Citroën's €15k Electric 2CV Concept Is a Nostalgia Play for 2028
Citroën just did something clever: it wrapped a modern EV in the most nostalgic sheet metal Europe knows. The legendary 2CV — the everyman's car that put rural France on wheels — is back as an electric concept, and Citroën says it wants it on the road by 2028 for around €15,000. That price, if real, would make it one of the most affordable EVs on the market. The concept was shown ahead of the Paris Motor Show, and it's not just a design exercise. It's a signal that Citroën is serious about budget electric mobility.
What Citroën Actually Showed
The concept retains the 2CV's general silhouette but modernizes it: a taller, boxier front hood, lower wheel arches, roll-down windows, and no rear fender skirts. It's four inches shorter than the original, and Citroën is targeting a weight of around 1,000kg — lighter than a Mazda MX-5. The giant fabric roof that rolls all the way open survives, as does the tiny footprint. The interior is spartan and open, with a small tablet-like screen on the steering column, a wide driver display, and a removable radio/speaker module on the passenger side. There's even a basket in the middle referencing the original's famous 'basket of eggs' design brief, plus door pockets with cutouts for a half-dozen eggs. The vibrant colors and hanging lights are concept-only flourishes, but the spirit is intact.
Why This Matters Beyond Nostalgia
The original 2CV was the French answer to the Volkswagen Beetle: an affordable, comfortable, underpowered workhorse that sold millions over a 42-year run ending in 1990. It wasn't fast — power ranged from 9 to 29hp — but it was practical and beloved. A modern electric version at €15,000 would sit below most new EVs on price, potentially opening electric driving to buyers who've been priced out. It would slot between the 8hp Ami and 113hp C3 in Citroën's lineup, so expect modest power. Battery specs are unknown, but similar small urban EVs tend to have ~30kWh batteries and ~250km of range. The low wheel arches suggest a city-focused design rather than the original's rural off-road capability. If Citroën can keep costs down by minimizing custom parts, it could have an instant classic on its hands.
The Road to 2028
Citroën says it intends to have the electric 2CV for sale and on the road in 2028. That's an ambitious timeline, and production versions typically tone down concept-car extremes. The fewer custom parts Citroën needs, the more it can keep the price near €15,000 — which is the true essence of the Deux Chevaux. The big open questions are battery size and range. The original was meant for rural trips with four people and luggage, but today a tiny EV like this is more likely a city car. If Citroën goes urban, it could follow the ~30kWh, ~250km formula. If it tries to honor the original's rural utility, it'll need a bigger battery and a higher price. Either way, the concept is a bet that affordable, charming EVs can still win hearts in Europe and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- Citroën unveiled an electric 2CV concept ahead of the Paris Motor Show, targeting a 2028 launch at around €15,000.
- The concept keeps the original's tiny size, fabric roof, and lightweight design — around 1,000kg, lighter than a Mazda MX-5.
- It will slot between the 8hp Ami and 113hp C3, so expect modest power and likely a small battery for city driving.
- If the €15,000 price holds, it could be one of the most affordable EVs on the market and a gateway to electric driving.
- Production versions will likely tone down concept flourishes, but the core nostalgia and budget ethos should survive.
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