Citroën 2 CV Electric concept car in a vibrant setting with retro design features.

Citroën’s Playful Revival: The 2 CV Electric Concept with Vibrant Retro Features

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-10-12

Citroën Unveils a Bold Electric Take on the Iconic 2 CV

At the 2026 Paris Motor Show, Citroën has reimagined its legendary 2 CV, embracing electric power in the form of the new “citroën 2 cv electric,” and injecting a fresh, modern twist. The new 2 CV Concept, shorter than its 1948 predecessor at just 3.76 meters, showcases Citroën’s innovative pursuit of affordable, practical, and personality-driven mobility. This concept car, expected by 2028, honors the spirit of making transportation accessible while offering a compact and vibrant design.

Citroën’s reimagined 2 CV concept in a studio setting.
Citroën reimagines the iconic 2 CV as a compact electric car | all images by Citroën

Innovative Interior of the Citroën 2 CV Electric Embraces Retro Flair

Inside, the 2 CV Concept defies conventional automotive norms with a cylindrical dashboard housing a single-spoke steering wheel and an eight-inch touchscreen, featuring whimsical graphics by Belgian illustrator Jean-Luc Delvaux. The Smart Vision display positions essential driving data seamlessly within the driver’s sight. Reflecting on the classic Bakelite components, the interior boasts cheerful yellow tartan upholstery and beige accents.

Uniquely practical touches abound: the front bench can be a picnic companion, and a detachable “Radioën” offers portable music. Replacing traditional door handles, flexible fabric straps add a playful twist, while a roll-up fabric roof invites daylight inside. A string of interior lights introduces a surprising festive element, exemplifying how every journey can be a delightful experience.

For additional insights into combining playful elegance with design, consider exploring Kevin Klein’s timeless interior creations that integrate a whimsical flair.

Retro design with sleek curves on the Citroën 2 CV electric concept car.
the 2 CV concept combines retro-inspired design with modern electric mobility

Simplified Engineering for a Modern Road

The new vehicle pays homage to its origins, with pedal illustrations, door egg compartments, and numbers marking the car’s historical milestones as nods to the classic 2 CV. These elements turn the concept into a living tribute to automotive heritage.

Citroën envisions a novel approach to affordability in electric vehicles with the revamped model, targeting a European-built version with a starting price around €15,000. Innovative engineering focuses on simplicity, aiming for a weight near one tonne and featuring replaceable bumpers for reduced complexity and easier repairs. Collaborating with Michelin, Citroën explores digital tire-monitoring technology using existing vehicle data.

Round LED headlights of the Citroën 2 CV electric concept.
circular LED headlights reinterpret the original 2 CV design

“Reinventing the 2 CV isn’t about replicating a car from the past,” explains Citroën CEO Xavier Chardon. The challenge remains whether the production model of the electric car will maintain the concept’s simplicity, cleverness, and distinctive character.

Citroën 2 CV electric concept with 18-inch retro-style steel wheels.
18-inch steel wheels give the concept a retro-inspired look
Close-up of the Citroën 2 CV Electric’s distinctive front grille.
Open fabric roof of the Citroën 2 CV shows yellow tartan seats.
the roll-up fabric roof reveals yellow tartan seats and a string of lights
Floating headlights add modernity to the Citroën 2 CV silhouette.
floating headlights bring a contemporary touch to the iconic silhouette
Rounded side mirror of the Citroën 2 CV concept car.
the side mirror complements the car’s rounded design
Circular headlights and Citroën emblem on the 2 CV Electric.
circular LED headlights frame the iconic Citroën emblem
Sculpted bonnet with air intakes on the 2 CV electric concept.
sculpted bonnet details incorporate functional air intakes
Michelin tyres with chevron-inspired pattern on Citroën 2 CV.
Michelin tyres feature a pattern inspired by Citroën’s chevrons
Windscreen with markings showing 2 CV history from 1948 to 2026.
windscreen markings reference the 2 CV’s history, from 1948 to 2026
Interior view of Citroën 2 CV Electric's dashboard and steering wheel.
Citroën 2 CV electric concept with streamlined side profile.
Back view of Citroën 2 CV electric, showing taillights and bumper.
Side view of the Citroën 2 CV concept in an urban environment.
Citroën 2 CV concept parked in front of a graffiti-covered wall.
Detailed view of Citroën 2 CV's retro-style door handles.
Top-down view of Citroën 2 CV electric with open fabric roof.
Citroën 2 CV Electric concept car in a vibrant setting with retro design features.

Source: designboom.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the Citroën 2 CV Electric concept car?

The Citroën 2 CV Electric is a reimagined version of the iconic Citroën 2 CV, featuring electric power and a modern twist. It is a concept car showcased at the 2026 Paris Motor Show and aims to provide affordable and practical mobility with a vibrant design.

What unique features does the 2 CV Electric have?

The 2 CV Electric features a cylindrical dashboard, a single-spoke steering wheel, and an eight-inch touchscreen with whimsical graphics. It also includes practical elements like a front bench that can be used as a picnic companion, a detachable ‘Radioën’ for portable music, and flexible fabric straps instead of traditional door handles.

How does Citroën aim to make the 2 CV Electric affordable?

Citroën plans to keep the 2 CV Electric affordable with a starting price around €15,000. The vehicle’s engineering focuses on simplicity and aims for a weight near one tonne, with replaceable bumpers for reduced complexity and easier repairs.