ÆMotion
Tesla’s Cybertruck might be grabbing attention worldwide, but it’s not officially homologated for Europe—and even if it were, its oversized footprint would make it impractical for many of the continent’s narrower roads. That’s where a French startup named ÆMotion steps in, offering an EV that’s not only a fraction of the size but also manages to channel some of the Cybertruck’s sharp-edged styling, minus the bulk.
The new vehicle is something of a cross between a Renault Twizy and a motorcycle. It rides on four wheels like the Twizy (which Renault discontinued in 2023), but it’s much slimmer—just 790 mm (31 inches) wide, making it about 300 mm (12 inches) narrower. Instead of a steering wheel, it uses handlebars, and it leans into corners like a motorcycle. Think ultra-narrow quadricycle with sci-fi flair.
Its name—ÆMotion—feels like it could have come straight from Elon Musk’s notebook, with that stylized ligature “Æ” evoking a techy, almost mythic vibe. Historically, “Æ” was a mashup of the Latin letters a and e, and over time became a standalone letter in several European languages.
Despite its compact footprint, the ÆMotion vehicle comes with a full enclosed body, complete with scissor doors, a roof, seatbelts, and proper crash structures at both ends. There’s seating for two in tandem—driver up front, passenger right behind—and the company claims the stability of four wheels makes it significantly safer than a motorcycle. That said, it’s curious that the lower half of the rider’s legs is left exposed by open gaps in the bodywork.
When cornering, the vehicle can lean up to 35 degrees, giving it a dynamic ride feel. Its top speed is 72 mph (115 km/h), but it’s clearly designed for urban life, where it can weave through city traffic in spaces even a Twizy can’t reach. The standard battery delivers up to 124 miles (200 km) of range, while a lighter, swappable battery limits range to 44 miles (70 km) but offers quick exchangeability.
Although the ÆMotion might resemble a motorcycle or one of those quirky quadricycles that European teens can drive, it actually requires a full car license (Permis B in France). There’s no official price yet, but according to NewAtlas, the company plans to offer the vehicle for €200 (around $231) per month to start—a price that might feel steep given its micro-scale, but one that aligns with the growing demand for compact, city-friendly EVs.
