Electric Méhari Eden
Welcome aboard your 100% electric Méhari Eden! Please take a moment to read this guide so you can enjoy your ride around the peninsula safely and to the fullest.
Video tutorials
1. How to start the vehicle
- Make sure the vehicle is unplugged and the charging port is closed.
- Insert the key under the steering wheel on the left, grooves facing down, and turn the ignition a quarter turn to the right.
- Nothing will happen right away — that's completely normal. You need to wait 10 seconds for the electronics to become operational.
- The green "Neutral" light comes on the dashboard (the engine is on but completely silent) — you are in neutral.
- This vehicle has an automatic gearbox, so there is no clutch and therefore no engine braking (this is an electric vehicle). You must brake before releasing the handbrake.
- Release the handbrake (located under the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel — it looks like a cane). Press the button then push the handbrake forward.
- To select forward gear (AV - blue light), with your foot on the brake, push the wooden gear knob lever forward. Once the blue light comes on, simply release the brake and accelerate (the Méhari will not move without accelerating).
- To engage reverse, once stopped, pull the lever toward you once (toward the rear of the vehicle) — you are now in Neutral (green) — then repeat the same motion to select reverse (AR - orange light).
- Gently release the brake and accelerate progressively. Enjoy your ride!
2. Range
The real-world range is about 85 km on a full charge, depending on your driving style. Plan for 75 km maximum during your rental to avoid running out of charge.
Your driving area is restricted to the town of Lège Cap Ferret only.
If a breakdown occurs because you did not monitor the battery percentage, towing will be charged at €200.
3. Weather covers
To enjoy the sunshine, you can remove or roll up the side and rear covers:
- Gently unhook the lower elastics. For the rear cover, you'll find a zipper on the top part as well as on the sides. Start with that one.
- Next, to remove the side covers, do the same: open the zippers as well as the velcro fasteners attached to the roll bar.
- Roll the plastic covers up carefully (do not fold them, to avoid creasing the soft windows).
- The top canopy must always remain in place.
4. How to charge the vehicle
- Always turn off the ignition (key to OFF) and remove the key first.
- Open the charging port located at the rear right of the vehicle (a small button must be pressed under the flap).
- Take out the charging cable and plug it into the car first.
Be careful to align the marks on the fixed socket with the cable plug (you'll see an open lock symbol facing it). Once the plug is fully inserted, turn it to the left so it lines up and locks into the "locked" position. - Then plug the other end into a 220V wall outlet capable of delivering 3kW (3000W) — the equivalent of a household deep fryer. A charging indicator light comes on to confirm charging has started.
- A full charge takes about 3 hours.
5. Driving Tips & Safety
- Pedestrian safety: Since the vehicle is completely silent, be extra vigilant in town and in beach parking areas. Use the horn sparingly if needed.
- Locking trunk: A locking trunk at the rear is provided for your valuables. Be sure to lock it again after use.
- Glove compartment: It also locks.
- Safety vest and warning triangle: They are located under the front hood.
- Braking: The vehicle has very light regenerative engine braking. The brakes use period-correct technology (unassisted — your right calf will be in charge of slowing the Méhari down). Stay alert and keep your distance.
Need assistance?
A question about how something works, or something unexpected on the road? Our assistance line is available at any time.
call Call Damien