Citroen unveils new £13,000 electric 2CV in homage to classic city car

Citroen said it wanted to have a “modern, ingenious and refreshing” response to the future of mobility.

The electric concept has a compact length of just 3.76 metres and incorporates the most popular features of the original.

Citroen aims to develop a production-ready model that the Stellantis brand will unveil “within the next two years”.

The electric car will be produced in Europe, be available for around €15,000 (£12,679) and will comply with the EU’s E-Car regulations.

Xavier Chardon, Citroen CEO, said: “Reinventing the 2CV isn’t about replicating a car from the past; it’s about reinventing what made it unique: its simplicity, its accessibility and the freedom it offered.

“With the 2CV Concept, we’re bringing that spirit into today’s world to make electric mobility simpler, more human and more desirable.

“The world has changed. But the idea remains the same: to make life more beautiful with Citroen.”

The original Citroen 2CV debuted at the 1948 Paris Motor Show, and went on to sell more than 3.8 million models until it was retired in 1990.

​Citroen has positioned the 2CV Concept between its Ami quadricycle and its entry-level electric vehicle, the C3.

The new concept model is shorter than the original, as Citroen aims to “recapture the pleasure and agility of small cars, whilst making driving and parking easier”.

The interior of the 2CV Concept aims to create a welcoming environment, with bright colours and open space for passengers.

A removable storage basket has been included in place of the centre console, the door handles are made from soft straps and the sunroof is made of fabric.

It also includes an 8-inch square “phygital” touchscreen and a “Radioen” detachable radio that can double as a speaker.

The pedals even feature a tortoise for the brake and a rabbit for the accelerator, in what Citroen described as a “playful nod” to the freedom of driving.

Perhaps the most unique feature is the door storage compartments, which are designed to hold eggs.

Citroen also unveiled the new 2CV Fourgonnette Concept, a contemporary take on the iconic silhouette of the light commercial vehicle.

Mr Chardon said: “The 2CV Fourgonnette was more than just a workhorse. It was part of everyday life. Simple, ingenious and accessible, it above all possessed something few commercial vehicles have: a soul.

“That is the spirit we are bringing back to life today. Because being useful should never mean being ordinary.”