Citroën has unveiled a stripped-down electric 2 CV concept with a target starting price of €15000, aiming to reclaim a place in the European city-car market. The design studio in Paris drew on the 1948 original, giving the concept mechanical door handles and exposed bumpers alongside a classic profile that sets it apart from the tech-heavy, oversized EVs crowding the market.
At 3.76 meters long and just one tonne, the concept is 200 kg lighter than the lightest Renault Twingo. Citroën is banking on this lean approach to avoid the battery bloat and weight creep that have become standard in the segment. The ribbed bonnet and roll-up canvas roof recall the original, as does the missing third side window. L’Argus reports that, although the car remains a concept, Citroën is mapping out a production version for around 2028, focused on affordable city driving. After discontinuing the C1 in 2022, Citroën had effectively left the A-segment; the new 2 CV is designed to reclaim this niche in the European market.
Step inside and the retro streak continues. The pared-back dashboard features a head-up display borrowed from the C3 Aircross and a speedometer inspired by Citroën’s archives. The gear lever pushes forward to select a gear, as on the old model. Designers have added playful touches: a turtle on the brake pedal and a hare on the accelerator. A picnic basket doubles as the center console. Even the “Radioën” sound system can be popped out and carried to a picnic spot.
Citroën’s engineers have not forgotten the original 2 CV’s legendary egg test: crossing a ploughed field with eggs on board without breaking them. The glovebox now includes a dedicated egg holder, a nod to the car’s rural roots. Stellantis says the concept uses flat panels and straight air intakes below the windshield, with modular bumpers to keep repairs simple and production costs down.
Technical specifications remain tightly held. Citroën plans to keep the car small and light, with a battery likely to be around 30 kWh for a real-world range near 250 km. The company has set a €15000 starting price, before any government incentives, and intends to build the car in Europe to keep costs in check. L’Argus reports that the concept is being developed with future European E-Car/M1E regulations in mind, which are expected to simplify the creation of compact, more affordable electric vehicles. Citroën has not disclosed official battery capacity or motor power; its WLTP range is also unknown, and figures circulating remain unconfirmed estimates.
Citroën has long resisted the retro revival trend. With the 2 CV concept, the company is charting its own course for budget EVs. Michelin is on board for the retro-styled tires and customizable steel wheels. Stellantis says the goal is a modern take on the original’s basic values, simplicity and practicality, rather than a carbon copy, with a price tag that opens the door for more drivers.
Chinese EVs have been shaking up the European market, forcing legacy brands to rethink their playbook. Citroën’s answer is a lighter, simpler car, without the emphasis on size or flash. The current Citroën ë-C3, one of the cheapest electric city cars in France, starts at €20,390. The 2 CV’s €15000 target marks a sharp move toward true entry-level pricing.
