Here’s Why The 2CV ‘Eive’ Electric Van Is A Masterclass In Lightweight Simplicity

The iconic Citroën 2CV, affectionately nicknamed the Fourgonnette, was born in the turbulent pre-war era with a bold vision: to create a utilitarian, accessible, and undeniably quirky vehicle. This wasn’t just a car; it was a symbol of resilience, practicality, and charm that captured the hearts of millions, traversing rough terrain and carrying baskets of eggs without a crack.

From its corrugated sheet metal nicknamed the tin snail to its legendary suspension, the 2CV became a beloved workhorse for farmers, tradesmen, and families alike. Its enduring legacy continues in the Eive, a modern electric interpretation that captures the essence of its forebear while embracing the future of electric mobility.

The Eive prioritizes city-friendliness over raw power, offering ample torque for navigating urban streets and tackling inclines. Comfort shines through, with the legendary suspension smoothing out rough roads and ensuring a stress-free ride. Charging replicates the familiar experience of powering your phone, with both household plugs and public charging options available. But the Eive is more than just another EV. It’s a meticulously crafted, bespoke vehicle that prioritizes individuality and user customization.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Eive and other reliable sources.

The Enduring Legacy Of The 2CV Van

Before delving into the exciting realm of the electric 2CV “Eive” van, it’s worth stepping back and appreciating the rich history of its iconic forebear, the Citroën 2CV Van, also affectionately known as the “Fourgonnette.” Born in the turbulent pre-war era of the 1930s, the 2CV Van emerged from a bold vision: to create a vehicle that was as utilitarian as it was accessible, as capable as it was quirky.

A Car For The People

Citroën’s then-president, Pierre-Jules Boulanger, envisioned a car for the everyday French worker, a farmer, or a tradesman. He famously challenged his designers to craft an umbrella on wheels, a vehicle that could traverse rough terrain, carry a basket of eggs without breaking a single one, and be affordable to the masses.

The resulting prototype, unveiled in 1939, was unlike anything the world had seen. Its corrugated sheet metal body, nicknamed “the tin snail,” housed a surprisingly spacious interior and an innovative suspension system that could absorb the bumps of rural roads with ease.

Wartime Hiatus And Post-War Triumph

World War II temporarily halted production, but the 2CV Van’s spirit of resilience shone through. The post-war years saw its official debut in 1948, and it quickly captured the hearts of the French public. Its fuel efficiency, practicality, and undeniable charm made it the perfect workhorse for bakers, builders, and families alike.

Over the next four decades, the 2CV Van saw numerous iterations, from the iconic canvas-topped Acadiane to the commercially successful Citroën 2CV AK400. It even found success beyond French borders, becoming a familiar sight on roads across Europe, and even in Africa and South America. Despite the arrival of more modern vans in the 1980s, the 2CV Van retained its cult following. Its unique character, rugged reliability, and ease of repair cemented its place as a beloved classic.

A Foundation For The Future

The legacy of the 2CV Van lives on in the Eive, a modern interpretation that captures the essence of its utilitarian simplicity while embracing the future of electric mobility. The Eive carries the torch of innovation, offering a sustainable and practical solution for urban delivery and transportation.

The Performance Is Centered Around Being City-Savvy

The 2CV Eive prioritizes practicality and city-friendliness over raw power. Its 88.51 pound-feet of torque provides ample pep for navigating urban streets and tackling mild inclines. While not designed for hauling tons of cargo over long distances, the Eive’s 771.618 pounds (350 kg) payload capacity, with the upgraded rear suspension, makes it adept at handling most everyday deliveries and errands.

Eive Electric 2CV Van Powertrain Specs

(Specs sourced from Eive)

The Eive’s focus on comfort shines through in its driving experience. The comfortable driving position and legendary suspension work together to smooth out even rough roads, offering a stress-free ride for both driver and cargo. While it won’t compete with speed demons, the Evie prioritizes a pleasant and practical driving experience within its intended urban domain.

“As Easy As Plugging In Your Mobile Phone”

The Eive’s charging system prioritizes simplicity and convenience, aiming to replicate the familiar experience of powering your phone.

Plugging In:

• Standard UK plug: The Eive comes equipped with a regular three-pin plug, allowing you to charge directly from any household socket.
• Public charging: For public stations, an optional Type 2 adapter provides compatibility with wider charging infrastructure.

Charging Times:

• Variable based on battery and charger: Time to reach 90-percent charge from 10-percent varies depending on your chosen battery size and charger option. The standard battery pack takes approximately 2.5 hours under these conditions.
• Overnight charging preferred: Taking advantage of lower off-peak electricity rates and longer charging durations, overnight charging is recommended for most users.

Charging Habits:

• EV vs. ICE mindsets: Unlike traditional fuel vehicles requiring dedicated trips to gas stations, electric vans like the Eive encourage opportunistic charging during downtime. Plug in whenever parked, maximizing charging opportunities throughout the day.
• Full Charges Encouraged: Unlike most modern EVs that recomm was wend 80-90% maximum charge to preserve battery health, the Eive’s battery chemistry allows and even encourages full 100-percent charges.

Public Charging:

• Adapter availability: While the standard Eive comes with a three-pin plug, an optional Type 2 adapter ensures compatibility with most public charging stations. To further simplify public charging, Eive recommends the Zap Map app, which locates and provides details on charging stations across the UK.

Overall, the Eive’s charging system prioritizes accessibility and ease of use, catering to both experienced EV drivers and those new to the world of electric mobility. Its focus on standard plugs, flexible charging options, and educational resources aims to demystify the charging process and encourage wider adoption of electric vans.

Custom-Built For You

The Eive, a reimagined electric version of the iconic Citroen 2CV, isn’t just another EV vying for space on the crowded roads. It’s a meticulously crafted, bespoke vehicle that prioritizes individuality and user customization. Unlike the mass-produced uniformity of many electric cars, Eive promises a unique driving experience tailored to your specific needs and desires.

Eive’s built-to-order philosophy permeates every aspect of the van. From the initial point of contact, you’re not merely selecting a pre-configured model from a brochure. You’re embarking on a collaborative journey with Eive’s team, shaping your ideal Eive brick by brick.

The Canvas Of Choice

The customization options begin with the fundamental layout. If you prefer the classic right-hand drive configuration of the 2CV, or the more modern convenience of left-hand drive. Perhaps you envision a completely open cargo space, devoid of side and rear windows, for maximum utility. Or maybe you crave the airy feel of letting the sunshine in with strategically placed windows. Eive empowers you to decide the very essence of your van’s form and function.

Beyond The Basics

But Eive’s bespoke spirit extends far beyond the practical. Stepping inside, you’re greeted by a blank canvas waiting to be adorned with your personal touch. Over 25 different seat materials offer a spectrum of textures and colors, allowing you to craft an interior that reflects your unique style. Imagine plush leather seats in a deep cognac hue for a touch of luxury, or vibrant patterned fabrics for a playful pop of personality.

A Splash Of Color

Eive doesn’t shy away from letting your personality shine through its exterior. Their in-house paint shop stands ready to transform your van into a rolling work of art. Whether you crave the timeless elegance of a classic British racing green, the head-turning vibrancy of a sunshine yellow, or the subtle sophistication of a metallic charcoal, Eive’s palette is your oyster.

More Than Meets The Eye

The customization journey doesn’t end with the visible. The Eive offers a plethora of optional extras to enhance both practicality and comfort. If you need to conquer long distances you can opt for the large-capacity battery for extended range. If you are worried about a flat tire in the middle of nowhere, a spare wheel with a bracket provides peace of mind. And if you appreciate the finer things, metallic paint, color-matched wheels, and chrome-accented headlights, Eive allows you to add a touch of elegance.

Beyond The Factory Gates

Eive’s commitment to customization extends beyond its own production facilities. If you’re the proud owner of a classic 2CV van, Evie offers a unique conversion program. Breathe new life into your beloved vehicle by transforming it into a zero-emissions powerhouse. Starting at a competitive £17,995, (around $22,846 based on current exchange rates) this program allows you to retain the charm of your 2CV while embracing the future of electric mobility.

Pricing and Availability

While the exact price of your bespoke Eive will depend on your chosen configuration, estimates start from £39,995 (around $50,785 based on current exchange rates). Before purchasing, you can go for a test drive with one of the prototypes.