Citroen revives the 2CV for an electric age
Citroën’s plan to revive the iconic 2CV as a small, low-cost electric car prompts broader debate about what affordable EVs in Europe should look like: simple “tool” cars with minimal tech, or feature-heavy vehicles marketed as premium. Many welcome the playful retro design and sub-€15k target price, but question whether the concept can survive safety rules, modern electronics, and Stellantis’s mixed EV record without becoming bloated or expensive. The conversation repeatedly returns to competition from cheaper Chinese EVs, new EU categories for ultra-basic electric cars, and a growing desire for lightweight, repairable vehicles instead of large, screen-dominated SUVs.
Design, nostalgia, and heritage
- Many like Citroën’s recent design language and see this 2CV revival as playful, distinctive and less “aggressive” than modern cars.
- Others find it toy-like, clownish, or an over‑fetishized form-only homage that ignores the original’s utilitarian ethos (field-capable suspension, fixability, simplicity).
- Debate over whether the 2CV is/was a “style icon” or an ugly but beloved tool; several compare it to Beetle, Mini, Fiat 500, DS, etc.
Simplicity vs modern tech and regulation
- Strong demand for a genuinely simple EV: physical controls, minimal screens, no “infotainment,” no surveillance, easy home repair.
- Pushback: much “cruft” is driven by regulations (EURO NCAP, driver assists, backup camera mandates), not just marketing.
- Some argue NCAP has conflated crash safety with assist systems; others insist active safety (sensors, AEB, etc.) clearly reduces crashes.
- Concern that concept features (bench seats without headrests, quirky pedals, fabric roof) will be watered down or killed by safety rules and cost.
Affordability, segment, and use case
- Target price (~£13–15k/€15k) and sub‑1‑ton weight are seen as the most important news; if highway‑capable, it could fill a big gap under current EV prices.
- Critics say small EVs often become city‑only second cars, whereas A‑segment ICE cars were cheap “only car” options that could do road trips.
- Some doubt a very light car will be pleasant at motorway speeds; others cite decades of sub‑tonne hatchbacks that were fine on highways.
Competition: European vs Chinese EVs
- Thread frequently compares this 2CV to Renault 5/4, Dacia Spring, Twingo, VW ID series, BYD Seagull, Geely EX2, Leapmotor models.
- View that European makers overpriced EVs as “premium” and were slow/reluctant, leaving space for cheaper Chinese “proper cars.”
- Dispute over why Chinese EVs are cheaper: economies of scale, state support, thinner margins, “dark factories,” versus legacy inefficiency in Europe.
- Some see tariffs as the only thing keeping European brands competitive.
Concept vs reality and brand skepticism
- Many remind that this is a concept; production will likely be heavier, more conventional, and more expensive.
- Skepticism about Stellantis and recent French cars (quality, “afterthought” EV platforms, weak software), though others praise current Renault lineup.
- Despite doubts, several hope this signals a comeback of small, affordable, characterful EVs instead of ever-bigger “cattle-class” SUVs.