Citroën Revives Iconic 2CV Concept for Affordable 2028 EV
French automaker targets a fifteen thousand euro price point through radical simplification.
1Reviving a Heritage Nameplate
Citroën is channeling the legacy of its legendary 2CV to enter the entry-level electric vehicle market. The original model enjoyed four decades of production before ending in the 1990s. This modern concept aims to replicate that functional simplicity to make electric mobility accessible to budget-conscious European drivers.
2Targeting Aggressive Pricing Metrics
The French automaker has set an ambitious target price of €15,000, roughly $16,800, with production planned for 2028. Achieving this specific price point requires eliminating non-essential automotive luxury features. Citroën aims to undercut mainstream EV rivals by focusing strictly on bare functional necessities and basic utility.
3Aggressive Weight Reduction Strategy
To keep production costs low, engineers capped the total vehicle weight at precisely one metric ton, or 2,205 pounds. This reduced curb weight directly allows Citroën to install a smaller, cheaper battery pack. Battery chemistry and capacity dictate manufacturing margins, making strict structural lightness an absolute technical necessity.
4Functional Interior Repurposing
The interior emphasizes extreme modularity rather than fixed electronic components. The lightweight front bench seat can be entirely removed and used outdoors as standalone furniture. Similarly, the central storage unit consists of a portable basket, while the integrated radio and speaker setup detaches completely for external audio use.
5Stripped-Down Mechanical Simplicity
Exterior and climate elements abandon complex motorized assemblies. Traditional ventilation systems are replaced by two covered holes positioned directly below the windshield. The roof uses lightweight fabric instead of sheet metal, and interior door handles are replaced with simple fabric straps to cut assembly complexity and parts counts.
6Minimalist Driver Interface
The dashboard embraces extreme minimalism, incorporating graphic elements inspired by comic book artwork. Driver interaction centers around a single 8-inch touchscreen dedicated primarily to navigation. Citroën avoids secondary instrument clusters and redundant buttons, reducing physical wiring harnesses while preserving core digital requirements expected by modern urban drivers.
7Nod to Historic Utility
The design concept directly references the original 1948 brief created for French rural workers and farmers. A dedicated storage compartment in the door is specifically shaped to safely transport eggs without breaking. This deliberate design quirk highlights Citroën's focus on practical utility over conventional automotive styling tropes.
8Disrupting Small Urban EVs
Citroën’s lightweight, sub-€15,000 strategy challenges the industry's reliance on oversized battery packs. By replacing heavy luxury components with clever manual solutions, the company demonstrates that cost efficiency stems from subtraction. If brought to production by 2028, this model could reshape mass-market electric vehicle manufacturing standards.
Original article: Core77 — Citroën Revives Iconic 2CV Concept for Affordable 2028 EV