2024 Arc Vector Founder’s Signature Edition First Look

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Arc’s new Founder’s Signature Edition Vector model will be limited to just two units. (Arc Vehicle Ltd./)

When Coventry-based high-end bespoke electric vehicle maker Arc declared it was going into administration back in 2019, a lot of us figured bankruptcy was right around the corner for the fledgling brand. After all, that seemed to be the path of many a new start-up in the wake of a brutal global pandemic, and the debut of the awesome Vector concept at EICMA in 2018 was not enough to dissuade our merry band of skeptics that hubris wouldn’t sink yet another electric bike firm.

But Arc soldiered on, and after getting a ride on the almost-ready-for-primetime Vector last year, we came to the conclusion that this convention-busting electric was for real. With its wild carbon monocoque housing a 399-volt permanent magnet motor and 16.8kWh battery, a dramatic hub-center steering arrangement, sci-fi-like styling, and a claimed range of 271 miles, the testbike pushed us to wonder if maybe the visionaries at Arc are onto something after all.

In fact, preorders for the Vector have generated so much interest Arc has seen fit to launch a limited-edition collector’s version of the bike that it’s calling the Arc Vector Founder’s Special Signature Edition. The Signature Edition will be limited to just two bikes and only available to North American customers.

The high-end electric features a frameless design with hub-center steering and loads of carbon fiber. (Arc Vehicle Ltd./)

The press release is fairly light on specifics, but it does mention that the special editions are designed by Arc founder and CEO Mark Truman, who has personally overseen their specification. (As a bit of background, Truman’s previous role was running Jaguar Land Rover’s skunkworks division).

The Signature Edition builds on the already technologically advanced and exotic Arc Vector with its premium componentry and cutting-edge architecture, so you’ll see that same frameless battery monocoque construction (the battery is the chassis) and unique front end suspension system. But the Signature bikes get carbon fiber galore, with a forged carbon fiber monocoque, body panels, and even wheels. Complementing all that dark fiber is rose gold paint detailing throughout (including the body panels and covers), as well as etched leather grips and a textured seat with black and copper stitching.

Blacked-out Öhlins suspension graces the front and rear and Mark Truman’s  signature scrawled in several areas betray the bike’s special edition status. These Vectors also utilize the CCS1 Combo charging socket, which gives the DC fast charging standard for North America. (There’s no word on whether the Signature Editions will also incorporate the firm’s haptic jacket to provide physical feedback to the rider along with a HUD helmet.)

Arc founder and CEO Mark Truman with the Signature Edition Vector. (Arc Vehicle Ltd./)

The ultra-luxury Signature Edition bikes also signal the brand’s entry into North America, and both machines are made to the highest levels of craftsmanship on the market, according to Arc, offering “a level of exclusivity…that makes it one of the most lusted-after EVs to ever enter production.”

About the Signature Editions, CEO Truman said: “We are thrilled to be launching in North America and so wanted to do something extraordinary to mark the occasion. In terms of specification, I really wanted to throw the kitchen sink at it and push the levels of personalization and create something truly bespoke.”

As with all of Arc’s models, these Vectors are also hand-built in the UK, with clients going through a full process with the company to tailor the Vector to their preferences.

The Signature Editions are available to purchase today, and although Arc is mum on the price tag, you can bet they’re well above the $114,000 MSRP of a base Vector. For more info, contact [email protected].

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