Citroen has expanded its electric vehicle vision by revealing a cargo-focused electric concept inspired by the historic 2CV Fourgonnette. Showcased alongside its passenger-focused counterpart ahead of the Paris Motor Show, the brand is exploring a utility van variant as part of its push into affordable electric mobility.
The utility concept adapts the architecture of the passenger model. It replaces the rear seats and sloping roof section behind the B-pillar with a box-shaped cargo storage area. According to Citroen, practical access to the rear storage compartment is provided through flip-up side windows and split rear doors, catering directly to small-scale commercial and urban delivery needs.
Drawing Inspiration from the 1951 Fourgonnette
Citroen CEO Xavier Chardon emphasized that the concept draws deep inspiration from the original 2CV Fourgonnette, produced from 1951 through 1977. The historic van proved that utilitarian vehicles carry emotional appeal through their simplicity, functionality, and reliability.
While the passenger version of the modern 2CV concept targets a starting price of around €15,000 with a production timeline slated for 2028, the French automaker is evaluating whether a dedicated cargo iteration can fulfill similar economic and functional demands for small business owners navigating European cities.
Positioning in the Modern EV Landscape
The cargo concept leverages the compact footprint and lightweight engineering of the standard 2CV EV architecture, which aims to keep total vehicle weight near the 1,000 kg mark. By prioritizing a smaller battery pack and accessible pricing, Citroen intends to bridge the gap between heavy quadricycles like the Citroen Ami and traditional subcompact offerings like the C3.
Although technical specifications regarding battery capacity and payload limits for the van concept remain unconfirmed, the design study underscores Stellantis’ flexible approach under European regulatory frameworks designed to foster accessible electric transport options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Citroen 2CV Van concept?
The Citroen 2CV Van concept is an electric utility study inspired by the classic 2CV Fourgonnette, featuring a box-shaped rear cargo area and split rear doors for urban commercial use.
When was the original Citroen 2CV Fourgonnette produced?
The original Citroen 2CV Fourgonnette was manufactured from 1951 to 1977, serving as a popular and reliable practical workhorse across Europe.
How does the cargo concept differ from the passenger 2CV?
While sharing the core front design and compact dimensions of the upcoming passenger 2CV electric revival, the van variant replaces the rear seating and sloping roofline with an enclosed cargo compartment.
Is the 2CV Van concept going into production?
Citroen is currently using the vehicle as a design vision and concept study to gauge market interest, running parallel to the planned passenger 2CV production model targeted for 2028.
