E-Mehari reveals Citroen's EV future

Citroen has previewed a modern take on the 2CV-based Mehari classic from the 1960s, but with all-electric power.

Slated to go on-sale in Europe in 2016, the E-Mehari has been billed as an "image accelerator" by Citroen's product planning head Xavier Peugeot.

The E-Mehari's upright design and (thermo-formed) plastic bodywork echo the original Mehari's and adds a raised platform that enables all-terrain use, as per the original. The body is said to be corrosion free, while the paintwork has 'the elasticity to withstand minor impacts'.

It is powered by a 30kWh lithium metal polymer battery pack (by French company Bolloré) and offers a top speed of 110km/h with a 200km city range. Recharging takes eight hours on a standard '16A' Euro domestic socket, or 13 hours on a 10A outlet.

The E-Mehari measures 3810mm long, 1650mm tall and 1870mm wide, and its roof can be folded away when not in use. Additionally the rear bench seat – which boosts seating to four – can be folded up to boost the cargo area.

Citroen has identified resort and hotel owners as 'ideal customers' as it offers guests a 'simple and fun' means of transportation. This echoes the original's purpose, which proved popular as a rental vehicle at resort hubs such as Hawaii.

More broadly, it is aimed at business and private customers who require a secondary vehicle.

Citroen will officially unveil the E-Mehari in Paris from December 9-11 at PSA Peugeot Citroen's French headquarters.

Expect the E-Mehari to go on-sale in France in the 2016 Euro spring, with rest-of-continent sales expected before 2016's end.