Discover the Austin Arrow EV, a retro electric roadster that blends classic British style with modern tech, offering charm but modest performance.
Austin Arrow EV is a name that many car lovers in India and around the world have heard before. Known for classics like the Mini and the Austin Seven, this British brand was once a big part of motoring history. After disappearing from the market for decades, Austin is making a comeback with something very different. The company has revealed the Austin Arrow EV, a small electric roadster that mixes old-world style with modern electric power.
Austin Arrow EV: A Brand with a Long Story
The Austin Motor Company was founded way back in 1905 by Herbert Austin in Birmingham, England. Over the years, the company built cars that were loved for their simple design and everyday usability. Models like the Austin Seven became icons in the 1920s and 30s, and the brand even played a role in creating the legendary Mini. But by the late 1980s, Austin faded away as the British car industry went through mergers and closures. Most people thought the name would remain only in history books.
That changed when engineer and entrepreneur John Stubbs quietly bought the rights to the Austin name in 2015. By 2019, he had re-registered the company and started working on a plan to bring it back. The Arrow EV is the first car of this new chapter, and it shows that Austin wants to be different from the crowd.
A Car That Looks Like the Past
One glance at the Austin Arrow EV and you’ll understand what makes it special. This is not a typical modern EV with smooth panels and LED light bars. Instead, it looks like something from the early 20th century. The long bonnet, round cycle fenders, leather bonnet straps, and boat-tail rear give it the feel of a vintage race car. There’s no proper windshield, only small wind deflectors, and the two-seat cabin is completely open.
The design takes inspiration from the 1922 Austin Seven, a small car that became popular among racing enthusiasts and helped make motoring affordable for many. The Arrow’s body is hand-built, keeping it light and giving it a unique, bespoke appearance. In today’s world of heavy SUVs, this tiny roadster stands out like nothing else on the road.
Light Weight, Modest Power
Underneath the retro styling, the Arrow uses a simple electric setup. It has a 20-horsepower motor and a 20-kWh battery. Those numbers sound small compared to other EVs, but the car weighs only 605 kg (about 1,334 pounds). Because it’s so light, it can reach 60 mph in under eight seconds, even though that is also its top speed.
The battery gives a driving range of around 100 miles on a full charge, and it takes about three hours to recharge using a home wallbox. Clearly, this is not a car for long highway trips. It is designed for city drives, weekend outings, and short pleasure runs where the focus is on enjoying the experience rather than chasing speed.
Quadricycle Category in the UK
Interestingly, the Arrow is not even classed as a normal car in the UK. It falls under the quadricycle category, the same group as vehicles like the Citroën Ami. This allows Austin to avoid some of the strict safety rules that apply to full-size cars. The benefit is a lower weight and simpler construction, but it also means limited safety features. There are roll hoops but no airbags, and only small deflectors instead of a proper windshield.
Simple Cabin, Pure Driving
Inside, the Austin Arrow EV keeps things old-school. The dashboard and steering wheel are finished in wood, and the controls are limited to a few toggle switches and a three-gauge cluster. There are no big screens or complex menus. It’s a car made for people who enjoy driving for the sake of driving.
Price and Market Position
The Arrow starts at £31,000 (around $42,000). For this price, you could buy practical EVs like the Nissan Leaf or Fiat 500e, which offer more space and technology. But the Austin Arrow EV is not trying to compete with them on features. It is a niche product aimed at enthusiasts who value style, history, and a unique driving experience. Buyers can choose from a few body colours and leather trims, and while it is currently right-hand drive for the UK, Austin has hinted at plans for left-hand-drive versions for markets like the US.
A Different Kind of Revival
The Austin Arrow EV is not for everyone, and that’s exactly what makes it interesting. It’s a small, lightweight electric roadster that brings back the spirit of early motoring in a modern package. In a world full of tech-heavy SUVs and high-speed EVs, the Arrow reminds us that driving can still be about fun, simplicity, and character.
Whether Austin can turn this revival into a lasting success remains to be seen. But for now, the Austin Arrow EV shows that there is still room in the electric era for a car with a big heart and a proud history.
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