Citroën Revives the 2CV as an Affordable Electric Concept Aimed at 2028 Production

Citroën presented a 2CV Concept at the Paris Motor Show that previews a modern electric version of the classic model. The company said a production car derived from the concept is expected by the end of 2028, with a target starting price of around €15,000, or roughly £13,000.

The concept measures 3.76 meters in length, slightly shorter than the original 2CV that entered production in 1948 and continued until 1990. Citroën is targeting a kerb weight under one tonne so that a relatively small battery can deliver a practical urban range at lower cost. The design retains familiar cues, including the high roof, rounded body, and distinctive lighting, while adding a roll-back roof and simplified interior details.

Chief executive Xavier Chardon said the original 2CV became an icon because of what it allowed people to do rather than because of the features it carried. The new project aims to recreate that spirit of simple, affordable mobility. The concept includes practical touches such as a detachable radio that can be taken outside the car and storage space that nods to the original model’s famous ability to carry eggs.

The production version is intended to sit between the tiny Ami quadricycle and the larger ë-C3 in Citroën’s range. It would be built in Europe to meet proposed rules for a new category of affordable small electric cars. Battery capacity, exact range, and motor output have not been released because the vehicle remains a concept. Engineers have indicated that the range should be comparable to the distance the original 2CV could travel on a full tank, and that top speed will be sufficient for motorway use.

The return of the 2CV follows Renault’s successful revival of the 5 and 4 as electric models. Citroën is betting that nostalgia combined with a low price and simple specification can attract buyers who have been reluctant to adopt larger or more expensive electric cars. French incentives and a social-leasing scheme have already boosted sales of small electric models.

Whether the production car reaches the target price and weight will depend on battery costs, regulatory finalization of the new small-car category, and manufacturing decisions still to be confirmed. The concept shown in Paris is the clearest public signal yet that Citroën intends to bring the 2CV name back to the market in electric form within two years.