Stellantis Drops Hybrid, Combustion for Future 2CV and Small EVs

Stellantis has reversed its long-standing commitment to powertrain choice for its upcoming small European city cars, deciding on an all-electric lineup that includes an electric version of the Citroën 2CV.

Stellantis abandons freedom of choice pledge for small cars. The group, which has repeatedly emphasized offering hybrid and combustion options alongside electric models, will now limit its future 2CV-inspired range and other small city cars to electric versions only. Emanuele Cappellano, Stellantis head for Europe, confirmed the exclusively electric strategy at the Automotive News Europe Congress in Brussels in mid-June.

This marks a departure from statements made by CEO Antonio Filosa in February, when he highlighted the company's desire to remain a beacon of freedom of choice for customers better suited to hybrids or modern combustion engines.

Project targets sub-€15,000 pricing on dedicated platform. The vehicles, developed internally under the E-Car Project, are not expected before 2028. They will be built on the dedicated E-Car platform at the Pomigliano plant in Italy, the same facility that produces the Fiat Panda. Stellantis aims for a price below €15,000, which would place the models below the Renault Twingo E-Tech and the Leapmotor T03.

Citroën positions electric 2CV as re-enchantment of mobility. Citroën officially confirmed the electric 2CV project in May. Xavier Chardon, head of Citroën, described the vehicle as one that must re-enchant electric mobility in the same way the original 2CV democratized the automobile. The revival comes with a notable number of Chinese components.

Decision driven by costs and upcoming EU CO2 rules. Developing combustion versions compliant with future emissions standards would be costly in a segment with already tight margins, according to the reporting. The switch appears more accounting-driven than ecological. A key factor is the European Commission's planned M1E category for small electric vehicles under 4.20 meters, which applies a 1.3 coefficient to manufacturers' average CO2 emissions calculations.

This regulatory adjustment will allow Stellantis to more easily offset emissions from its larger combustion models with each small electric sold. The approach mirrors Volkswagen's decision to abandon the combustion Polo in favor of an electric ID. Polo. The models will need to deliver on both selling price and range to avoid the pitfalls that have challenged other affordable electric vehicles.