A team of former Apple and Audi designers has unveiled the Amble One, a lightweight, street-legal electric buggy starting at $25,000. Targeted at luxury resorts, private estates, and coastal paths, the vehicle blends Cupertino minimalism with German automotive engineering. Founded in Lisbon, startup Amble aims to create a new category of short-range electric mobility that is both premium and purposeful.
Design directly inspired by NASA's lunar rover
Lead designer Julian Hoenig, who worked on the canceled Apple Car project and previously at Audi, says the Amble One draws heavily from the Lunar Roving Vehicle used in Apollo missions. He chose to leave the electric platform exposed, like a "skateboard" with toppings added. The result features a visible chassis, a flat windshield inspired by the Mercedes G-Wagon, and orange screws marking every removable component. Materials include aluminum, leather, cotton, and cork, emphasizing sustainable luxury.
Sponsored Protocol
Technical specifications and L7e homologation
Weighing under 450 kilograms, the Amble One qualifies for the European L7e category, allowing road use without being classified as a car. It offers a range of over 60 miles, a top speed of 40 mph, and a full charge in five hours from a standard home socket. The lack of doors is not just aesthetic but helps meet the weight target, a significant engineering challenge. Compared to microcars like the Citroën Ami, the Amble One delivers higher performance and build quality.
Pre-orders and luxury market strategy
Amble has already secured over 500 vehicle commitments from clients including Amangiri in Utah, Mustique Island, and Six Senses Les Bordes. First hospitality deliveries begin in mid-2027, with consumer pre-orders opening in 2028 for Europe and the US. CEO Adrien Roose, co-founder of Cowboy e-bikes, emphasizes that the company will build a premium brand before expanding into urban markets. A second platform, the Amble Two, will arrive in 2029 with removable doors and a hardtop, targeting families looking to replace their second car.
Sponsored Protocol
The Apple heritage is evident not only in design but philosophy: choose the right material for the job and let manufacturing drive form. Hoenig confirms that nothing from Project Titan made it into the Amble One, but the "unapologetic" approach remains. Priced below many used electric cars, the Amble One could be the first step in replacing a family's second gasoline vehicle. For more on Apple's influence in automotive design, see our article on Apple Raises Mac and iPad Prices. Learn more about the Lunar Roving Vehicle on Wikipedia.
