Citroen Unveils 2 CV Concept at Paris Motor Show 2026: Electric Icon Returns at €15,000

Citroen has officially unveiled the 2 CV Concept at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, reviving one of the most iconic nameplates in French automotive history. The new concept is fully electric and targets a starting price of around €15,000 when it reaches production. That number puts it in a league of its own.

What Is the Citroen 2 CV Concept and Why Now?

The goal behind the Citroen 2 CV Concept was never to reproduce the original car — it was about reimagining a small electric vehicle for the future. The concept focuses on essential needs, strips away unnecessary elements, and delivers greater freedom in daily mobility. Simplicity here isn't a compromise; it's a calculated strategy.

Citroen aims to contribute to a new generation of small electric cars through this concept, aligning with upcoming European E-Car regulations. The vehicle will slot between the Ami and C3 in the brand's lineup. Production is planned in Europe.

A Design That Goes Against the Industry Grain

This approach offers a clear alternative to the prevailing trend in the automotive market, where vehicles keep growing in size, weight, complexity, and price. Citroen chose the opposite path — focusing on simplicity, intelligence, lightweight construction. Efficiency while keeping the car practical and appealing. The gap is real.

At 3.76 meters long, the concept is shorter than the original 2 CV, a move aimed at recapturing the joy and agility of driving small cars. Citroen is targeting a weight of around one ton. That helps reduce battery size and cost while still providing enough range for daily use and low running costs. The equation is tough, but it seems to add up.

Exterior Design: Where Heritage Meets Modernity

The exterior retains the curved lines and distinctive proportions of the original model, with clear modern touches. Up front, the round headlights are visually separated from the body, featuring LED lighting and a sculpted hood with flowing lines. Details inspired by the TPV material used in the model's history, along with integrated air intakes and exposed windshield areas. On the sides, the design keeps the near-vertical windshield, the smoothly curved roof, round wheel arches, and defined body lines. The visual identity of the old icon is unmistakably present.