Enter the Moke California, a cheerful British fun-mobile now electrified for the West Coast. This is the “California Collection,” and proves that a big chunk of money can buy an electric vehicle with just as much charm as a classic used sedan. But you get 100 times the smiles.
Why the Moke California Stands Out
Underneath that unmistakable hood is a motor pushing 33 kilowatts, roughly 44 horsepower. That’s less than the cheapest Ford Fiesta, yet this little box on wheels reaches a top speed of 50 miles per hour. 
The limitations continue. The Moke California will carry you for about 54 miles before needing a recharge. Enough to reach the beach, realize you forgot sunscreen, and get halfway home. This is not a car — it’s a zero-emissions lifestyle accessory priced at $49,500.
The original Moke was conceived in the 1960s as a British military vehicle but quickly failed in combat for being too low to the ground. Its rejection became the world’s gain, evolving into a cult favorite across the Caribbean and French Riviera. Today, it navigates the streets of Beverly Hills instead of puddles in a war zone.
The design is simple: open-air, immersive, and gloriously exposed to the elements. No roof, minimal windows, and zero aerodynamic efficiency. The California launch features nostalgic colors like ‘Sonoma Red,’ ‘Laguna Blue,’ and ‘Venice White,’ embodying a perfect Californian summer afternoon — assuming there are no hills or long distances ahead.
Getting the Moke California street-legal required years of compliance with state regulations. Securing California Air Resources Board (CARB) approval allowed the company to bypass the 25 mph limitation on Low-Speed Vehicles, doubling the speed to 50 mph. This premium loophole lets buyers enjoy the fun without needing full Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards certification.
Over 70 percent of parts are sourced from Europe, and every vehicle is handcrafted in the UK. That attention to detail adds to the $49,500 price tag. You are buying heritage and British engineering, a small slice of tradition for the modern Californian adventurer.
Exclusivity is guaranteed. Only 325 units of the Moke California will be available in the US in 2026, creating a tight-knit club of owners. CEO Lorne Vary describes launching in California as a “true homecoming,” making the high price slightly easier to swallow. This state, with its love for sunshine and outdoor adventure, suits the open-top fun-mobile perfectly.
The target audience isn’t the commuter. It’s resort operators, coastal residents, and anyone who values style over mileage. It’s a visual statement, a retro lifestyle accessory, and an unmistakably happy ride within a 54-mile radius.
The Moke California is marvelous nonsense. Expensive, slow, and limited in range, yet endlessly charming. It’s the antithesis of soulless, long-range EVs, prioritizing open-air fun over speed. For beach house owners with extra cash and a dislike for helmets, it’s a perfect Pacific Coast Highway companion. Check the tide charts and charging stations before you go.
