A resurrected 2cv?

After reminiscing about my 2cv years, a former schoolmate and a friend teased me with the news that an EV version of my beloved car from yesteryear might be coming back, at least in Europe! I checked, and the rumor seemed true as Citroën’s CEO Thierry Koskas had recently hinted at the return of the minimalist car, citing the model's global recognition as a marketing advantage not to be missed. 

This move that stands as a reversal in Citroën's position appears to have been prompted by the remarkable success of the retro-inspired Renault 5 electric hatchback. The R5 has become an immediate hit in France, with nearly 10,000 units sold in its first full month on sale, showing strong market demand for affordable electric vehicles with nostalgic appeal.

According to automotive sources, the electric 2cv is expected to more closely mirror its classic counterpart's distinctive design by borrowing several design cues from the original 2cv, including its distinctive headlights and vent-like indentations across the wings. 

While the original 2cv was designed as the minimum viable product required to bring mobility to rural post-war France, this ethos of simplicity and affordability will be central to the new model's development, particularly relevant as rising EV prices have pushed electric mobility beyond the reach of many buyers. 

To achieve competitive pricing, the new 2cv would likely use Stellantis's cost-cutting Smart Car platform, which currently underpins the ë-C3, Fiat Grande Panda, and Vauxhall Frontera. Its electric power-train is expected to prioritize efficiency over performance, enabling the use of a smaller, more affordable battery pack. 

While no official launch date has been announced, industry analysts think a typical four-year development cycle would put the electric 2cv on track for a 2028 debut -coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the original car's unveiling at the Paris motor show. We’ll see...