RBW EV Cars, the United Kingdom’s only manufacturer of hand-built electric sports cars, is making a significant investment in the United States by establishing a manufacturing facility in Danville and Pittsylvania County. The $8 million project is expected to create 144 jobs, although the specific roles have yet to be determined. This move marks the company’s first manufacturing facility in the U.S., adding to its existing operations in Europe, Asia, and Bermuda.
Founded in 2017, RBW specializes in creating electric systems that can be applied to classic cars. Currently employing around 50 people, the company is expanding its production to include left-hand drive electric classic sports cars for the U.S. market. The Roadster and GT models, with starting prices of $139,000 and $151,000 respectively, made their debut at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance car show in California.
The decision to locate the new facility in Pittsylvania County highlights the region’s appeal for high-tech manufacturing and electric vehicle production. The Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill, one of the largest in the Southeast United States, has been a contender for EV-related projects in recent years. The region’s strong workforce and suitability for EV manufacturing make it an attractive choice for companies like RBW.
Mayor Alonzo Jones of Danville expressed excitement about the economic development opportunities brought by RBW’s investment in the region. The shift towards high-tech manufacturing represents a significant departure from the area’s traditional reliance on agriculture and textiles. With the potential for more EV-related projects in the future, Southern Virginia is poised for further growth and innovation.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership played a key role in securing the RBW project, working closely with local authorities and regional development organizations. Governor Glenn Youngkin approved a $500,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to support the initiative, recognizing the importance of companies like RBW in driving cutting-edge industry and job creation in the state.
Overall, RBW EV Cars‘ expansion into the U.S. market signifies a significant milestone for the company and the region. With a focus on producing electric classic sports cars tailored for American consumers, RBW’s investment in Danville and Pittsylvania County underscores the area’s potential for growth in the EV manufacturing sector. As the project progresses, it is expected to bring new opportunities and economic benefits to the region, further solidifying Southern Virginia’s position as a hub for innovative and sustainable industries.