Meet the 2CEV by The2CVShop
I’ve been eagerly anticipating this moment for years, ever since I first laid eyes on this beauty at a classic car show at the NEC in Birmingham. Today, we’re looking at a classic Citroen 2CV that has been ingeniously converted to electric. Some purists might cringe at the thought of transforming a beloved classic into an electric vehicle, but if it makes this icon a practical daily driver, isn’t it worth considering? Imagine the joy of commuting in this gem amidst a sea of mundane SUVs!
A Brief History of the 2CV
The Citroen 2CV, affectionately known as the “Deux Chevaux,” is a legend. Developed during World War II and hidden from the Nazis, it finally went into production in the late 1940s. This car was manufactured for an astounding 40 years, virtually unchanged. It’s adored in rural France for its practicality and cherished in urban areas for its quirky, charismatic style.
Now, it’s been reborn as the 2CEV, combining nostalgic appeal with the benefits of electric power. This transformation has been masterfully executed by The2CVShop in the UK using a conversion kit from Mehari Club Cassis in France.
The Conversion Process
The conversion kit includes a 10 kWh battery and an electric motor, seamlessly integrated into the original 2CV framework. The battery resides in the boot, while the motor replaces the traditional engine under the bonnet. Remarkably, the converted vehicle weighs only 30 kg more than the original, bringing its total curb weight to 620 kg. This minimal weight increase ensures that the 2CV’s driving dynamics remain largely unchanged.
Performance and Range
The electric motor delivers power equivalent to the original 602cc air-cooled petrol engine, but with a slightly quicker acceleration to 40 mph. The top speed is around 58-60 mph, making it adequate for urban and suburban driving. The 2CEV boasts a range of 68 miles on a full charge, proven in real-world tests. The team at The2CVShop even managed 75 miles driving it around London, demonstrating that this range is perfectly usable for city dwellers.
Driving Experience
What’s it like to drive the 2CEV? Apart from the socket on the rear driver’s side fender and the charge indicator, there’s little to visually indicate that this is an electric vehicle. The familiar quirks of the 2CV are preserved.
The car retains its original gearbox, though in the reviewed model, the clutch was disconnected, leaving the pedal flat on the floor to prevent test drivers from constantly trying to change gears. It’s essentially a single-ratio gearbox, making it as easy to drive as an automatic—ideal for urban commuting.
The 2CEV feels a bit quicker off the line compared to the conventional 2CV. The electric motor provides instant torque, unlike the traditional engine, which struggles to build up power. However, once you’re on the move, you quickly remember that the steering is unassisted, requiring some effort, and the braking is distinctly old-school, requiring you to plan your moves carefully.
Despite this, driving the 2CEV on a tight, twisty city course was an absolute blast (watch the video above). The car pitches, rolls, and leans heavily, yet it’s all part of the fun. You can push it to its limits, get the tyres to squeal, and still not break any speed limits. It’s a hilariously good time, maintaining the joy and character of the original 2CV.
Practical and Fun
The all-around visibility is fantastic, the ride is soft and comfortable, and the usual considerations like ergonomics, refinement, and gadgets are irrelevant here. This car is all about basic, fun motoring, now infused with 21st-century electric power, essentially future-proofing the 2CV. You can easily imagine these cars being enjoyed for another 40 years!
it more than makes up for it with its sheer fun factor and unique charm. Why be bland when you can be bonkers?
Economics and Availability
The 2CEV offers zero-emission motoring, making it compliant with low- and zero-emission zones in major cities. If you can charge it at home and your daily commute is under 70 miles, it will prove very economical.
The cost of a turnkey electric 2CV from The2CVShop is about £35,000. Alternatively, you can bring your own 2CV for conversion at just under £17,000. Even if you buy a 2CV for £10,000, the total cost of conversion is around £27,000.
While the 2CEV might lack the creature comforts and safety features of modern electric cars, it more than makes up for it with its sheer fun factor and unique charm. Why be bland when you can be bonkers?
Brown Car Guy 
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