The world of electric vehicles is starting to feel… predictable. Every new EV seems to be another blob-shaped crossover, packed with oversized touchscreens and designed more for scrolling Instagram than spirited driving. Practical? Sure. Exciting? About as thrilling as yesterday’s leftovers.
But just when we thought electric cars had lost their soul, Austin Motor Company comes charging back with something wildly different — and gloriously silly. Meet the Austin Arrow, a retro-inspired electric car that looks like it rolled straight out of a black-and-white film, yet packs modern electric tech under its leather-strapped hood.
Austin Motor Company: A Return to Its Roots
If the name Austin sounds familiar, that’s because this legendary British automaker gave the world the original MINI, one of the most iconic small cars in history.
But Austin’s story goes back even further, to the early 1900s, when open-top roadsters were all the rage. The new Austin Arrow pays homage to those glory days, embracing a design language that combines Edwardian elegance with 21st-century sustainability.
This isn’t just an electric car. It’s a time machine, a rolling tribute to when driving was an adventure, not just a commute.
Design: A Moving Work of Art
One glance at the Arrow and you know this car wasn’t built for Costco runs or school drop-offs. Instead, it’s designed to delight and turn heads.
Key Retro Design Features:
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Cycle fenders that proudly leave the wheels exposed.
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Leather straps holding the hood in place, just like classic 1900s sports cars.
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A dramatic boat-tail rear end that screams vintage luxury.
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No roof, no doors, and absolutely no compromise on style.
It’s a car built for pure driving pleasure — an antidote to today’s sterile, appliance-like EVs. When you sit in the Arrow, you don’t just drive. You star in your own adventure film.
Performance: Small Numbers, Big Fun
Underneath that long, elegant hood, you won’t find a roaring gasoline engine. Instead, there’s a rear-mounted electric motor producing — wait for it — 20 horsepower.
Yes, just 20 hp. But before you laugh, consider this: the Austin Arrow weighs only 1,330 pounds (603 kg) — less than half the weight of a Mazda Miata.
That lightweight design means the Arrow can sprint from 0-60 mph in under 8 seconds, delivering thrills that rival classic sports cars of the past. With your seat just inches above the pavement and the wind in your face, even moderate speeds feel like an adrenaline rush.
Top Speed: 60 mph (96 km/h)
Battery Pack: 20 kWh
Range per Charge: 100 miles (160 km)
This isn’t a road trip vehicle — it’s a weekend toy, perfect for blasting down winding country roads with a stop at a cozy countryside pub.
Legal Loophole: The L7e Quadricycle
Here’s where things get clever. In Europe, the Arrow is classified as an L7e quadricycle, a category for ultra-lightweight vehicles.
Why does this matter?
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It bypasses strict crash-test regulations, allowing Austin to keep the car simple and lightweight.
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It keeps costs lower while preserving the raw, unfiltered driving experience.
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It makes the Arrow comparable to quirky city EVs like the Citroën Ami, but with far more style.
This legal workaround allows the Arrow to exist in a world dominated by massive, tech-heavy SUVs.
Price: Exclusivity Comes at a Cost
The Austin Arrow starts at $50,000 — a shocking figure when you consider its humble 20-horsepower output.
For that money, you could buy:
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A practical, modern EV like a Tesla Model 3.
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A secondhand Porsche Cayman and a high-end electric motorcycle.
But rationality has no place here. The person buying an Austin Arrow isn’t looking for practicality. They’re investing in rolling art, a statement piece, and a driving experience unlike anything else on the road.
It’s the kind of car that makes a Lamborghini look ordinary — because while supercars are about power, the Arrow is about pure joy.
Bad News for U.S. Buyers
Unfortunately, the Austin Arrow won’t be officially sold in the United States.
For now, it’s a European exclusive, meaning American enthusiasts will have to resort to “creative” import methods to get their hands on one.
But even if you never drive one, the Arrow serves as a reminder that EVs don’t have to be boring. They can be playful, artistic, and deeply personal.
Why the Austin Arrow Matters
In an era dominated by high-tech electric SUVs and hyper-efficient crossovers, the Austin Arrow dares to be different. It’s not about speed, range, or practicality. It’s about emotion, heritage, and the sheer thrill of driving.
Key Takeaways:
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Retro design inspired by early 1900s roadsters.
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Lightweight build delivers pure driving fun.
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100-mile range — perfect for weekend escapes.
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Represents a bold alternative to soulless modern EVs.
Conclusion
The Austin Arrow is more than just a quirky electric car. It’s a rolling piece of art that celebrates the romance of motoring while embracing a cleaner, greener future.
In a world of silent, cookie-cutter EVs, the Arrow is a breath of fresh air — a reminder that the joy of driving still exists.
It’s proof that the future of electric vehicles doesn’t have to be boring. Sometimes, it can be gloriously silly — and that’s exactly what makes it special.