On April 15, 2025, RBW EV Cars, a British manufacturer of handcrafted electric vehicles (EVs), began construction on an $8 million production facility in Danville, Virginia, marking a pivotal step in its North American expansion. Reportedly the 29,000-square-foot hub will produce left-hand-drive versions of RBW’s Roadster and GT models, targeting a niche US market of EV enthusiasts seeking classic British design with modern electrification. This move, supported by a $500,000 state grant, underscores RBW’s ambition to blend bespoke craftsmanship with scalable EV technology, but its high price points and limited production raise questions about market viability.

Rbw Ev Cars Breaks Ground On $8M Virginia Facility To Bring Handcrafted British Evs To Us Market

A Strategic Foothold in Virginia

RBW’s decision to establish its US operations in Danville, announced in August 2024 by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, leverages the region’s manufacturing ecosystem and skilled workforce. The facility at Cane Creek Centre, a joint industrial park between Danville and Pittsylvania County, will house assembly, sales, marketing, and research operations. It will also serve as the US base for Spirit EV, RBW’s business-to-business division, which develops modular EV powertrains. The project is expected to create 144 jobs, with local hiring prioritized through partnerships with Danville Community College for workforce training.

“RBW EV Cars has dedicated nearly a decade to developing bespoke electric vehicles that honor classic British design while delivering cutting-edge electrification,” said Peter Swain, RBW’s founder, in a statement. “This is where Spirit EV comes in. We will now have R&D facilities in both the UK and US.”

The choice of Danville was influenced by Overfinch, another British automotive company operating in the area since 2016. Proximity to transportation networks and academic institutions, including energy-focused universities, further enhances the location’s appeal. Production is slated to begin in September 2025, slightly delayed from initial estimates, with RBW already training US staff at its Lichfield, UK, facility to ensure quality consistency.

Crafting EVs with British Heritage

RBW, founded in 2017, specializes in EVs that evoke the aesthetics of 1960s and 1970s British sports cars, such as the MGB. Unlike conversion specialists, RBW builds its vehicles from the ground up, integrating a patented EV platform developed with Spirit EV. The Roadster, starting at £108,000 ($143,000 USD), and the GT, priced around $151,000 USD, offer a 150-mile range, a top speed of 90 mph, and 0–60 mph acceleration in 8 seconds. Both models feature modern amenities like Apple CarPlay and satellite navigation, with each unit requiring 500 hours of handcrafted assembly.

The Danville facility will produce 50 units each of the Roadster and GT for the US market in 2025, reflecting RBW’s focus on exclusivity. “Our vision is to deliver vehicles that transcend traditional EV design, combining heritage with innovation,” Swain noted at SEMA 2024, as reported by Automotive Powertrain Technology International. The limited production run, however, may constrain RBW’s ability to compete in a market dominated by high-volume manufacturers like テスラ.

Spirit EV: A Broader Industry Play

A key component of RBW’s US strategy is Spirit EV, launched in October 2024 to provide turnkey EV powertrain solutions. Led by industry veteran Neil Heslington, Spirit EV’s modular platform, which is REG 100 approved and ISO 9001 compliant, can reduce development costs and time by up to 80%. The Danville facility will house Spirit EV’s R&D and engineering teams, positioning it as an “Automotive Centre of Excellence.” At SEMA 2024, RBW showcased Spirit EV’s capabilities, with Swain presenting on EV system integrity.

Spirit EV’s presence could attract other automakers and specialty builders, diversifying RBW’s revenue streams. “The scalable nature of our platform allows us to support a wide range of vehicle types, from classics to modern designs,” Heslington stated. This B2B focus may prove more impactful than RBW’s consumer vehicles, given the niche appeal of its high-priced EVs.

Economic and Regulatory Context

RBW’s investment aligns with Danville’s transformation from a tobacco- and textile-based economy to a manufacturing hub. Local leaders, including Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones, have praised the project as a milestone. The $500,000 grant from Virginia’s Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund and additional support from the Virginia Jobs Investment Program highlight significant public investment, raising questions about the project’s financial independence.

Regulatory considerations also loom large. The Biden administration’s EV incentives, such as tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, could benefit RBW if its vehicles qualify, though their high price points may exclude them from certain programs. Conversely, proposed tariffs under the incoming Trump administration, including a potential 25% levy on foreign-imported vehicles, would increase the Roadster’s price by $34,750 and the GT’s by $37,750 if produced abroad. Local production in Virginia mitigates this risk, ensuring competitive pricing and faster delivery.

Market Challenges and Skepticism

RBW’s EVs target a luxury niche, competing with boutique manufacturers and conversion specialists rather than mainstream brands. However, their 150-mile range lags behind competitors like the Tesla モデル3, which offers over 300 miles for half the price. Enthusiast forums, such as Classic Motorsports, have expressed skepticism about the value proposition, citing the high cost and limited production volume. RBW’s planned unveiling of new vehicle lines in Fall 2025, as mentioned in Electrek, may address these concerns by introducing models with enhanced performance.

The company’s reliance on exclusivity—capping US deliveries at 100 units in 2025—could limit market penetration. While this scarcity may appeal to collectors, it risks alienating broader EV enthusiasts seeking practical, high-range options. RBW’s success will hinge on brand recognition and the appeal of its British heritage in a market saturated with domestic and Asian EV brands.

EVXL’s Take

RBW EV Cars’ Virginia facility is a bold step for a boutique automaker, blending craftsmanship with innovative EV technology. The integration of Spirit EV’s scalable platform positions RBW as a potential industry disruptor, offering solutions that could reshape how small-scale manufacturers approach electrification. However, the company’s high prices and modest range may struggle to resonate in a US market prioritizing affordability and practicality. While Danville’s economic boost is undeniable, the project’s reliance on public funds warrants scrutiny. EVXL sees RBW’s niche appeal as a double-edged sword: it caters to a dedicated audience but must evolve to compete with mainstream EVs. The Fall 2025 product unveilings will be critical in determining whether RBW can balance heritage with innovation to carve out a sustainable US presence.