F.A.Q
Frequently-asked
questions
1. Is EDEN the only current project of Méhari Electrique?
You may have heard about some other Méhari Electrique projects in the press or online over recent years. Looking beyond the publicity, it’s obvious that none of these projects are as mature as EDEN from the viewpoints of technical advancement and – notably – certification for on-the-road use (European directive 168/2013), and as regards embodiment of the Méhari tradition.
With EDEN, the 2CV MEHARI CLUB CASSIS is the only manufacturer able to offer an electrically-powered Méhari with Made-in-France Guarantee Certification. The vast majority of the parts (chassis, bodywork and numerous of the accessories) are strictly as per the original components. With our electric Méhari, you get the same quality and value as with our spare parts for our internal-combustion Méharis.
2. What are the advantages of EDEN's electric motor compared to an internal-combustion Méhari?
The loss of the sound of the twin-cylinder engine is made up for by an even-greater driving pleasure and the torque available as soon as the wheels start to turn. That makes EDEN really agile on certain upward and downward gradients on which you need to change into first gear with an internal-combustion Méhari.
Also, that “wind in the hair” sensation is further enhanced by the lack of noise and heat from the combustion engine (very nice during summer). Added to that is the greatly-reduced environmental impact in comparison with the original Méhari.
3. Is EDEN certified?
EDEN has successfully passed all the stages of its certification, which was a technical prerequisite to its being driven on the road. To obtain the certification, EDEN incorporates some improvements over the original Méhari: a reinforced fixed roll bar, 3-point seat belts, and more besides. Apart from the impact and safety tests, the certification also involves electromagnetic testing to ensure the reliability of the electric motorization in all circumstances.
These upgrades mean that EDEN is certified as an L7e-category vehicle (heavy quadricycle with electric motor under EC type-approval), according to European directive 168/2013. EDEN has been approved as a private and utility vehicle (two-seater and recoverable VAT). That certification allows the vehicle to be driven legally on any road in France and Europe except motorways and high-speed expressways.
Extensive driving testing was also conducted on multiple prototypes, to make EDEN perfectly reliable before its commercial roll-out, to be sure that the vehicle embodies the expertise for which 2CV MEHARI CLUB CASSIS has been known for many years.
4. What type of battery does EDEN have?
We chose lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo) technology for EDEN’s battery, which has the advantage of being standardized, well-known and ultra-reliable, having been adopted by many manufacturers worldwide. Important feature: EDEN incorporates an electrical cut-off system in the power connector, to protect users from exposure to an electric shock. Additionally, EDEN uses 48 V voltage, which is totally safe.
5. What's its range?
EDEN has an autonomy of 90 km under real conditions, and can go beyond that with smooth, and thereby energy-efficient, driving. Moreover, it is approved with an autonomy of 131 km(UNECE R40 test – the baseline for all L7e-category vehicles). Knowing that the average Méhari user only does a few dozen kilometers of mileage per day, so range is not a major factor for EDEN.
6. How long does the battery take to recharge?
6hrs for a full recharge using an ordinary 220 V power socket. In addition EDEN’s batteries have excellent charge retention in long storage conditions: 90% of the initial charge still available after 6 months without recharging!
7. Apart from looking great, does EDEN incorporate original parts?
With the exception of the safety components required for its certification (roll bars, seat belts, etc.), almost all the other parts are original and manufactured by the 2CV MEHARI CLUB CASSIS which, because of a partnership of more than 25 years with Citroën, is the only manufacturer worldwide of genuine original spare parts for 2CVs and Méharis. Thanks to the exclusive quality of its parts, EDEN obtained Made-in-France Guarantee Certification.
8. Does EDEN have a gearbox?
EDEN incorporates an original gearbox because we wanted to preserve both the soul of the original car and the manufacturer’s image of 2CV MEHARI CLUB CASSIS, which places importance on producing vehicles that remain faithful to the original design as much as possible.
Also, apart from the pleasure of enjoying the original gearbox lever, the fact of keeping the original gearbox enhances the car’s obstacle negotiation capability.
In practice, even though you can use every gear, with EDEN, you mainly use 2 gears only (apart from reverse) and, in traffic, you can stay in one gear alone without having to use the clutch. So, you get almost the same driving ease as with an automatic gearbox.
An EASY automatic box is also offered as an option, priced €990 VAT included. It lets you go forwards or reverse without de-clutching or changing gear. This EASY gearbox makes it much easier to learn to drive the vehicle, brings unequaled driving pleasure, and offers guaranteed low maintenance costs. Only the gear change lever has been kept for selecting forward or reverse, with an illuminating indicator that lights when you change into reverse.
9. Does EDEN qualify for an environmental bonus?
EDEN has been certificated for use as a private vehicle (“VP”) and as a utility vehicle (“VU”). Thanks to its ecologically-friendly electric technology, EDEN is eligible for the environmental bonus applicable to its L7e category of certification (European directive 168/2013) when registered as a private vehicle (“VP”).
In this category – heavy quadricycles with electric motor – the environmental bonus granted annually by the government is €900. That is separate from bonus applicable to private cars and light commercial vehicles.
Apart from the environmental bonus, EDEN can qualify for an additional conversion grant of up to €1,100 for private individuals and €100 for businesses (+ additional bonus of €1,000 in Low Emission Mobility Zones for private individuals and businesses).
EDEN also brings you the benefit of the many other advantages of an electric vehicle: free-of-charge registration certificate, exemption from tax on business vehicles (“TVTS”), free parking in many towns and cities, no traffic restrictions in any town or city center, etc. When registered as a utility vehicle, EDEN is eligible for VAT recovery under the conditions laid down by law.
10. How much do EDEN batteries cost?
EDEN is delivered with its batteries, and their cost is included in the base price at the time of purchase. So, after buying your EDEN, you won’t be having to pay any additional battery costs, unlike leasing contracts and other commercial packages under which you have to pay a monthly charge for battery rental. Those charges often amount to nearly €100 per month so, with EDEN, you’ll be enjoying average annual savings of about €1,200 – that’s around €6,000 after 5 years.
11. Is EDEN subject to a regular technical control like all thermal cars or almost all electric cars?
Technical inspection is compulsory for motorised quadricycles from 15 April 2024. Eden owners are therefore subject to technical inspection from this date.
The compulsory date of your 1st technical inspection varies according to the vehicle’s registration date:
- Vehicles registered in 2017, 2018 and 2019: The 1st technical inspection must be carried out in 2025. The inspection must be carried out no later than 4 months after the anniversary of the vehicle’s first registration, and no later than 31 December 2025.
- Vehicles registered in 2020 and 2021: The 1st technical inspection must be carried out in 2026. The inspection must be carried out no later than 4 months after the anniversary of the 1st registration, and no later than 31 December 2026.
- Vehicles registered in 2022 and later: The 1st technical inspection must be carried out during the 6 months prior to the 5th anniversary of the 1st registration.