Citroën has announced the revival of its iconic 2CV, nearly 80 years after the original model was first introduced. The new version, set to launch in 2028, will be fully electric, marking a significant shift from the petrol-powered original that ceased production in 1990. The move reflects a broader European trend of reimagining classic vehicles to compete with the growing presence of Chinese electric cars in the market.
The 2CV, originally designed in the 1930s and launched in 1948, was created to provide affordable, practical transportation for rural France. Its hallmark feature was a suspension system soft enough to carry a basket of eggs across ploughed fields without breaking them. The car became a symbol of postwar French ingenuity and simplicity, selling over 5.1 million units worldwide, with related models such as the Ami, Dyane, and Méhari pushing total production beyond 9 million. The model also gained popularity in the UK, with some units produced at a plant in Slough during the 1950s.
The electric incarnation retains much of the original’s charm, featuring a compact, minimalist design with modern touches. The vehicle showcased at the recent Paris Motor Show closely resembles the classic 2CV, including rounded LED headlights, bulging wheel arches, and the distinctive bonnet creases. It also preserves subtle nods to its heritage, such as a storage compartment in the driver’s door designed to hold a dozen eggs, echoing the original’s practical focus.
Citroën’s CEO Xavier Chardon described the new 2CV as “electric, minimalist, affordable, compact and ingenious,” with a target price of around €15,000 (£13,000). The car is designed to achieve a range close to 150 miles per charge, nearly matching the original’s approximate 180-mile range on a 22-litre petrol tank. The prototype is slightly shorter than its predecessor, measuring 3.76 meters, and weighs under one tonne to optimize battery efficiency. It will have a top speed of about 81 mph (130 km/h), allowing it to be driven on motorways.
While the announcement has been met with enthusiasm, it has also sparked debate among long-time 2CV fans. Thierry Jouanny, chairman of the Club des Amis de la 2CV, noted that opinions are mixed, with some purists critical of the electric version but others, including himself, embracing the update. Jouanny, who owns 14 classic 2CVs, sees the revival as a continuation of the car’s legacy.
Analysts view the relaunch as part of a broader defensive strategy by European carmakers to maintain market share amid rising competition from Chinese manufacturers, whose electric vehicles typically have lower production costs. Citroën’s new 2CV aims to combine nostalgic appeal with modern technology to attract consumers seeking a simpler, retro-inspired electric vehicle.
The 2CV remains more than just a vehicle; it embodies a cultural icon of affordable mobility and practical design. With its electric rebirth, Citroën hopes to capture both the spirit of the past and the demands of a sustainable automotive future.