Walking through the halls of the 2026 Paris Motor Show, visitors encountered a bright, compact shape that immediately recalled the silhouette of the original 2 CV. Citroën’s new concept, presented on October 12, 2026, is an all‑electric car that seeks to capture the same ingenious simplicity that made the 1948 model a postwar icon. The automaker emphasized that the vehicle is not a mere replica but a reinvention of an idea that has not lost any of its relevance.
The original 2 CV first entered production in 1949 and remained in factories until 1990, during which time 5,114,969 vehicles were built. First revealed in 1948, the car became synonymous with affordable, lightweight mobility for generations of drivers. Its enduring popularity is reflected in the sheer number of units produced, a figure that still stands as a testament to the model’s widespread appeal.
The Citroën 2 CV Concept measures 3.76 metres in length, a dimension the company highlights as suited to urban environments. Citroën has set a target starting price of 15,000 euros for the eventual production version, a figure that aligns with the goal of delivering an accessible electric car. The concept also features an 8‑inch touchscreen and a modular interior, underscoring the brand’s focus on practicality and versatility. In statements, Citroën pointed to affordability, lightness, practicality and versatility as the core attributes it wishes to carry forward from the original.
Other manufacturers presented electric reinterpretations of historic nameplates.
Stellantis, the parent company of Citroën, described the project as "an electric car more accessible, simple and ingenious that puts freedom and joy back at the center of mobility." This sentiment echoes the original 2 CV’s mission to democratize personal transport. The company’s leadership, including Antonio Filosa, has framed the electric 2 CV as a modern answer to the same urban mobility challenges that inspired the 1948 design.
The Paris Motor Show was not limited to Citroën’s offering. Other manufacturers presented electric reinterpretations of historic nameplates. Renault displayed its 5 E‑Tech, one of the electric reinterpretations of historic nameplates, alongside the Renault E‑Space concept. Peugeot exhibited the E‑T16 Concept and the RCZ Vision electric grand tourer, while DS showed the F3ver prototype. Together, these vehicles illustrate a broader trend of marrying heritage design with electric powertrains.
Adding a notable moment to the show’s narrative, French President Emmanuel Macron recently took the Citroën 2 CV Concept for a test drive. His interaction with the prototype underscored the vehicle’s relevance in contemporary discussions about sustainable urban transport and helped draw additional attention to the exhibit.
The journey to this point began with a teaser on March 1, 2023, when Citroën first hinted at an all‑electric return of the 2 CV. More than three years later, the concept was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on October 12, 2026. Citroën has stated that the production model, described as "the production car that will be marketed in 2028," is slated for commercial release in late 2028, with the targeted price remaining under 15,000 euros.
Today, the Citroën 2 CV Concept remains a prototype, yet it carries a clear promise: to deliver an electric vehicle that honors the original’s spirit of simplicity, affordability and joy while meeting modern expectations for urban mobility. As the industry watches the timeline toward 2028, the concept serves as a tangible link between a beloved piece of automotive history and the future of electric transportation.