The Citroen 2CV is coming back – and this time it’s electric
A retro icon returns, with all-new tech
Like iconic gadgets, some cars stick around in our heads long after they’ve disappeared from shelves. Or garages.
The Citroen 2CV is one of them – and now it’s being lined up for a comeback, following the news that Citroen has green-lit a new electric concept, set to roll up at the Paris Motor Show in October.
The news (via Auto Express) comes at a time when small, affordable EVs (like the new Renault Twingo) are suddenly a big deal again. Prices have crept up, and there’s a growing gap at the lower end of the market – exactly the kind of space the original 2CV was built for.
That same thinking seems to be guiding this reboot. The new version is expected to be compact, simple, and relatively cheap, and would likely sit below Citroen’s C3 but above the tiny Ami. Underneath, it’ll likely use Stellantis’ low-cost smart car platform, which is already doing the rounds across entry-level models.
Design-wise, there’s little to go on, and it’s not clear whether the updated 2CV will be a carbon copy, or more of a subtle homage like the 2009 Revolte concept. But we’re looking forward to seeing the unveiling in October.
As for the competition, the Renault 5 has already shown how well a small, characterful EV can land if the price is right. Citroen looks like it wants a piece of that, but with even more focus on keeping costs down.
That push isn’t happening in isolation either. New EU rules are being shaped to encourage cheaper electric city cars built within Europe, targeting the sub-€25,000 space.
Don’t expect it in showrooms any time soon, mind. Production isn’t likely until closer to the end of the decade. But as far as small, fun, electric cars go, it’s a welcome step in the right direction.
Esat Dedezade
Contributor 
