The Paris Motor Show this year became the stage for a surprising revival: Citroën unveiled a brand-new electric interpretation of its legendary 2CV. Nicknamed “La Deuche” for generations, the original post-war workhorse reappears as a compact, ultra-affordable electric city car that aims to cost roughly €15,000 and enter showrooms in 2028. The concept is meant to sit between the ultra-mini Ami and the mainstream C3, offering a fresh answer to urban mobility while keeping the spirit of the historic model alive.
Design and dimensions pay homage to the original
Visually, the new 2CV retains the rounded silhouette, high roof and quirky headlights that made the 1948 model instantly recognizable. Yet the proportions are tighter: the concept measures about 147.6 inches (3.7 m) in length, a few inches shorter than the 151.2-inch original, and the target curb weight is around 2,200 lb (1,000 kg). Citroën deliberately kept the footprint small to preserve the “light, playful” character beloved by city drivers and to simplify parking in dense European streets. The vehicle’s flat panels, detachable bumpers and minimal air intakes echo the original’s utilitarian ethos while allowing cheaper, faster production.
Electric drivetrain and cost-saving strategy
Under the hood sits a modest electric drivetrain designed for everyday city ranges rather than high-speed thrills. Because the car is lightweight, it does not require a massive battery pack; a modest-capacity pack is expected to deliver sufficient mileage for typical urban commutes while keeping the purchase price low. Citroën is also collaborating with Michelin on a “digital tire twin” that continuously monitors tyre health and adapts vehicle dynamics to road conditions, a feature that adds safety without inflating costs. The partnership illustrates how the brand blends retro simplicity with modern electrification technology.
Interior: a blend of nostalgia and minimalist tech
The cabin abandons the over-screened trend of many contemporary EVs. Seats upholstered in a modern take on the classic checkered pattern sit on an “Advanced Comfort” platform, and a fabric folding roof nods to the original’s canvas top. The dashboard is stripped down to a cylindrical control hub that houses the steering wheel, shift paddles and a “Smart Vision” head-up display projecting essential data into the driver’s line of sight. An 8-inch square touchscreen, styled with comic-book-inspired graphics, handles infotainment, while a detachable “Radioën” speaker can be taken out of the car, echoing the 2CV’s reputation for cheerful practicality.
Market positioning, pricing and production outlook
Citroën plans to build the production version in Europe, targeting a launch price of about €15,000 (approximately $16,000). This price point places the new 2CV squarely between the 8-horsepower Ami and the 113-horsepower C3, offering a genuinely low-cost entry to electric mobility. By keeping dimensions compact and weight low, the manufacturer reduces both battery size and material costs, a strategy that mirrors the original’s mission to provide a cheap, robust vehicle for rural French farmers. If the price goal is met, the model could become the European counterpart to the VW Beetle’s recent retro resurgence, appealing to buyers who value heritage as much as sustainability.
While the concept is still a showcase, Citroën’s chief executive Xavier Chardon has described it as “a modern, ingenious and refreshing response to the mobility challenges of tomorrow.” With production slated for 2028, the revived 2CV may soon prove that classic charm and electric efficiency can coexist in a truly affordable package.
