The beloved Citroen 2CV panel van that kept rural France moving for decades has been revived for an electric era.
The French marque has unveiled a surprise new 2CV Fourgonnette EV concept at the Paris Motor Show alongside a reborn 2CV car uncovered just hours earlier on the eve of the event.
While Citroen says the passenger EV will be on sale in 2028, the retro van is currently described only as a ‘design study’ and ‘passion project’ that showcases what an electric workhorse of the future could look like.
The original debuted in 1951, just two years after the launch of the legendary 2CV passenger car.
Designed for use on farms, by tradespeople and as a postal van in its native land for over a quarter of a century, there’s still a handful of restored examples on Britain’s roads today that are being used by mobile catering providers and small coffee outlets.
Citroen says the concept aims to fulfil the qualities of the original Fourgonnette, notably a simple, dependable tool for the next generation of businesses and delivery drivers.
Citroen’s classic van returns: The beloved 2CV Fourgonnette, which kept rural France moving for decades, has been revived for an electric era in concept form
The original (left) debuted in 1951 and became an instant hit with farmers, tradespeople and La Poste, the French postal service. Some 75 years on and Citroen thinks an EV remake could do the same again
‘The 2CV Fourgonnette was more than just a workhorse,’ Xavier Chardon, CEO of Citroen, says.
‘It was part of everyday life. Simple, ingenious and accessible, it above all possessed something few commercial vehicles have: a soul.
‘That is the spirit we are bringing back to life today. Because being useful should never mean being ordinary.’
At the front, the Fourgonette concept replicates the retro-inspired face of the 2CV car previewed for 2028.
It shares the same eye-shaped LED headlights on top of the wheel arches, the iconic two-chevron logo centre stage and creased bonnet.
But to the rear, the back seats have been ousted and replaced with a tall van body mimicking that of the corrugated steel structure the original became famous for.
While it helped to increase rigidity and reduce weight, it also kept manufacturing costs low.
The box-like structure provided a practical solution to transport a variety of large, heavy items and goods, which contributed to its huge popularity.
At the front, the Fourgonette concept replicates the retro-inspired face of the 2CV car previewed for 2028
To the rear, the back seats have been ousted and replaced with a tall van body mimicking that of the corrugated steel structure the original became famous for
Citroen says the concept aims to fulfil the qualities of the original Fourgonnette, notably a simple, dependable tool for the next generation of businesses and delivery drivers
Over 1.2 million were sold until production ended in 1978, cementing its status as one of the most recognisable small vans ever made.
Citroen says the concept showcases how the reincarnated electric 2CV EV could be repurposed for professional users, though stressed that it’s not a preview for a future model like the passenger version.
And, at the time of its unveiling, there is no information regarding the electric powertrain that underpins the van.
The original 2CV commercial vehicle was powered by a tiny air-cooled flat-twin engine, starting with a 375cc unit before being upgraded to 425cc and eventually larger 602cc variants.
It became a cult icon of post-war France, notably becoming the vehicle of choice for La Poste, particularly in rural communities where its soft suspension and impressive load-carrying abilities came into their own.