optimizing NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) in vehicles, especially the challenges brought about by the replacement of an internal combustion engine with an electric drivetrain. This has been applied to the RBW Roadster to ensure a pleasant experience, especially during pull-away, city traffic, cruising, and spirited driving.
Prototrim, specialists in trim development, designed the interior, with five color choices for the leather. The multi-function dashboard display combines driver gauges and messages with safety diagnostic symbols in an easy-to-use interface for safe and smooth operation. The Pioneer AVIC-Z920DA Wi-Fi-enabled built-in navigation system brings a motorized 7-in capacitive WVGA touchscreen to the dashboard. It also features an HDMI input to mirror smartphones, SD card input, dual USB inputs, and gold-plated RCA connectors for high-quality audio.
The Roadster can be specified with 14 exterior color choices, six wheel-style options, and soft and hard tops are available. Prices start from £90,000, with an initial £5000 deposit. Orders started in October, with RBW taking the car to clients for COVID-safe test drives. Further model developments are already underway with a fixed-head (coupe) GT version to follow in 2021 along with a second RBW electric recreation.
“What is even more exciting for us is that the RBW system and architecture can be installed into other bodyshells such as Austin Healey, Jaguar E-Type, Mini, and many more,” said Swain. “Each car can be built to the clients’ personal specifications and requirements. The opportunities are endless and therefore safeguards the future of classic motoring.”
