- British EV manufacturer RBW, who produce a duo of EVs based on a reproduction of the classic MGB body shell from the 1960s, have announced plans to open a US-based factory, supplementing its current facility in Lichfield, England.
- The new facility, set to open in the state of Virginia, will produce left-hand-drive variants of its electric RBW Roadster and RBW GT models, amid rising demand for the retro-inspired sporty EVs.
- The manufacturer has invested $8m into the new facility, alongside a $500k grant from Virginia’s Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund. The announcement also comes just months after RBW received a £10m investment from venture capital firm Meson Capital Partners.
RBW set for large expansion
The new facility will also create 144 new jobs at the facility, based in the Pittsylvania county of Virginia. RBW only begun production of its EV range back in early 2020, but this rapid expansion demonstrates a growing demand for EVs in classic body shells. Companies such as Everrati are also cashing in, offering electric restomods of iconic models such as the classic Porsche 911, original Range Rover, and Mercedes Pagoda. That popularity rings true on mass market EVs also, with the launch of models such as the Renault 5 EV.
US pricing for the RBW Roadster will start at $139,000 with the RBW GT starting at $151,000.
RBW’s Executive Officer, Peter Swain, commented on the development:
“Over seven years, RBW (named afer my children Rose, Becs, and Wesley) has established itself as a quality manufacturer of new, yet classic/vintage, electric cars and a designer of EV systems… Already selling in Europe, Asia, and even Bermuda, the new facility in Virginia supports RBW’s entry to the U.S. market. We are both excited and honoured to have been offered support from Virginia, and we look forward to making a positive, long-term contribution to the community.”
