Apple and Audi alumni have made a luxe EV based on the moon buggy

In a week that has seen a surge of affordable electric vehicles (EVs), a new player has emerged from Europe, poised to redefine the concept of light mobility. Amble, founded by a team with impressive credentials from Audi and Ford, aims to launch its stylish and budget-friendly rides, starting with the Amble One, priced at $25,000. The design of the Amble One is notably influenced by its creators' previous experiences, including Julian Hoenig, who worked on the notoriously scrapped Apple car project. This connection lends the buggy an aesthetic reminiscent of Apple’s design philosophy, despite its roots in Lisbon, Portugal. The Amble One is engineered to navigate areas where conventional vehicles might struggle—think coastal paths and exclusive estates. Described by the company as a pioneering lightweight electric vehicle tailored for short-range travel, the Amble One boasts impressive specifications. It offers a range exceeding 60 miles and reaches a top speed of 40 mph. Charging is convenient as it can be completed in just five hours using a standard home outlet. Notably, its curb weight is under 450 kilograms (992 pounds), crucial for classifying it as an L7e vehicle in Europe, allowing it to legally operate on public roads without the regulations that govern traditional cars. CEO and co-founder Adrien Roose emphasizes the challenge of achieving this weight target, stating, "If you take a car and just shrink it, it doesn’t work." The Amble One’s unique open, doorless design not only sets it apart from other electric vehicles like the Moke but is also a strategic choice to keep the overall weight manageable.