The legend returns: Citroen revives the iconic 2CV as an affordable EV

The European automotive landscape is about to welcome back one of its most historic nameplates. Citroën has announced that the legendary 2CV will officially return to the market as a fully electric city car, ending a production hiatus that lasted 36 years. We will get our first look at the new vehicle this October at the 2026 Paris Motor Show.

Originally manufactured between 1949 and 1990, the French automaker sold more than five million units of the classic model worldwide. The original vehicle earned a global reputation for its straightforward mechanical layout, lightweight body, and highly affordable price. Parent company Stellantis plans to use this historic legacy to capture the attention of budget-conscious drivers looking to switch to electric cars.

The new 2CV is an important part of a much broader corporate strategy. Stellantis wants to introduce 110 new vehicle variations across its global brands by the end of 2030. A teaser image released by the manufacturer confirms that the exterior styling borrows clear design cues from the past, showcasing a recognizable retro silhouette, but everything underneath the historic sheet metal relies on modern electric powertrain technology.

The cost is still the king for buyers interested in affordable electric cars. Citroën will target a starting price of approximately $17,600 for the entry-level variant. If the French manufacturer achieves this financial target, the new model will rank among the cheapest passenger EVs available anywhere in the European market. This aggressive pricing puts the 2CV directly under the slightly larger Citroën ë-C3 in the corporate hierarchy.

Physically, the new 2CV will feature highly compact dimensions tailored for crowded urban environments. To maintain perspective on its size, the car will be significantly shorter than the existing Citroën ë-C3, which measures 158.1 inches in total length. Production will take place at a manufacturing facility in Italy, with the first assembly lines scheduled to begin operations in 2028. The EV will share this Italian factory floor with the next-generation Fiat Panda, another compact model with a similar low-cost architecture.

But apart from prospective retail sales, the 2CV development provides massive regulatory benefits for Stellantis under the "E-Car" corporate initiative. The European Union rewards car manufacturers who sell small, lightweight electric cars categorized under the "M1E" classification. Instead of receiving a standard 1.0 compliance credit, these specific small vehicles earn a 1.3 weight toward emission targets. This regulatory rule gives the Stellantis automotive group a 30 percent regulatory advantage, helping the company meet strict European fleet carbon dioxide compliance goals.

Citroën leadership claims that the future vehicle will strictly focus on the core attributes of the original 1940s concept. The development team is focusing on a lightweight design, practical cabin space, daily versatility, and a highly unique visual identity. The manufacturer hopes that offering a simple, functional layout will attract buyers who feel overwhelmed by the increasingly complex technology found in modern EVs.

The return of the 2CV mirrors a wider industry trend as European manufacturers look to the past to sell the future. Renault introduced electrified versions of its historic Renault 4 and Renault 5 models. Renault also brought back the small Twingo badge as a cheap electric option. By joining this retro-inspired movement, Citroën enters a busy market segment that bridges the gap between tiny urban quadricycles like the Citroën Ami and standard subcompact hatchbacks.

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