Citroen reportedly looking at India as a global production base for the upcoming 2CV electric hatchback, set to arrive in 2028. Said model, which will be smaller than the Citroen eC3, will be produced in India for both the domestic and export markets. This will further boost India’s role in the French automaker’s global electric vehicle strategy, as well as its production capabilities for affordable EVs.
The 2CV electric hatchback, which will be based on the 2CV concept car unveiled at the 2026 Paris Motor Show last month, will measure 3.76 metres from bumper to bumper. It will target the entry-level segment, with a starting price tag of around €15000, and will be a key component of Citroen’s future electric car strategy in Europe. This hatchback, which will likely take shape in the second half of the next decade, will play a key role in establishing a more comprehensive EV product portfolio.
According to a report, India is among the potential production bases for the 2CV electric hatchback. In addition, the model will most likely not only be used for the domestic Indian market, but will also be exported to Europe. However, the company has yet to confirm the report, and the exact production and export plans for this vehicle have yet to be determined.
It comes as Citroen recently announced its intent to introduce an A-segment car in India as part of its broader product offensive up to 2030. An A-segment hatch would most likely be more focused on affordability and urban driving, given the size and price point of such vehicles. A 2CV electric hatchback, which would most likely be smaller than the eC3, would perfectly fit the needs of urban drivers in India, where tight parking conditions and traffic congestion are common.
For the French automaker, the introduction of a 2CV electric hatchback in India will provide additional depth to its electric vehicle portfolio. While the eC3 will continue to target the EV value segment, a smaller and more affordable hatch would allow Citroen to penetrate the Indian market further. In terms of pricing, battery capacity, range and charging capabilities, the 2CV electric hatch will most likely be compared to other entry-level EVs on the Indian market.
The production of the 2CV electric hatchback in India will most likely be key to its success, both for the domestic market and for exports to Europe. As Citroen aims to establish a supply base in India, local production would allow the French automaker to benefit from lower production costs and a well-established network of suppliers. India has long been a global production base for small cars, components and vehicle exports, and if Citroen can manage to achieve competitive local production costs for an electric hatch, it will be able to turn India into a major supply base for this model.
The export of an India-made electric vehicle to Europe will be crucial for both Citroen and Stellantis. A relatively affordable entry-level electric hatch would allow the Stellantis group to build a stronger position in the entry-level electric vehicle segment in Europe, which remains highly price-sensitive. Of course, the success of this project will largely depend on the cost of local production in India, as well as the European import duties, safety regulations and the extent of localization that Stellantis will be able to achieve in India.
Recent news suggests that Stellantis is prepared to invest another Rs 4000 crore in India in the next three years as part of its product offensive, which includes 12 new Citroen and Jeep models by 2030. Stellantis remains committed to the Indian market, where it has extensive production and component supplier networks. This product offensive is part of a broader strategy that will see Stellantis accelerate electrification, including the development of new battery technologies.
Given this context, the proposed Citroen 2CV electric hatchback would allow the brand to build a stronger presence in India with a more affordable electric vehicle. At the same time, this model could allow Citroen to build a significant export presence in Europe, where affordable electric vehicles remain a huge opportunity.
While the production version of the 2CV electric hatch is set to arrive in 2028, it remains to be seen whether India will be chosen as the main production base for this model. If this happens, the electric hatch would be an important addition to Citroen’s Indian vehicle portfolio, as well as a key export vehicle for the European market.