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Offering a compelling mix of value and practicality and priced at around $19,000, the Dacia Spring EV stands out as an affordable all-electric option, especially when compared to current offerings like the Nissan Leaf. If available in the U.S., it would be the cheapest EV on the market, undercutting the Leaf by over $9,000.
Who Is Dacia?
Dacia, a Romanian automaker under the Renault group, is known for delivering surprisingly good value with its budget-friendly vehicles. The Spring EV continues this tradition, promising a lot for its price point and indicating a potential brand resurgence similar to Hyundai and Kia’s transformations.
Design and Performance
The Dacia Spring is designed as a practical urban vehicle with minimal frills but essential features. Weighing less than a ton, the Spring is lightweight, which contributes to its impressive range and efficiency. It features a 26.8 kWh battery, providing up to 140 miles of range on both the 44-bhp and 64-bhp models. Charging is convenient, with the option to use a regular socket for overnight charges or a 7-kW wall box for faster charging.
Performance-wise, the Spring is geared more towards city driving rather than high-speed maneuvers. It has a top speed of 78 mph and takes around 14 to 19 seconds to reach 62 mph, depending on the model. While not designed for rapid acceleration or high-speed driving, it excels in urban environments with its nimble handling and efficient energy use.
Interior and Features
Inside, the Spring surprises with a well-designed cabin that exceeds expectations for its price. Despite some budget materials, it offers a range of features including vehicle-to-load capability, a rear windscreen wiper, a reversing camera with a 10-inch infotainment screen, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Safety features include automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, lane-keep assist, and driver attention warning.
The interior design includes practical touches such as a 35-liter frunk and clever YouClip accessories for customizable storage solutions. However, the rear seats have limited legroom, and long drives might be uncomfortable due to the basic seating. The trunk offers 308 liters of space, expandable to 1,004 liters with the rear seats folded.
Final Thoughts
The Dacia Spring EV presents a significant value proposition in the electric vehicle market. It’s a practical and affordable option for urban driving, with a range of features that are typically reserved for more expensive models. While it may not be the choice for those seeking high performance or luxurious comfort, it serves as an excellent example of how affordable EV technology can be both functional and fun.