The rumors are over: Citroën has officially announced that it will unveil an electric successor to the 2CV at the Paris Motor Show in October. Unlike other retro-inspired electric models such as the Fiat 500, Mini Cooper, and Volkswagen ID. Buzz, the company promises that the new 2CV will remain an affordable and relatively lightweight car, just like the original. Citroën is not skipping any stage of its publicity campaign: The concept car will be revealed this year, the production model will arrive in 2027, and customers will be able to purchase it in 2028.
The original 2CV was produced in 3.8 million units between 1948 and 1990, although its development began in the mid-1930s and was suspended with the outbreak of World War II due to fears that the 200 prototypes already built would be captured and copied by the Nazis. The original design brief required the car to be affordable enough for farmers to buy and comfortable enough to cross a plowed field at 50 km/h without breaking eggs placed in a basket on the rear seat. The name “2CV” came from its original engine rating - “two horsepower” in French - which, combined with the car’s 600-kilogram weight, was enough to get it moving from place to place.
At the launch event for Stellantis’ brand strategy through 2030, Citroën CEO Xavier Chardon said: “Icons create emotion. Icons reconnect brands with people, and today one icon is about to return. In 1948, the 2CV gave mobility freedom to millions, and 80 years later the new 2CV will democratize electric mobility. A 100% electric car, made in Europe, with a starting price of less than €15,000. A true people’s car designed for real life.”
Citroën also revealed a vague teaser image showing that the basic design of the original model, including its flared wheel arches and distinctive high rear end shaped like a horseshoe, will be reflected in the all-new version. The tall roofline is expected to provide generous interior space in a vehicle that will likely remain under four meters long, as the original was, helping differentiate it from the new C3. Production will take place in Italy, at the same factory that manufactures the electric Fiat 500.
The price quoted by Chardon would make the car cheaper in Europe than the Leapmotor T03, which is sold in Israel for around NIS 90,000. As a result, there is a possibility that the new 2CV could also be priced below the gasoline-powered Kia Picanto in Israel - and under NIS 100,000. The electric Fiat 500 spent most of its time on the Israeli market with a starting price of around NIS 130,000, which ultimately led to the suspension of its imports. The 2CV, with five doors and a lower price, could prove more successful.