The Citroën 2CV is back! And it’s become absolutely amazing!
There are some cars you never forget. The Citroën 2CV, for example. It wasn’t just my first car but also my second. So you can imagine how excited my car-loving heart was when Citroën unveiled this fully electric 2CV Concept. And the best part is...it’s actually going into production!
My first and second car was a Duck
There are very few cars with which I have such a personal connection as the Citroën 2CV. My first car was a Duck. Apparently, it worked so well that my second car too became a 2CV. Choosing the same car twice isn’t something you do lightly. Especially when you’re young and the entire world of cars lies ahead of you.
Anyone who has ever driven an Eend understands why. You sat on simple benches, shifted gears using that peculiar gear stick sticking out of the dashboard, and felt the body move with every turn. The engine made more noise than it provided speed, but you hardly cared. With the roof down, windows rolled up, and the wind in your face, driving it was an experience.
Now, at the Paris Auto Show, there’s suddenly a modern, fully electric version of that same car. It features round headlights, a recognizable roofline, a fabric convertible top, and an interior full of references to the past. In my opinion, it’s one of the most interesting reveals at this auto show. Not because it has the most horsepower or can drive the farthest, but because Citroën finally shows another car that instantly makes you happy.
Citroën 2CV Concept: familiar, yet entirely new
The striking feature of this 2CV Concept is that there’s not a moment of doubt about which car served as inspiration. The headlights appear almost detached from the body, the hood slopes in a distinctive way, and the curved roofline is unmistakably that of an Eend. Yet Citroën hasn’t created a literal copy.
The 18-inch steel wheels, modern LED lighting, and tighter body panels give the design a contemporary look. Even the turn signals in the rear roof rails have returned. The striking orange-red body color completes the picture.
With a length of just 3.76 meters, the newcomer is also exceptionally compact. It’s even slightly shorter than the original 2CV. This gives it a unique position in the Citroën lineup, between the small Ami and the larger electric e-C3. And that’s exactly what makes this concept interesting. In a market where cars are constantly getting bigger, heavier, and more expensive, Citroën deliberately chooses the opposite approach. A small electric car that should be affordable, practical, and enjoyable to drive.
An interior that keeps you looking around
The interior is just as interesting. Citroën has almost completely eliminated the traditional dashboard. Instead, a simple cylindrical structure runs across the width of the car. On it are features such as the steering wheel, control buttons, and a compact 8-inch screen.
The steering wheel actually has only one spoke, a wonderful nod to the quirky Citroëns of the past. The controls remain easy to use, with physical buttons for things like temperature and volume.
The seats are covered in a cheerful yellow checkered pattern and come equipped with Citroën’s Advanced Comfort technology. Just like in the original Ami, the front seat can be removed from the car, which is handy if you decide to go on a picnic somewhere spontaneously while driving.
The center console has been replaced with a removable storage basket, and the doors feature simple fabric loops as handles. There’s even a portable radio, the “Radioën,” that can be used outside the car as well.
And of course, the fabric roll-top is back. Just unfold it by hand, just like in the old days. In my opinion, that’s part of what makes a 2CV special. A 2CV without such a roof would lose some of its charm.
Finally, another affordable electric car with character
It gets even more interesting when we look at the technology and price. Citroën aims for a weight of around 1,000 kilograms. For an electric car, this is particularly modest. A lower weight means less energy consumption and allows for a usable range even with a smaller battery pack.
We still don’t know how large the battery pack will be. Citroën is also keeping quiet for now about the range, engine power, and charging speed. It is clear, however, that this car is designed primarily for everyday use, from commuting to running errands and trips outside the city.
But perhaps the most exciting news is the price. Citroën aims for a starting price of around €15,000! That would make the electric 2CV significantly cheaper than many current electric cars.
In addition, Citroën wants to produce the car in Europe. The brand is targeting future European E-Car regulations that are intended to enable the development of simple, affordable electric cars. The exact rules have not yet been finalized, so that price remains an ambition for now.
There are also interesting technical features
The designers clearly put a lot of effort into the small details. For example, there’s a turtle on the brake pedal and a hare on the accelerator pedal. The doors have compartments where you can carry eggs, referencing the original requirements Citroën once had for the 2CV.
Even the car’s sounds evoke a sense of nostalgia. Both the horn and the sound when engaging the electric drive have a recognizable 2CV flavor.
At the same time, it features modern technology, such as a system developed by Michelin that can assess tire conditions without needing special sensors inside the tires. Simple repairs are also taken into account, including bumpers that can be replaced individually.
When will the electric Citroën 2CV arrive?
We need to be patient for a while longer. Citroën aims to introduce a production model by 2028, but has not yet announced when the first units will actually reach customers. We also don’t know yet which components of this extravagant concept car will make it to the production version.
We previously wrote about the plans for a new electric Citroën 2CV. Back then, we used AI to create several images of what the new Eend might look like. But the reality turns out to be even more impressive! Now that Citroën has officially unveiled the concept car, we can truly see just how successful this modern interpretation is. Those who want to view all the details can visit the official website of the Citroën 2CV Concept.
And yes, maybe I’m biased. After all, my first two cars were both Eend models. But precisely because of that, I find this new 2CV so successful. It reminds me of what made driving fun in the past—no excess power, screens, or complicated features, just a car with its own distinct personality.
If Citroën can maintain this character, keep the price around €15,000, and add a decent electric powertrain, it could easily become one of the most appealing electric cars in the coming years. I can’t wait to drive it anyway. And honestly, I’m already getting excited: could my third Eend finally be electric?
Text by Marc Verweij