ELO Is Here: Citroën Reinvents The Compact Family EV

Stellantis’ Citroën brand is doubling down on its historic role as an innovator in practical mobility with the reveal of its newest forward-thinking project — the ELO Concept. Designed to rethink how Europeans move through increasingly crowded urban environments while still accommodating busy lifestyles, ELO is a compact, fully electric interpretation of the modern family vehicle.

Calling it “the little one that thinks big,” Citroën constructed ELO around a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) platform measuring just 4.10 meters (13.45 ft.) from bumper to bumper. Despite its small footprint, ELO can seat up to six passengers — a packaging achievement that challenges conventional expectations for space and comfort in this segment.

More importantly, ELO illustrates a creative strategy for addressing European mobility demands: denser cities, stricter emissions zones, younger owners seeking versatility, and rising costs of vehicle ownership.

Continuing the Design Evolution From the OLI Concept –

ELO expands on the brand’s recent OLI Concept philosophy, showcasing design language built on function-first engineering:

• Flat or minimal curved glass panels reduce complexity

• Modular, geometric surfaces simplify manufacturing

• Lightweight composite components improve efficiency

• A bright, optimistic color signature designed to energize public roads

• Exposed, accessible structure designed for ease of use and repair

Together, OLI and ELO form a cohesive new vision for Citroën — smart efficiency over excessive luxury, bringing innovation forward without inflating costs.

Cabin Architecture: A New Way to Experience Space –

Citroën’s architects took full advantage of EV packaging to rethink interior priorities. The floor is completely flat, allowing seamless movement between rows. The roofline is tall, promoting a genuine feeling of openness despite the compact footprint.

Inside, there is no traditional dashboard. Instead, a projected interface displays information across a transparent section of the windshield — a lighter, more cost-effective replacement for complex infotainment screens.

To maximize visibility, Citroën reintroduces its iconic single-spoke steering wheel with modern ergonomics and digital controls.

A Centered Driver Seat With 180° Vision –

The most striking interior feature is the central driver’s position. Similar to the layout of a McLaren F1 — but in a family vehicle — this design eliminates the traditional left/right divide and delivers unmatched forward visibility.

The driver’s chair also rotates a full 360 degrees, allowing it to serve:

• As a traditional control seat while driving

• As a social chair when facing rear passengers

• As an ergonomic office chair for mobile working

This flexibility sets ELO apart from nearly every conventional compact car on the market today.

Modular Seating for Up to Six Passengers –

ELO normally accommodates four occupants, but two extra seats are cleverly stored beneath the second-row cushions. They unfold into usable chairs positioned slightly behind the driver’s seat on either side.

Importantly, this six-passenger mode does not reduce cargo volume, thanks to intelligent packaging.

Rear seats are also:

• Fully removable

• Designed for indoor-outdoor use

• Cushioned with durable, easy-clean materials

There is enough interior height and width for adults to move comfortably between positions without crouching or contorting — a rarity in any small vehicle.

A Bubble of Color and Energy –

Citroën’s styling conveys joy and positivity. The concept’s striking orange exterior finish shifts between shades of yellow, orange, and red depending on light, reinforcing its lively personality. Large glass surfaces — 4.5 m² (48.4 sq ft.) worth — flood the cabin with natural light.

Designers celebrated a people-first approach:

• Massive side window openings

• Low beltlines boosting visibility

• Bright, refreshing textures inside

It takes the practicality of historic MPVs like the Berlingo and evolves the idea into something far more contemporary and expressive.

REST — PLAY — WORK: A Vehicle For Real Life –

Citroën studied how European drivers actually use their cars. Since personal vehicles spend 95% of their time parked, ELO was engineered to remain useful even off the road.

REST Mode — A Tiny House on Wheels

The cabin transforms into a sleeping area for two adults, thanks to mattresses designed by Decathlon using Dropstitch, the same reinforced inflatable material used in paddleboards. A roof panel opens to enjoy fresh air and night skies during camping.

PLAY Mode — Outdoor-Friendly Engineering

Detachable rear seats become portable chairs for picnics or sporting events. Hooks on each door allow an awning to extend over either side, turning ELO into a proper refuge from sun or rain. V2L power supports electric coolers, speakers, lights, or even a barbecue.

WORK Mode — Supporting Hybrid Lifestyles

A compact work surface stows in the cabin and clips into place when the driver rotates the seat to convert the interior into a freestanding office. The projected windshield display adapts to show video calls and schedules.

Citroën wants this car to give time back to its users — not just consume it.

Sustainable Materials and Clever Manufacturing – 

ELO incorporates a broad range of recycled and recyclable components. Expanded polypropylene — the same material used in Decathlon bike helmets — protects high-contact areas such as bumpers and wheel arch tables.

Citroën’s Colors & Materials team even upcycled surplus materials from the Oli Concept into new 3D-textured storage surfaces.

This defines a product that feels practical, durable, and truly eco-responsible — not simply labeled as such.

Smart Tires Built For Daily Europe + Weekend Adventure – 

Goodyear returns for its fourth Citroën concept partnership, contributing innovative Eagle Xplore tires designed for mixed-use mobility.

Sensors integrated into the tires leverage Goodyear SightLine, sending health and pressure data directly to the vehicle. Bright LED indicators on the rims display green (correct inflation) or red (under-inflation).

“Powered by Goodyear SightLine, it delivers real-time data directly to the vehicle… turning mobility into a connected, intuitive experience.” — Ben Glesener, Goodyear

This is mobility intelligence built at the wheel level — exactly where European drivers need it most.

A Collaboration Fueled by Movement – 

Citroën partnered with Decathlon, one of Europe’s most successful sporting goods companies, to ensure ELO aligns with active lifestyles.

“The ambition is clear: to turn every moment into an opportunity to move.” — Charles Cambianica, Decathlon

From storage to accessories, the collaboration integrates recreation directly into the vehicle’s design. Citroën Style Director Pierre Leclercq reinforces the practical and emotional goals:

“We are very proud of ELO because it is the perfect expression of what design should be: combining style and function… practical, fun and clever.”

Mobility for Tomorrow’s Europe –

ELO answers several European trends head-on:

• Dense cities requiring smaller vehicles

• Growing emphasis on sustainability and efficiency

• More time spent working on the move

• Outdoor recreation gaining momentum

• A need for affordable yet well-designed EVs

It is engineered for the future habits of European citizens rather than the habits of the past.

Conclusion: Innovation Rooted in Real Life – 

The Citroën ELO Concept redefines what a compact family EV can be. Instead of shrinking features to match its size, Citroën expanded creativity, usability, and livability to build something genuinely fresh.

ELO is designed not just to transport people, but to support life between destinations.

Compact where the city demands it.
Spacious where families need it.
Optimistic that the world could use more color.

ELO will make its global debut at the Brussels Motor Show on January 9th, signaling a new yet familiar direction for Citroën.

Citroën ELO Concept Image Gallery: