Citroen is bringing one of its most recognizable automotive icons into the electric era with the new 2 CV Concept, a compact electric car that combines classic styling with a modern approach to affordable mobility. Unveiled at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, the concept previews a potential production model expected to join the Citroen lineup by 2028.
Inspired by the original Citroen 2 CV, the new concept focuses on simplicity, practicality and affordability rather than adding unnecessary weight, complexity and expensive technology. With a targeted starting price of around €15,000, European production and a length of just 3.76 meters, it aims to make electric driving accessible to a broader audience.
The proposed model would sit between the Citroen Ami and the Citroen e-C3, potentially opening a new chapter for small, affordable electric cars in Europe.
Citroen 2 CV Concept: A New Approach to Affordable Electric Cars
First introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1948, the original Citroen 2 CV became an automotive icon by providing affordable transportation to a wide range of customers. Its success was built on a simple formula: a practical design, accessible pricing and the freedom to travel without unnecessary complications.
The 2 CV Concept seeks to bring those same principles into the electric vehicle market. Rather than recreating the original car in every detail, Citroen has reinterpreted its philosophy for modern drivers who need an efficient, compact and affordable vehicle for everyday journeys.
The concept arrives at a time when many new electric vehicles are becoming larger, heavier and more expensive. Citroen’s alternative emphasizes lightweight construction, practical features and a battery sized around everyday driving requirements.
According to the company’s plans, the vehicle is being developed with the emerging European E-Car category in mind. Its positioning would offer an alternative for buyers who want something more substantial than the two-seat Ami but do not need a larger electric hatchback or SUV.
Citroen CEO Xavier Chardon says the goal is to preserve the simplicity, accessibility and freedom associated with the original 2 CV while making electric mobility more appealing to today’s customers.
€15,000 Target Price Could Make the 2 CV Concept More Accessible
One of the most important details surrounding the Citroen 2 CV Concept is its targeted starting price of approximately €15,000. If that target carries over to a production vehicle, it could place the model among the more accessible options in Europe’s new electric car market.
Citroen also intends to manufacture the vehicle in Europe, although the company has not yet confirmed the production location or finalized specifications.
Keeping the vehicle small and lightweight is central to the concept. At 3.76 meters long, the 2 CV Concept is even shorter than the original 2 CV, making it suitable for crowded urban streets and tight parking spaces.
The concept also targets a weight of around one tonne. Lower weight can help reduce energy consumption, allowing a vehicle to use a smaller battery without compromising its suitability for everyday trips.
A smaller battery could also help control manufacturing costs, potentially supporting the model’s affordability goals. However, Citroen has not announced the battery capacity, driving range, charging performance or other production specifications.
The emphasis is on providing enough capability for routine journeys rather than building a small electric car around a large, expensive battery designed for occasional long-distance trips.
Retro Styling With Modern Citroen Design
The exterior of the 2 CV Concept takes inspiration from the original car’s distinctive proportions while introducing sharper details and contemporary lighting.
Its rounded bodywork, upright windshield and curved roofline recall the classic 2 CV, but the overall design has a more modern appearance. Citroen has also retained several recognizable elements while adapting them to current manufacturing and aerodynamic requirements.
At the front, round headlights sit apart from the bodywork, accompanied by an expressive LED lighting signature and a sculpted hood. Exposed windshield wipers and integrated air intakes add functional details to the design.
The sides feature rounded fenders, contoured door handles and pronounced body surfaces. The concept rides on 18-inch steel wheels inspired by the original 2 CV, with yellow accents adding contrast to the light gray finish.
At the rear, the roofline flows into a distinctive black tailgate that extends toward the bumper, echoing a feature of the early 2 CV. LED taillights, horizontal detailing and short overhangs complete the design.
Citroen has also introduced a bright Infra Red exterior color with orange, yellow and red tones. The result is a playful design that draws on the heritage of the original model without simply copying its appearance.
A Practical Interior Designed Around Simplicity
Inside, the Citroen 2 CV Concept follows the same philosophy as its exterior. Instead of a conventional dashboard packed with controls, the cabin prioritizes space, comfort and straightforward operation.
The interior features wide seats incorporating Citroen Advanced Comfort technology, recessed door panels and an open layout intended to make the cabin feel more spacious. A pull-out front seat is also part of the concept, allowing occupants to relax during a break.
Practical storage solutions replace some of the traditional interior components. A removable basket takes the place of a conventional center console, while soft strap-style door handles contribute to the minimalist design.
The steering wheel and controls are arranged around a cylindrical structure rather than a traditional dashboard. Driver information is presented through Citroen Smart Vision, while an eight-inch square touchscreen uses graphics inspired by comic books.
Another unusual feature is Radioen, a detachable radio that doubles as a portable speaker. It is designed to accompany occupants outside the car as well as inside it.
A fabric sunroof adds natural light to the cabin, reinforcing the concept’s emphasis on openness and comfort. Yellow tartan seat upholstery, beige accents and textured materials bring color and character to the interior.
Citroen’s approach suggests that affordable electric cars do not necessarily have to feel basic. Instead, thoughtful design and practical features could provide a distinctive experience without relying on expensive equipment.
Clever Details Pay Tribute to the Original 2 CV
The concept includes numerous references to the original car, linking its historic identity with its modern electric interpretation.
Numbers displayed on the windshield refer to three important dates: 1948, when the original 2 CV was introduced; 1990, when production ended; and 2026, when the new concept was unveiled.
Other details include heart-shaped stickers, a distinctive horn and an electric motor start-up sound inspired by the classic model. The pedals feature a tortoise symbol for the brake and a rabbit for the accelerator, creating a playful reference to slowing down and speeding up.
The door storage compartments are designed to hold eggs, recalling the practical ingenuity associated with the original 2 CV’s development. The Michelin tires also feature an exclusive chevron-inspired pattern, while the number plate references the various nicknames given to the 2 CV in different countries.
These details are more than styling exercises. They reinforce Citroen’s intention to make the new model recognizable and personable while adapting the original’s ideas to contemporary transportation.
Michelin Technology Adds Another Layer of Innovation
Citroen is also highlighting its collaboration with Michelin, which has developed a technology described as a universal digital twin of the tire.
The system is intended to help the vehicle adapt its behavior to changing environmental conditions while continuously monitoring tire condition.
Although the concept highlights this technology as part of its wider innovation strategy, further details about its implementation in a potential production model have not been announced.
The feature illustrates how Citroen wants to combine a deliberately simple vehicle concept with modern technology that serves a practical purpose.
When Will the Citroen 2 CV Electric Go on Sale?
Citroen has indicated that a future model inspired by the 2 CV Concept could join its lineup by 2028. However, the vehicle unveiled at the 2026 Paris Motor Show remains a concept, and its final production design and technical specifications have not been confirmed.
The targeted €15,000 starting price is also a development objective rather than a confirmed retail price. Battery size, driving range, charging speeds, power output and the availability of different versions remain unknown.
These details will be essential in determining how the production vehicle compares with other affordable electric cars available in Europe.
If Citroen can deliver on its ambitions for price, weight and everyday usability, the model could appeal to urban drivers, first-time EV buyers and households looking for a relatively affordable second car.
Citroen 2 CV Concept Could Bring Small Electric Cars Back Into Focus
The Citroen 2 CV Concept represents a different approach to the future of electric mobility. Instead of pursuing greater size, power and complexity, it focuses on the qualities that made the original 2 CV successful: affordability, practicality, simplicity and character.
Its compact dimensions, targeted €15,000 price and planned European production could make it an interesting addition to the affordable EV market if those goals are achieved in the production version.
For now, the concept provides an early look at Citroen’s vision for a new generation of small electric cars. With a potential market launch by 2028, the next challenge will be turning its distinctive design and ambitious pricing target into a production vehicle that meets the needs of everyday drivers.
The original 2 CV helped make personal mobility accessible to millions of people. Citroen now wants to bring that same spirit to electric driving, proving that the future of EVs does not necessarily have to be bigger, heavier or more expensive.
