RBW EV Brings Clean, Efficient Electric Power to a Classic Sports Car

The story of RBW Cars is one of rebirth and global expansion, driven by the transformation of an iconic but often overlooked British automotive classic into a contemporary object of desire. Established by Peter Swain in 2017, RBW starts with a clean sheet. Every car is built new. Their Roadster and forthcoming GT carry an unmistakable resemblance to the MGB, that steadfast fixture of 1960s and 1970s sports car culture. More than half a million MGBs were produced between 1963 and 1980, with the car sold enthusiastically around the world.

The MGB’s enduring popularity ensured a strong owner community and a thriving market for repair parts. British Motor Heritage (BMH), based in the Cotswolds, still manufactures brand-new bodyshells for the MGB Roadster, GT, Midget and the classic Mini. Swain saw a rare opportunity in this ecosystem. By combining BMH’s manufacturing capabilities with a team of expert automotive engineers, he envisioned a new EV platform topped with a hand-crafted body and interior, each specified by the customer. RBW was created to make this vision real.

Technical director Ian Mills, with over 25 years of EV experience at major brands, was tasked with developing the new platform. Mills notes that the MGB “has a bit of style… a bit of spirit and soul,” and that having both Roadster and GT bodyshells provides design flexibility. Its compact size also offers an ideal harmony between weight, range and performance. RBW now operates a facility in Lichfield, north east of Birmingham, and is advancing plans for a new factory in Virginia.

RBW owns the rights to the body shape, ensuring the continued life of this trim, friendly proportioned machine. The original MGB debuted as a convertible in the early 1960s, with a robust structure that became even more substantial in 1965 when Pininfarina designed the elegant GT hatchback.

RBW’s new EV platform is modular, allowing for potential resizing to support additional models in the future, with whispers of an American sports car variation. The battery and motor layout mirrors the shape and placement of the original engine and gearbox to preserve weight distribution. Power sees a major leap over the classic version, with upgraded battery packs now available. Motors come from the Schaeffler Group, and RBW plans to assemble its future battery systems as well.

RBW EV Cars represents the fusion of timeless British craftsmanship with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology. As a niche brand rooted in the heritage of classic British motoring, RBW creates handcrafted, bespoke electric vehicles that combine artistry, performance, and sustainability.

Each vehicle is handcrafted, built to order, and customized to meet the unique preferences of its owner. RBW’s cars pay tribute to the past while incorporating the latest electric drivetrain technology. RBW electric vehicles offer instant torque, quiet efficiency, and precise handling, providing the thrill of a classic roadster with modern performance. Drivers experience responsive steering, smooth acceleration, and a close connection to the road.

RBW emphasizes that true luxury includes sustainability. The company ensures that every vehicle is built with environmentally conscious materials and efficient electric drivetrains, reducing carbon emissions without compromising performance or design. Limited production adds to the exclusivity of ownership, making each RBW vehicle a rare and coveted automobile.