Citroën has confirmed the electric rebirth of its legendary 2CV, unveiling first images that promise a faithful yet modern homage. The prototype will be revealed at the Paris Motor Show and targets an affordable price for European drivers.
Citroën has finally shown the world its all-electric 2CV. The first official images are out. The car’s shape, wheel arches, and rear lights all echo the 1948 original. This isn’t just a nod to the past. It’s a clear signal: Citroën wants to bring back one of Europe’s most famous cars, now powered by electricity. The full prototype will be revealed at the Paris Motor Show in October.
Since September 30, Citroën has teased fans with daily glimpses of the new 2CV. Each photo has revealed more of the car’s old-school DNA. There are half-moon door handles, vintage wheels, and even a classic Michelin logo on the tires. But there’s a catch. Citroën says these details belong to the concept. The final production car could look different. It might not hit showrooms until 2028.
Production of the electric 2CV is planned for 2028 at the Pomigliano d’Arco plant in Italy, where the hybrid Fiat Panda is currently built.
One thing is clear. Citroën wants electric cars to be simple, practical, and affordable. The company says the new 2CV will carry the spirit of the original: easy to use, cheap to own, and clever in design. This new version is built for city life. It won’t chase high performance. According to independent industry publications, the 2CV is being developed as a pure battery electric vehicle. There are no plans for a petrol, mild hybrid, or plug-in hybrid version.
Price matters most. Citroën CEO Xavier Chardon has set a target: about 15,000 euros for the base model. That fits with Stellantis’s push for small, budget-friendly EVs in Europe. Compact electric cars have become more expensive. Technical and regulatory demands are to blame. The European Union’s new M1E category could help. It’s meant to relax some rules and lower prices. This could let the 2CV return as a true people’s car—now with zero emissions. But there’s a snag. Several sources point out that the M1E category isn’t official yet. It hasn’t been used in type certification. No one knows if it will really make a difference for the 2CV’s launch.
The 2CV’s comeback is part of a bigger plan. Stellantis is rolling out its E-Car program. The goal: affordable electric models for several brands. Fiat is next in line. Its own small EV will sit above the Topolino. This mirrors the cross-brand innovation seen in earlier car revolutions. The story is similar to the changes brought by the Fiat 600 Multipla, as covered in earlier reports on its impact on family cars.
Citroën has not yet disclosed key technical details such as battery capacity, driving range, or power output for the new 2CV. According to several independent reports, the main risk to achieving the promised sub-€15,000 price is the lack of confirmed specifications and the unknowns around safety and equipment compromises.
Citroën is keeping quiet about the technical side. There’s no word yet on platform, battery, or motor specs. The focus on cost and city driving points to a modest electric setup. Think Renault Twingo or the new Renault 5. Citroën is betting on nostalgia. Other retro EVs have sold well. Frandroid and other analysts say the 2CV is aimed at city drivers, not long-distance trips. The final price could change depending on taxes, options, and local incentives.
By sticking to the original’s look and feel, Citroën is making a statement. This isn’t just a retro project. It’s about the future of cheap, accessible cars in Europe. If the production model stays true to the prototype, the 2CV could once again stand for democratic motoring—this time, electric. The industry is watching. Can Citroën really deliver on its promise of simplicity and affordability? Time will tell.
