Real Road Test: Cassis eDen - Not a Mehari, but sort of. And electric!

I get behind the wheel of a brand new Cassis eDen, which is a new-build Citroen Mehari clone but with one big difference - electric power!
This video is sponsored by Lancaster Insurance: www.lancasteri... or call 01480 587035 for a quote. Use promo code DISC15 for £15 off!
Visit hubnut.org for lovely merchandise including brand new 2CV hoodies!
Mehari Club Cassis is a 2CV specialist based in the South of France. They have been rebuilding Meharis (in particular) for many years. Now, they are trying to build a brand new car, the eDen, using quadricycle rules. That means a maximum of 15kw from the motor, and a 50mph top speed. I got to drive it on a horribly wet day in Wiltshire, as it was on loan to 2CV Shop - Mehari Club Cassis's UK agent.
The retail price is £26,650 inc VAT. Find out more about the eDen at eden-cassis.co.uk

[@jeg1972]

This is why I love HubNut... Unloved Skodas, Invacars, Knackered old 90s Mazda's and weird electric remade French classics. There is nowhere else you'd get this! On TV all you get is "Look at the absolute muscle of this Lamborghini"... Which simply does nothing for me I'm afraid.

[@niallsommerville9941]

@morbeus Morbeus replace all football pundit shows with HubNut video's and I might actually watch some tv.

[@MrDutchino]

Zactly my thought too

[@MrButtonpresser]

Whiplash seats, door gaps a small dog could get through and range anxiety, it's a HubNut classic!

[@klwthe3rd]

"Oh dear! There we go" as us people hit the floor full speed. Lol. I get more entertainment value out of ONE Hubnut video than 10 other channels combined. 😁

[@rich_edwards79]

I like the idea of being able to buy a brand-new 'retro' car, especially an electric one, but not at that price and with such a lack of creature comforts that it makes stuff from 50 years ago look luxurious in comparison. As you say, a battery-powered golf-buggy would probably be great fun for hooning around the Riviera, but for the four or five days a year you'd be able to use it without the weather gear in the UK, it would be a pain to live with the rest of the time. A hard top with solid doors would address some, but not all, of its shortcomings in countries with inclement climates. There's a very good reason that you don't see many Mini Mokes or Jeep Wranglers in this country! For that reason, the conversion kit for a standard 2CV seems to offer much more promise but even then, batteries are expensive and even a decent used 2CV doesn't come cheap now. Sadly there doesn't seem to be a simple solution to the issue of how to create an electric 'People's Car' and democratise the EV so that everyone can drive one. I do suspect that the future of EVs lies in very lightweight, GRP or plastic bodied vehicles to offset the weight of the batteries and motor. Maybe something like GM's Ultralite project from the early 90s (used as the police cars in Demolition Man, they had a tiny engine with a range of 90+mpg) but with electric traction. I would still love to do something like a Reliant three-wheeler conversion after seeing a couple on YT, but first they have to crack on-street charging for people like me without driveways (adding charge points to lighting columns seems to offer the best promise, but in a high-crime society like the UK, vandalism will always be a stumbling block).

[@Witheredgoogie]

Might be useful to the keepers if you were a prisoner trapped in a strange village. with a vastly inflated guard dog...but not much else.

[@edgarbeat275]

Ha Hahaha. 20K is just a number.

[@SharkoonBln]

I am not a number! I am a free man! For those who are wondering what all this nonsense is about: It´s about "The prisoner", british SciFi-series from the 60´s

[@mogmason6920]

Be Seeing You! 👌🏻

[@edgarbeat275]

@@SharkoonBln I may be 35 years old but The Prisoner is one of my all time fave TV shows 😊. New Musik's: From the village is a little nod to The Prisoner. A beutifull early 80s synth track.

[@edgarbeat275]

Enter Rover. Arrrrrgggghhhh.

[@k1ckyscotland988]

Did you not feel that you'd been swallowed by Kermit?.

[@smithp573]

Never mind the Mehari. I spy a Panda 4x4. Much love!!!!

[@BlueXonar]

I think anyone who would buy one for £26,000 should be sectioned.

[@HubNut]

People spend a lot more on much worse...

[@ChorltonM21]

It's absurdly overpriced. Looks like a bad 1980s kit car.

[@ChorltonM21]

@@HubNut Could you give me an example please?

[@colinjohnston8519]

@@ChorltonM21 oh give it a rest mate, it looks like a Citroen mehari, which last time I checked wasn't a kit car. If it's not for you then don't worry about it. Why do you need an example? So that you can argue? Grow up.

[@360nastybusiness]

@@HubNut no.that is one waste of money.

[@jeremytoms5163]

These will really come into play when they can make them a damn site cheaper. Just think how convenient an electric vehicle could be for disabled people. Think how easy it would be to convert to hand control as opposed to a petrol vehicle. They will come but only when they design them from the ground up as opposed to converting existing models.

[@johncollymore1697]

+Jeremy - well said, agree. And a nice ride is required (like a 2CV...!)… I much enjoyed HubNut's patter, commentary and enthusiasm for electric vehicles, and vehicles like this Mehari - "Ah! Going for range anxiety! ...down to ten percent - nine... my foot's to the floor right now, because I want to get there quickly before the battery runs out! Love it - great stuff! Cheers.

[@MrWilfAdventures]

"I shall give you a slightly different view, because from this one you can see the flapping bonnet..." - I think you'll find after millions spent on development of their sports golf kart that this is part of the "active aero" kit.

[@chrisryan3770]

I’m not suggesting the car Gods are questioning HubNut but the advert preceding this video was a wonderful short film about classic Ford Escorts for Adrian Flux insurance 😂😂

[@niallsommerville9941]

I think I heard that indicator relay in Scotland. Loving the comedy cardboard rear seat backrest / loadbed thingy, ever so slightly Blue Peterish.

[@andypsunshineisle5655]

An interesting run around the fine english countryside. I can see some of the 6 weekers who have second homes where i live having one sat in the garage on an optimate all winter and then getting stuck on the beach every summer weekend as only 2WD. I wonder how that would have accellerated using the gears if that is possible ? The phrase "Zero emissions at point of use " always makes me smile.

[@ProjektAgnetha]

That is one very cool car. Especially the flappy bits.

[@555RavenCrow]

"I'm driving faster, because I want to get there before the battery runs out." - The Petrolhead Fallacy

[@benvenis9758]

Now this I would like..... but not for that price.....

[@carlbarton772]

15% it will be fine... 14% mmmmm love the calm my friend.

[@ChorltonM21]

This costs the same as a 2018 Nissan Leaf which is infinitely better value for money.

[@vxrbandit2527]

Exactly 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@johnpriceuk]

this is infinitely cooler, and that's coming from a BIG Nissan fan

[@d2factotum]

And it has worse performance than a Renault Twizy, which costs a fraction of the price...

[@RobinTheMini]

A Nissan what?? Oh come on... lack of taste!

[@d2factotum]

Not sure you can really argue about taste in a video that's talking about a bright green plastic car with doors that don't shut properly. :-)

[@Grant0610]

Electric classics are a fantastic idea! The FIAT 500 electric you drove before was awesome!

[@tbrasc0]

I really love the idea of classics being restomodded into electric vehicles, sure right now the technology is immature with issues around cost, range and performance but give it 10 years I imagine this will be a different story.

[@MrKeyboardCommando]

Well, I think this is a great piece of kit. These days driving is very boring, and anything that livens it up, and provides a bit of fun, is more than welcome.👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@amojak]

the standard side impact kidney remover handle :D

[@richardcallison1637]

Like a french Moke! Never knew such a thing even existed but I can’t help myself.......I like it. Not sure I could drive it in daylight though😂

[@davidmackenzie1952]

Not really a big fan of electric, but I must admit that one looks like fun !.

[@jonathanmagness1231]

This is one cool car and I can see you owning one of these

[@HenrikScheel_]

It is a transport to/from the beach which it is perfect for.

[@bentullett6068]

Wow that is quite literally green. One thing I wish they could do if electric cars and classic cars become the norm is add a sound unit to emit a recorded engine sounds. Inside and outside. I do model trains and you can purchase the digital control trains with the sound of the real locomotive engine fitted that actually match the engine sound speed when the power is increased.

[@darrenwilson8042]

already I like the video - that silver Panda in the car park in front of you !! Great stuff.

[@nigelh4617]

How much? For an umbrella and a hi-viz vest? (thinks...) ...sign me up!

[@ifga16]

In the States, that would be a golf cart. If it had more range.

[@jurivlk5433]

A 4seater golf cart costs around 15'000€ and has a range of 50 km. Max. speed is 25 km/h or 15 mph.

[@smoothmicra]

Somebody made a road legal golf buggy with no heater, no radio, a puny range and appalling build quality, and decided to charge £26K for it. Hilarious! 😂

[@Rafabenitez01]

Lacern golf buggy is just as quick , has a radio and air con !

[@1066gaz]

Im rather envious of those loud indicators,as you cannot hear mine on my astra haha.

[@ruairiobradaigh9810]

Love it when can I get one Absolutely bonkers thanks Ian

[@CauliflowerMcPugg]

Different indeed, very interesting and does look fun to hoon about in. Price is a bit up there. Thanks for the close up wiper action 👍

[@markallison5899]

That car would be amazing on the Côte d’Azur with the roof down rather than in Wiltshire in March.

[@rjwilkinson8151]

Hey Hub Nut my dad is a big fan and I'm just coming along to say hi

[@HubNut]

Hello!

[@andrepost7571]

I use a Mehari for the last 20 years on a daily basis. It is used mainly in the Netherlands, maybe a bit better weather then in the UK?

[@imnotamechanic3491]

I think its a shame they don't do this in a UK spec, maybe if they upped the power to whatever the 2CV kit will be offering (you mentioned it was restricted, so I guess it would be an easy change) and put it through an IVA to qualify it as a car, then you get more power, combine it with an optional battery expansion and you have speed and range, some king of removable hardtop/doors and the whole things starts to become slightly more plausible for someone considering an electric car. At the moment its pretty much on a plain with a Twizy (also great fun to drive if you get a chance), but with 2 extra seats which few people use, so the extra £20k would be hard to justify, but making those changes would give it some much needed practicality (because I think people would want to use it when they got it, as being electric its so cheap to drive), and people who like things a bit different could probably justify the lower level of comoft for the extra character against something like a Zoe.

[@ianhill20101]

Done 20miles over the bwlch mountains today on an electric dirt bike got lots of attention.

[@rydermike33]

Phew! 8% battery charge... glad you got back to base ok. Interesting and colourful little car. An e2CV would be worth seeing.

[@MillerCorner]

I absolutely ADORE it! But I absolutely object to pay even a quarter the asking price

[@RWBHere]

You can buy a full-on electric car, which performs much better in almost every way, for that price.

[@robinwells8879]

With peak torque being at 0 rpm I would think that 4th gear might be best for most cruising situations. However I don't think that your Captain Hooner driving style entirely lends itself to monster mile-ing electric vehicles! Great vid and a great fun car. Thanks.

[@anthony342]

THE geezer that came up with this must be lighting his cigars with 50 pound notes

[@robc5955]

Well not my cup of Darjeeling but I can see the potential, a lovely 2cv with conversion would be great, the idea of taking older cars or classic designs and reinventing with electric is fantastic, I really want to have a go in an electric vehicle, I have been in a Tesla as a passenger and they are incredible but would love to try something for real. Ps thanks for being brave re lorries I once had to drive a few miles in limp mode (normal car) with impatient (understandably) truckers up my rear end not a great experience.

[@onesandzeroes]

If there's one thing I've learnt from these videos is that the weather in Wales in atrocious.

[@morrismckinnon6047]

I like that, looks tons of fun!

[@nickthomas181]

They used to sell these in the Hypermarket in La Napoule in the South Of France were I used to live for a month every year back in the eighties very popular back then.

[@edgarbeat275]

I can't believe I am going to say this. But I love the sound of it.

[@micheltebraake7915]

The Mehari is also a car on my list of cars that I want to drive one day. It is a pity that it can only drive with the separate rules.

[@WouterBregman]

I love watching Hub Nut videos on a daily basis and I adore all 2CVs and derivatives, but I truely hate all electric vehicles, especially classic electric cars. In this case I would have preferred a newly built Méhari with a proper flat twin engine and a proper engine noise, which will get you from A to B in a much better way. Nevertheless, keep up the excellent work Ian!!

[@benwithers9831]

What a wonderful little car. I want one!!!!

[@anthonyholland2669]

I like the colour , an interesting vehicle , ( I like the fiat panda cameo at the beginning too !)

[@kittyhawk9707]

that is not unlike your Fox... hmm an Electric Fox.. could be awesome delivery van

[@melb6528]

That's a thought, updated and light weight, bet the range would be good to!

[@qam2878]

I see a lot of people moaning about how it's a waste of money but I believe the word here is charm because that thing looks like it has by the bucket load

[@jacklee8168]

just spotted Citroen AX with hubnut sticker in back window

[@huntsbychainsaw5986]

A Citron Mehari is one of the cars on my wanted list. They were never offered in Canada and from the point I learned they existed I've always found them to be fascinating. I have very little interest in an electric model though, particularly at that price point.

[@lonniethompson6909]

an update to my last comment. there is a place on internet called " Bang Good" that advertise all sorts of stuff. and they advertise all sorts of tiny cameras among everything else. Cheers Ian. Thought that might be of help.

[@robenglish416]

Absolutely fabulous! Would love to see a test drive of the Renault Rodeo you found on the Classic car show!

[@pintmarten2403]

It's got my favourite seat belts, Securon ones!.

[@darrensmith6999]

Looks like one of those little buggy's they used on Space 1999 haha

[@chucku00]

You don't know the Poncin VP2000...

[@m80tmm]

I can’t get Austin Powers doing a 85 point turn in a tunnel out my head🤪

[@christopherhunter2892]

The Méhari is such a cool car. Mind you £26000 is a lot of money when you consider that good examples with the petrol engine are about €16000

[@a.seagull2191]

The jokes on you HubNut. April Fools day isn’t until tomorrow!

[@philipgahan9649]

that was hilarious! were their people diving into bushes to get out of the way :-) it looked like to were about to reach escape velocity :-)

[@RWBHere]

Thanks Ian.Great fun! Similar performance and range to a Twizy, but with more seats. and slightly better weather protection But that price is an absolute killer! I'd never heard of those French laws before. Shall have to read up about them. It certainly points to the reasons why the Twizy and maybe some of those other small French vehicles, exist.

[@byrontaylor9235]

That little mahari is a pretty nifty thing i love the color its a favorite of mine no not the skoda favorit "chuckles"

[@craigmclean8260]

Another interesting road test! Also of interest was to see another application of the Zero motorcycle motor...In my latest edition of EAA Sport Aviation magazine, there is a homebuilt ultralight, using a Zero motor--rated at 70 HP. With a 13 KW-hr battery, it can fly for about 45 minutes...good for hopping about your local airfield; not so much a cross-country machine...but an interesting/innovative application of this powerplant!

[@vxrbandit2527]

Surely this is all against Hub Nuts dreams. Only my opinion obviously.

[@heartland96a]

No demist= no heater either ,and with that limited range to start with this would be an in town short trip jumper. Hope they sell well in their area as it won't sell where heat and distance are more critical .

[@classicshit2]

Now that's so cool!!!! 😍 Might be in love!! Trying to wash my car and getting very distracted. 😂

[@sicks6six]

a cross between a 1970s bathroom and a milk float, very interesting for golfers.

[@stephenstokes8318]

That smell u spoke about was probably the biogas plant the big green domes on left hand side of the road

[@leerobinson8709]

£26000 for a car totally devoid of Safety, Speed, Range, Refinement, Style, limited practicality, limited use.... But it does have bags of character...

[@MarkGelderland]

Character; the typical 2cv sound is about 80% of the character...not anymore

[@carlyleroad]

I always coveted the idea of owning a Mehari and I'd happily blow £26K on one. I need to start ebaying things...

[@theophilusthistler5885]

LOL, if my '98 Daihatsu Sirion was a sewing machine housed in a coke can then the Cassis eDen is a leaf blower in discarded cardboard from an eBay package w/ it's plastic wrap still partially applied.

[@wpo2949]

Hello Mr Seabrook. I've Just been watching your 'who am I video' as I didn't quite manage to get to catch up with you at the Prac. Clac's. Resto. show last weekend. To cut a long story short I've got a big thing for Rover SD1's. I'd love to own one but 'as yet' I've got nowhere to store / work on one. I've watched a fair few of your KZbin Vid's and l think it's fair to say that there's definitely enough BL / Austin Rover interest and content to at least grant someone of your auto media stature 'a free blast' in someone's much prised Rover SD1 !. Anybody with a bit of 70's / 80's British auto knowledge would have worked out that even today these cars are still heaped in controversy and somebody of limited means trying to own one is taking a risk... but it also seems that the people who really know about them would seem to love them !... How about the idea of trying to create a fully electrically powered SD1. If you'd go for that I think I'd be happy to find you a free 'not to rusty' project car. Forget hyper tuned V8's & Twin Plenums Etc. It would be great to see you testing a worthy old 2600 Manual or even a 2.4 Diesel. Would love to know your thoughts on any of the above. Will P. :)

[@HubNut]

Thanks. Some SD1 content is very likely after the NEC. Nitrosilvia's turbo diesel restoration is very much on my radar.

[@wpo2949]

@@HubNut Very glad to hear that... it is a shame that I never actually got to catch up with you at the show. Nitrosilvia is very much on my radar too I've been watching his video's since the start of his TD Resto... Looking out for both of you ! Regards Will :)

[@brianfd622]

Needs a bigger motor, very interesting though, true HubNut style.

[@nwcitroen2222]

Nice to see an electric Mehari. Interestingly, rival Mehari parts companies have also developed electric Meharis- Mehari Loisirs has got the E-Story that ditches the original gearbox for a bespoke unit and, heresy, a transverse motor!

[@Cavalier_Steve]

Thanks for another great video Ian. Steve.

[@chrisyork3125]

That looks terrific fun! (but not in Britain......) Even for pootling around on the Riviera, that range looks a bit compromising, though....... Despite the price, a true HubNut vehicle!

[@geertvanpee9935]

I understand the need for electric cars and it's really a good idea in my opinion to convert classic cars into electric. But, it's a pitty you are not supposed to drive in first and second gear in case of this one, because the noises of those gears are very typical for a 2CV and so you could experience the typical noises a bit more, even in an electric version.

[@petehiggins33]

I like the way the wipers just don't bother with the passenger side.

[@riccardoscavo8485]

For a corrugated rattle tin box on wheels electric car it doesn't half make a lot of noise aaah said! Don't ever change Elly. She's just fine the way she is, full of character, like twki. Hope you are enjoying a shake rattle and roll in this Maharaji thing. Always entertaining as ever.

[@dannyhtheretrogamingmaster9548]

I've often thought about putting an electric conversion in an old car (like a Metro, Fiesta or Nova) together to see if it is possible on a small budget but unfortunately time and money have been my enemies... Nice little car but £26000 is a lot of money - I could buy a pretty much new Golf GTE for that...

[@b.2221]

It may be a bit expensive for what it is, but the brakes, and the indicator sound are awesome. I would say that this is a Hubmobil .You look at home in one of these Sir 👍 Tam.

[@blobby273]

I like the term 0 emissions at point of use , which of course means its carbon footprint is at its maximum when its at rest . (charging )

[@HubNut]

Depends entirely on how green your electricity is.

[@andrewskinner5860]

Engine lol it still sounds like elly great vid iain cheers

[@kevanparker908]

When electric vehicle subsidies kick in the Mehari, could become a regular car in the South of France and the Spanish holiday resorts, after all the original Mehari's are still kicking about in warmer clime's

[@Zadster]

It should be called an eMoke. At 60km/h, James May would be shouting BUFFETING!!!!! £26K would buy 26 interesting cars! Or 26 REALLY interesting cars and some money to fix them.

[@Bananassking]

Totally insane!!

[@twocvbloke]

eDen? Why not eHari? :P I still see electric cars as "toys", that range anxiety thing is just a mood killer when you just want to have a bit of fun, but I'd probably take a petrol generator with me anyway, just to be annoying... :P

[@cardude5323]

2020 sees a who new generation of EVs capable of 300-400 miles and 5-10 mins charging. But this is nuts, 26 grand for what??? A chassis and a tent.

[@656hookemhorns]

@@cardude5323 maybe 2120, but 2020 won't have any of that.

[@cardude5323]

@@656hookemhorns the new Hyundai and kias have 300 mile ranges. The new rivian has 400+ And BP have just launched a load of 100kw charge points in the uk for 15 Minute charging. But on the continent they have 150kw. Which is even faster. So maybe not 2120 lol.

[@dtuk22]

I like it. This vechicle has all the best design features of most other new cars of 2019..........................2019bc

[@jurivlk5433]

Great car! They should have installed HUB motors on each wheel and make a 4x4 out of it. Would have been a very good all terrain vehicle, like the original military versions. You forgot to tell that the Méhari Club are still producing the gas version. And that it was build to be parachuted into the desert from a cargo plane. A 2 CV that can fly!

[@earnestbunbury2103]

All it needs is an awning and Patrick McGoohan driving it

[@stevie007]

Electric Hub Nut !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do not think so !!!!!!!!!!! Let's get back to the old Hub Nut who we loved and repaired old genuine cars. Only my opinion obviously

[@stevie007]

Here Here ✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔👌👌👌👌👌👌

[@vxrbandit2527]

@@stevie007 I agree👍👍👍

[@HubNut]

Sorry folks, but I like electric videos. Rule number one of my videos is they must be about cars I like. I'm not one for chasing views.

[@johnkrols7974]

Amazing the airbags don't deploy with all the rattling going on.

[@ukbeeps]

Your not going to miss that one.

[@sooty655]

Might have been better if they'd asked a Welsh firm to do the weather gear ~ the South of France doesn't really have the experience. I like the "zero emissions at point of use". Doesn't really mean much if you get your charging electricity from a lignite-fuelled power station.

[@Mariazellerbahn]

It's the type of car that wouldn't look wrong with a pair of windmill turbines attached to trickle charge the batteries.

[@harpsi8]

Enjoyed the ride. Ian. In Los Angeles I see charging stations frequently I may get an electric smart car as my next car. It's the only one they sell new now in LA.USA. not much mantannce to do on electrics. So much simpler a design. Very few computer chips I hope. On smarts you get amazing turning radius on u turns. All the best Ian. Rich and cats enjoying your videos from LA.USA.

[@HubNut]

Electric cars do have a fair degree of computer technology I'm afraid, as do any modern cars.