Exterior and Interior photos of RBW Roadster
RBW Roadster 2021: Classic British Motoring Goes Electric
If James Bond ever swapped martinis for matcha, the RBW Roadster might be what he drove next. This handcrafted retro convertible, built in the UK and launched in 2021, isn’t about tearing up tracks—it’s about reliving the 1960s with a silent, sustainable twist. Priced at $135,000 (€126,000), the Roadster caters to those who want their EV with a side of chrome and character.
- Manufactured in the United Kingdom, the RBW Roadster is assembled by hand and limited to 300 units per year.
- Priced at $135,000 (€126,000), it's aimed squarely at collectors and drivers seeking vintage charm with modern ease.
- Debuted in 2021, each build takes 14 weeks and blends heritage steel with 21st-century sustainability.
RBW Roadster Specs: Electric Elegance in a Classic Shell
Battery
Under the bonnet lies a 30 kWh lithium-ion battery sourced in Newcastle. With a driving range of up to 241 kilometers (150 miles), it’s suited for scenic Sunday drives, not marathon road trips. Charging is done via standard AC and takes 6 to 8 hours for a full recharge. There’s no fast charging—and no rush either.
- Battery Capacity: 30 kWh
- Range: 241 km (150 mi)
- Charging Time: 6–8 hours (AC only)
Performance
Power comes courtesy of a 94 hp (70 kW) rear-mounted electric motor. It sprints from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 8 seconds, topping out at 145 km/h (90 mph). Not fast by today’s EV standards, but perfectly tuned for winding lanes and seaside boulevards. Rear-wheel drive and a 50:50 weight distribution ensure balanced cornering and vintage driving joy.
- Power Output: 94 hp (70 kW)
- 0–100 km/h: 8.0 seconds
- Top Speed: 145 km/h (90 mph)
- Drive Type: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
The RBW is about the feel—not the numbers—and its performance suits its retro mission with grace.
Exterior and Interior: Vintage Charm, Tech Undercover
Exterior
The RBW Roadster is a nostalgia bomb. Wire wheels, LED headlamps tucked into chrome bezels, and a steel monocoque body from British Motor Heritage bring old-school beauty to the electric era. It looks like it drove out of a Bond film, but sneaks by in near silence.
Interior
Inside, it's a conversation between eras. A 9-inch Pioneer touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth keeps you connected, while hand-stitched leather seats and analog toggles maintain the Roadster’s vintage heartbeat. It’s clean, comfortable, and cleverly timeless.
Pros and Cons of the RBW Roadster
Pros
- Authentic 1960s styling with modern safety and tech
- Low-maintenance electric powertrain
- Handbuilt craftsmanship and exclusivity
- Balanced handling with rear-wheel drive
- Eco-conscious materials and solar-powered goals
Cons
- High price tag relative to performance
- No DC fast charging capability
- Limited production and availability
- Modest range of 241 km (150 mi)
- Performance less exciting than similarly priced EVs
Conclusion: RBW Roadster Is a Rolling Time Capsule With a Plug
The RBW Roadster isn’t chasing speed records—it’s preserving the soul of British motoring. It’s a handcrafted piece of nostalgia for those who crave design, story, and simplicity. If your perfect weekend involves winding roads, open skies, and no engine noise, this car might be your soulmate—chrome and all.
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F.A.Q. about RBW Roadster:
What is the range on a single charge?
The RBW Roadster offers up to 241 km (150 miles) of range from its 30 kWh battery, ideal for leisurely weekend drives.
How long does it take to fully charge?
It takes between 6 and 8 hours to fully charge the RBW Roadster using standard AC charging at home or a public station.
What is a battery capacity?
Battery capacity is the total amount of stored energy. The RBW Roadster uses a 30 kWh lithium-ion pack for light, efficient driving.
What is the price of a RBW Roadster?
The RBW Roadster is priced at $135,000 (€126,000), reflecting its handbuilt quality, rarity, and bespoke craftsmanship.
What is top speed?
Its top speed is 145 km/h (90 mph), fitting its focus on cruising rather than outright performance.
What is total power?
The Roadster delivers 94 hp (70 kW), offering relaxed acceleration and smooth rear-wheel-drive balance.
Can it be fast-charged?
No, the RBW Roadster supports only AC charging, reinforcing its slow-lane, scenic-route personality.
Is the RBW Roadster suitable for long trips?
Not really—its 241 km (150 mi) range makes it ideal for local joyrides, not long-distance travel.
Where is the RBW Roadster made?
The RBW Roadster is handcrafted in Staffordshire, United Kingdom, using locally sourced parts and sustainable materials.
Does it include modern infotainment?
Yes, it features a 9-inch Pioneer screen with CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and DAB+ radio support.
Comparison of RBW Roadster:
The RBW Roadster may look like a blast from the past, but it competes in a surprisingly modern field of stylish, niche EVs. Rivals like the Wiesmann Project Thunderball, Mini Cooper SE Convertible, Fiat 500e Cabrio, and MG Cyberster offer variations on the theme—retro, electric, and built to turn heads. So how does the RBW compare on specs and charm?
Range
With 241 km (150 mi), the RBW trails the Wiesmann Thunderball (500 km / 310 mi) and Cyberster (580 km / 360 mi). Fiat 500e and Mini SE hover around 180–230 km. The RBW holds its own for casual cruising but isn't built for extended road trips.
Acceleration
The Roadster’s 8-second 0–100 km/h sprint is sedate compared to MG Cyberster (3.2 sec) and Wiesmann (under 3.0 sec). Mini SE manages 7.3 sec, while the Fiat 500e comes in at around 9 seconds. The RBW prioritizes grace over g-forces.
Power
At 94 hp (70 kW), the RBW is outgunned by nearly all rivals. Thunderball brings over 600 hp, Cyberster packs 536 hp, and Mini SE and Fiat deliver 181 hp and 117 hp respectively. But none look quite like a 1960s Brit classic on wires and chrome.
Charging Time
With no fast charging, the RBW’s 6–8 hour AC charging is the slowest here. Mini SE and Fiat 500e offer 50–85 kW fast charging. Cyberster and Wiesmann promise over 200 kW. But again, the Roadster isn’t for those on a timetable.
Price
At $135,000 (€126,000), the RBW is more expensive than Fiat ($35,000) and Mini SE ($47,000), but cheaper than the Wiesmann Thunderball ($300,000+) and Cyberster (expected $60,000–$80,000). It lands in a niche all its own—high-end nostalgia with a modern twist.