Citroen ELO concept hints at new mini-MPV

Citroen has hinted at plans for a super-compact all-electric MPV with the launch of its ELO concept car.

Its name is derived from the second letters of rest, play and work, and Citroen says that the striking six-seat EV “explores a new path that responds optimistically and ingeniously to contemporary challenges”.

Central to that is a relatively tiny footprint, addressing concerns over the seemingly endless increase in vehicle size. The ELO is just 4.1 metres long – around the same as the current E-C3. But Citroen says it will offer space for up to six passengers as well as acting as a mobile office, cinema room and even sleeping space for two people. Citroen says that its ratio of exterior dimension to interior space is “unbeatable”.

Behind its sliding doors, the ELO features an unusual central driving position set ahead of a permanent row of three rear seats. The driver’s seat swivels round to face the rears when parked and two additional seats can be mounted beside and slightly behind it to create a six-seat people carrier. When not in use, these tuck beneath the outer rear seats. Those rear seats can also be removed as used as outdoor seating – just like the original 2CV – and form part of the plan for ELO to be a “base camp” for outdoor activities.

Two inflatable mattresses are folded into special compartments in the boot to provide off-grid overnight accommodation, with vehicle-to-load capability to help power camping appliances. Even the exterior light units have been designed to act as impromptu tables for outside dining.

The durable mattress fabric and seat upholstery have been designed in partnership with sports retailer Decathlon as part of the ELO’s focus on “play”. Decathlon’s input also extends into elements such as an onboard compressor for paddleboards, smart storage areas and mounting points for an exterior awning.

For those who like to use their car as an office, the ELO features a clip-in tablet for the driver’s seat to act as a desk, and the “Smartband” instrument panel switches to display video calls, calendars and more. Pull-out trays either side of the driving position also provide “desk space” for phones, headsets and other office equipment.

The Smartband screen stretches the width of the car beneath the dashboard and provides a “floating” information display which Citroen says is cheaper to develop and produce than a traditional head-up display.

Also focused on keeping costs and environmental impact down, the ELO uses a wide range of recycled materials and interchangeable panels such as the front and rear bumpers.

“ELO is a new step in an exceptional period for Citroën, marked by the complete renewal of the range in two years,” said Citroen CEO Xavier Chardon.

“ELO is a laboratory of ideas that perfectly embodies Citroën’s values and opens up perspectives on what drives our thinking today. It is totally in tune with the times and offers concrete, innovative solutions to promote freedom of movement and a better life. Its style expresses friendliness and joie de vivre, and its ultra-modular interior is designed as a living space in its own right. It is full of clever features and simple technologies to make everyday life easier. ELO sends a strong message that conveys our vision of what Citroën should be.”

The ELO is the latest all-electric concept after 2023’s Citroen OLI. That eventually made it to production in the form of the E-C3/E-C3 Aircross, suggesting that we could see a production model inspired by ELO in the coming years. That would mark a return to true MPVs for Citroen, which helped spearhead the segment before abandoning it in favour of SUVs such as the E-C5 Aircross.