--- title: "Russia Has a New EV Prototype and Yes, It Really Looks Like This" date: "2023-12-20" modified: "2023-12-20" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/russia-has-a-new-ev-prototype-and-yes-it-really-looks-like-this" categories: - "News" --- # Russia Has a New EV Prototype and Yes, It Really Looks Like This ![]() *Moscow Polytechnic University* This odd Russian electric vehicle prototype has been popping up all over [Reddit]() and [X](), and it's apparently called the "Amber." According to [*The* *Autopian*,]() the tragic-looking machine is a product of Moscow Polytechnic University, which is attempting to build an EV for the Russian market. I guess you can say they succeeded, if only because [the blob]() made it past the render stage and actually exists in the metal. I have to ask, though: Why does it look like that? Absolutely nothing about its design makes sense. Why is it so freakishly tall, with a floor that starts above the wheels and a massive step between the door and the ground? Why does it have a gaping port in the front right fender? It looks like those holes armored trucks have for drivers to shoot out of in a robbery attempt. There's another hole further back but it looks like it has a gas cap in it. A charging port, perhaps? The windshield, A-pillar, B-pillar, and side mirrors look like they were plucked from another car. Meanwhile, the back of the car looks like a panel van, and its two circular headlights give off the vibe that it's surprised to even exist. I feel like if you listen closely, you'll hear it whisper, "Kill me now." ![]() **Moscow Polytechnic University** According to *World News Today*, the Amber is said to be an in-house Russian vehicle, with as few parts from the outside world as possible. All the outsourced components are likely from China. Considering the sanctions placed on Russia, that seems more like a necessity than an ambitious goal. That means the electric motor, batteries, and everything in between are probably Russian-sourced and Avtotor, the Russian automotive company said to be manufacturing it, claims the Amber will go into production in 2025. There's little else known about the Amber aside from the fact that it looks like it fell into the same vat of acid as the Joker but somehow came out worse looking. We don't know what sort of battery pack it has, though it seems like a big one considering its ride height and what appears to be a battery tray at the bottom. We also don't know what sort of electric motors it will have, how many axles it will drive, or how much power it will make. Though judging by its haphazard design, I'm not expecting much. I love ugly-fun cars, like the [Fiat Multipla]() and the[ Nissan S-Cargo](), because they're so strange they become charming and have character. But I just feel bad for this thing. Unsurprisingly, [Ukrainian media ]()is having quite a laugh about the Amber. There's still a part of me that's sad it will probably never come stateside, though, because I kinda *need* to drive it now. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()