Citroën Revives Iconic 2CV as Affordable Retro EV

Citroën has announced plans to reintroduce the iconic 2CV, nearly four decades after production of the original ceased. The revived model, set to launch in 2028, will be an electric vehicle with a projected starting price under £13,000 (€15,000), aiming to capture the spirit of affordable, accessible motoring that defined its predecessor.

The original 2CV, first launched in 1948, was conceived to provide farmers with a practical and economical mode of transport capable of traversing rough terrain. Its design brief emphasized affordability, exceptional fuel economy, and simplicity of maintenance. Prototypes developed in the late 1930s were hidden during World War II, delaying its public debut until after the war. Over its production run, which ended in 1990, more than 5.1 million units were sold worldwide, with related models pushing total production beyond nine million.

The new electric 2CV is envisioned as an "electric, minimalist, affordable, compact and ingenious" vehicle, designed to make everyday journeys enjoyable. A concept version revealed ahead of the Paris Motor Show showcased a design that pays homage to the original, featuring rounded styling and a minimalist interior. At 3.76 meters long, the concept is even shorter than the original, a deliberate choice to enhance agility and ease of parking.

Citroën appears to be drawing inspiration from competitors like Renault, which has found success with retro-inspired electric models. By leveraging its own heritage, the brand aims to differentiate itself in an increasingly competitive market. Xavier Chardon, Citroën's boss, stated that bringing back the 2CV is about reinventing its unique qualities: simplicity, accessibility, and the freedom it offered.

Technical details suggest the new 2CV will share components with a Fiat sister model to help achieve its low-price target. It is expected to qualify for Europe's proposed M1E Class category for electric vehicles under 4.2 meters, potentially benefiting from financial incentives. The projected driving range is around 150 miles. The vehicle is designed to be lightweight, tipping the scales at less than a ton, which will reduce battery demands and further control costs.

Visually, the concept strongly echoes the original 2CV. It features round, LED headlamps, bulbous wheel arches, and subtle bonnet creases reminiscent of the pre-war TVP design. The interior maintains a minimalist aesthetic, eschewing a conventional dashboard for a single-spoke steering wheel connected to a cylindrical housing with an eight-inch infotainment display. Practical considerations remain central, with easily removable bumpers and largely flat body panels intended to keep manufacturing and repair costs low. Thoughtful touches, such as a removable storage basket in place of a center console and fabric straps for door handles, further evoke the spirit of the original.

Citroën has incorporated several nods to the 2CV's heritage, including sound design inspired by the classic model and etched numbers on the windscreen commemorating key dates in its history. The company has stated the production version will remain faithful to the values that made the original a success, aiming to be a "more accessible, lighter and more essential electric car that puts freedom and pleasure back at the heart of mobility."