Citroen Revives Iconic 2CV as Affordable Electric Vehicle for 2028

Citroen has officially announced the revival of its legendary 2CV, the iconic 'tin snail' that became a global symbol of affordable motoring after its 1948 debut. Nearly four decades after production ceased, the French automaker is reimagining the classic vehicle as a modern, all-electric car. The new model, unveiled as a concept ahead of the Paris Motor Show, aims to capture the minimalist and ingenious spirit of the original while addressing the demands of the contemporary electric age.

The reborn 2CV is projected to launch in 2028 with a starting price of under €15,000, or approximately £13,000 in the UK market. Citroen boss Xavier Chardon emphasized that the project is about more than nostalgia, stating, 'It's about reinventing what made it unique: its simplicity, its accessibility and the freedom it offered.' To maintain this low price point, the vehicle will share technical underpinnings with Fiat and feature a lightweight design, weighing under one ton to maximize battery efficiency and agility.

Originally designed in 1936 to transport farmers across rough fields without damaging a basket of eggs, the 2CV became one of the 20th century’s most successful automotive stories, with over nine million units sold including variants like the Ami and Mehari. The new version pays homage to this heritage with rounded LED headlamps, a curved roofline, and a dedicated storage compartment for eggs, while measuring a compact 3.76 meters in length to ensure ease of parking.

Citroen’s strategic move comes as European manufacturers face mounting pressure from Chinese competitors lacking historical brand equity. By leveraging its rich back catalogue, Citroen hopes to replicate the success of rivals like Renault, which found significant market traction with its own retro-inspired electric models. The new 2CV is expected to qualify for Europe’s M1E category for small electric vehicles, potentially offering a driving range of 150 miles and benefiting from regional financial incentives.