UK-based niche electric vehicles (EV) manufacturer RBW EV Cars has commenced the construction of its manufacturing facility in Danville, Virginia in the US.
This development marks a significant expansion of the British specialist electric vehicle maker’s operations into the North American market.
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Expected to create 144 jobs, the $8m facility is set to produce the company’s first left-hand drive electric Roadster and GT models specifically for the US market.
Situated within the Cane Creek Centre industrial park, the 29,000ft2 facility will serve as a hub for RBW’s assembly operations, as well as the sales and marketing departments.
The plant will also house Spirit EV, RBW’s proprietary electric vehicle platform, which supports scalable electrification solutions for both automakers and specialist vehicle builders.
The Danville plant will also be the base for Spirit EV’s research and design, engineering, and proprietary EV build programme teams, the company said.
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By GlobalDataRBW EV Cars CEO Peter Swain said: “RBW EV Cars has dedicated nearly a decade to developing bespoke electric vehicles that honor classic British design while delivering cutting-edge electrification.
“From the beginning of its operation, the company has been focused on bringing a global EV platform to market that could transcend how automakers design and engineer their own platforms. This is where Spirit EV comes in. We will now have R&D facilities in both the UK and US.”
RBW’s focus will initially be on manufacturing the Roadster and GT models, with plans to introduce new product developments and future vehicle lines by fall 2025.
US operations director Peyton Sellers said: “Creating a workforce for RBW EV Cars and Spirit EV here in Danville is our top priority. Breaking ground and preparing the city for its first major automotive player is exciting.
“We are not only generating jobs, but we are also creating a new automotive hub for the industry to lean in on. The proprietary EV platform Spirit EV has developed allows an automaker to literally plug and play, saving them millions in R&D.”
Construction is being carried out in partnership with American contractors and local stakeholders.
Once operational, the Danville facility is expected to complement RBW’s existing operations in the UK.
