Summary
Amble, a new company started by former designers from Audi and Apple, has introduced the One – a small, open-top electric car. This vehicle, officially certified as an L7e microcar, boasts a 15kW motor, can travel up to 62 miles on a single charge, and reaches a maximum speed of 40 mph. It’s expected to cost around £24,000 (about $32,000), with the first units going to luxury hotels and resorts in 2027 before becoming available to everyone else in 2028.
Portuguese startup Amble has introduced its first vehicle: an electric buggy called the Amble One. This small, lightweight off-roader – weighing under 450kg – is designed to shake up the microcar market. The idea came from Julian Hoenig, a designer who previously worked on the Audi R8 and Apple Watch, and Adrien Roose, co-founder of Cowboy. Initially planned as a high-end golf cart for resorts, it developed into a fully certified L7e quadricycle perfect for quick trips around town. Amble removed typical car features like doors and a closed cabin to help drivers feel more connected to the world around them.
The vehicle’s design draws heavily from the 1971 NASA lunar rover, combined with the rugged simplicity of a classic Series I Land Rover and the vintage appeal of a Ford Bronco. Its construction is intentionally raw, showcasing a skateboard-like base and an aluminum frame accented with large, orange screws that emphasize how easily it can be customized. The designers chose materials that will develop a rich patina over time, like a cork steering wheel, durable marine canvas, and leather seats, instead of showing wear and tear.
The buggy’s performance matches its fun, off-road spirit. It has a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 15kW electric motor, giving it a range of around 62 miles. Although regulations would allow for speeds up to 56 mph, the team limited it to 40 mph to maximize power at lower speeds. This lets the light vehicle climb steep hills – inclines of up to 25% – at a consistent 9 mph. You can fully charge the battery in about five and a half hours using a regular wall plug.
When it launches, this vehicle will come in three main versions to suit different needs. Customers can choose a standard four-seat setup, a pickup truck style with an open bed in the back instead of seats, or a cargo version with a secure storage compartment. This flexible design reflects a trend towards simpler, purpose-built vehicles – offering a practical option for everyday tasks and businesses like hotels or delivery services, without the size of a large SUV.
The Amble One will cost around £24,000 (about $32,000 USD) when it launches. The first vehicles will be delivered to high-end hotels and resorts, including locations like Amangiri in Utah and Mustique, starting in 2027. The general public can expect deliveries in 2028. And for drivers in colder weather, the company is already working on a second, more enclosed version of the vehicle.
2026-07-23 16:27