Dacia has unveiled its new fully electric vehicle, the all-new Dacia Spring, positioning it as the most accessible, full-size, all-electric car in Europe. This launch will mark the car's debut in a right-hand drive configuration, featuring a fresh exterior and interior design overhaul. For anyone who's driven a low-cost Dacia in the past, the idea that there will be one pedal less in the driver's footwell will certainly be welcome news. Also welcome would be a price tag close to £16,000.
The Spring aims to deliver enhanced convenience and versatility, boasting the best loading capacity in its class – with a boost of 308 litres – alongside numerous innovative features. For example, it introduces a customisable digital dashboard, including a 7-inch instrument display and a central 10-inch multimedia screen.
Powered by a 65 hp electric motor, Dacia in claiming high-efficiency with a low energy consumption rate of 14.6 kWh per 62 miles. Official UK pricing and specifications will be disclosed on 12 March 2024, with over 7,000 potential UK customers having already expressed their interest. Based on the available info, we would expect a WLTP of around 137 miles – assuming Dacia's engineering and aerodynamics teams have managed to improve efficiency while reducing the drag coefficient and (maybe) the wheels.
The previous model launched in France back in 2021 for less than £11,000 with some strong French Government incentives. If the starting price of this completely revamped model translates to around £16,000, then it will be almost 50% cheaper than a number of the existing ‘low cost EVs' in the market, including:-
- £29,000 Corsa E
- £30,000 Renault Zoe
- £31,000 Fiat 500e
- £32,000 Peugeot E-208
Naturally, we expect the Spring to be relatively basic inside, but many folks will be buying to a budget and the advertised price of the advertised EV in the UK tends to be around £46,000. Given that the ASP (average selling price) of the top 10 fossil fuel vehicles for 2023 was close to £25,000 – this Dacia will definitely put the cat among the pigeons.
You might even see leasing deals as low as £120 a month.
Certain things that we might have gotten used to ‘as standard' might be add-ons or only available in more premium models. Those ‘extras' could well include features like DC charging and VTL (allowing you to charge a laptop or plug in a small fridge).
Not only will it attract huge ‘direct' interest when it goes on sale, it will also have an effect on the second hand EV market.
Since its initial European launch in 2021, the Spring has been instrumental in making electric mobility more accessible on the continent, becoming the third bets selling electric car to retail customers in 2022 and 2023. Over 140,000 units have been registered globally to date. The model's energy efficiency and low carbon footprint earned it a 5-star rating from Green NCAP in 2022.
Designed for those seeking simple, cost-effective, and efficient zero-emission transportation, data reveals the average daily journey of a Spring driver is approximately 23 miles, with the majority of charging done at home. The battery is expected to be around 27kWh, so you will easily be able to fill-up on electrons on a low cost, overnight tariff for around £4.
The latest iteration of the Spring builds on its predecessors' success, featuring a more powerful motor introduced in 2023 and an entirely new design. Now available to UK buyers in right-hand drive, the model continues to offer practicality and efficiency without compromising affordability.
The car's design has evolved significantly, reflecting Dacia's new design language first seen on the latest Duster model. The interior and exterior have been completely revamped, except for the unchanged roof, to provide a robust and modern appearance.
The All-New Spring is available in six colours, including the new Brick Red and Beige Safari, and comes equipped with a range of smart storage solutions and the latest digital features. It also includes new Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to meet the latest European safety standards.
With its compact size, efficient use of energy, and practical features, the all-new Spring is designed to cater to the everyday needs of drivers, offering a compelling blend of performance and value. Plus, there is a chance that a stripped down commercial model might be offered in the UK – where everything behind the front two seats, becomes ‘cargo storage'. Could be useful for small businesses – or local delivery services.
You can get more info and register your interest here.
