Citroën 2CV Electric Revival: The Iconic 'Tin Snail' Returns for the EV Era

21 Mar

The beloved Citroën 2CV - affectionately known as the "tin snail" - is making a comeback for the electric era. After years of denying plans to revive this iconic model, Citroën has confirmed that preliminary design work on an electric successor is underway, with a potential launch coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the original's debut.

Let’s have a look at everything we know so far about the Citroën’s revival!

A Change Of Heart

Citroën CEO Thierry Koskas has hinted at the return of the 2CV, citing the model's global recognition as a key advantage. "You can go anywhere in the world—even to Brazil—and you will find people who know the 2CV," Koskas noted.

This reversal in Citroën's position appears to have been prompted by the remarkable success of the retro-inspired Renault 5 electric hatchback. Priced at £22,995, the R5 has become an immediate hit in France, with nearly 10,000 units sold in its first full month on sale - outselling Citroën's new ë-C3 by over 1,700 units. The R5's success has demonstrated strong market demand for affordable electric vehicles with nostalgic appeal.

Staying True To Its Roots

According to automotive sources, unlike the Renault 5 - which was designed by envisioning how the original would have evolved had it remained in production - the electric 2CV is expected to more closely mirror its classic counterpart's distinctive design.

Citroën has already signalled its appetite for retro-flavoured designs with the updated Ami, which borrows several design cues from the original 2CV, including its distinctive headlights and vent-like indentations across the wings.

Speaking to Autocar at the Brussels motor show, Citroën design boss Pierre Leclercq said the brand is "not closing the door" on retro designs, adding: "The things you remember from Citroën is not especially that you want to redo the shape of the vehicles that have been good. But we're not closing the door. I think the philosophy is important."

Affordability and Simplicity

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. However, industry experts suggest it could be further simplified to reduce costs below even the ë-C3's £17,990 starting price.

The electric powertrain is expected to prioritise efficiency over performance, enabling the use of a smaller, more affordable battery pack. The Dacia Spring, as a comparison, uses a 26.8kWh lithium-ion battery that provides a 140-mile range, helping it achieve a starting price of £14,995.

Market Positioning

The new 2CV is anticipated to bridge the gap between Citroën's Ami (starting at £7,695) and the ë-C3 (from £17,990). This would position it as a direct competitor to value-focused EVs like the Dacia Spring (£14,995) and Leapmotor T03 (£15,955) while undercutting the Renault 5 (£22,995).

While no official launch date has been announced, industry analysts suggest 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.

A Modern Classic with Enhanced Usability

Beyond its nostalgic appeal, an electric 2CV offers practical advantages over its petrol predecessor. Unlike most classic cars that spend winter in storage, an electric version could be used year-round with minimal maintenance concerns.

As demonstrated by specialist conversion companies already offering electric 2CV conversions, owners appreciate being able to enjoy the classic driving experience without the maintenance headaches of vintage engines. You, of course, can still choose to hibernate your 2CV over winter, but if you do, then Citroën will recommend charging it to approximately 85-90% beforehand, as 90% of the initial charge will still be available after 6 months without recharging!

Part Of A Broader Retro Revival

The 2CV's electric resurrection is part of a growing trend of manufacturers reviving beloved classic models with modern powertrains. Ford recently announced the return of the Mk.1 Escort (albeit at a premium £300,000 price point), while Land Rover is bringing back classic Defender models as high-end refurbishments (Telegraph, March 2025).

However, Citroën's approach appears more democratic, staying true to the 2CV's original purpose as an affordable people's car - just reimagined for the electric era.

For Citroën, a successful electric 2CV could combine nostalgia with practicality, offering an attractive, characterful alternative in the increasingly crowded EV market while reinforcing the brand's distinctive heritage. As Koskas suggests, the company plans to leverage "one of the richest histories in the world" among automotive brands to create compelling offerings for the electric age.

While the electric 2CV represents an exciting future prospect for affordable, characterful EVs, it remains several years away from production. For those eager to make the switch to electric driving now, The Electric Car Scheme offers an extensive range of current EVs through salary sacrifice, delivering savings of 20-50% on your monthly payments.

Visit our quote tool to browse the full range of electric cars currently available through salary sacrifice and calculate your personal savings!

Last updated: 21.03.25

Ellie Garratt

Ellie started working at The Electric Car Scheme in September 2023 in organic social media and content. She is passionate about doing good for the environment, and getting into an EV is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint significantly!