Dacia has unveiled the second generation of the Spring, its entry-level electric car and one of the most affordable battery-powered vehicles on the market. The new model is larger, more capable and built on the technical foundations of the Renault Twingo, while the British price has not yet been confirmed.
The first Spring has sold over 210,000 units since 2021, a result that made the Romanian brand a benchmark for those seeking affordable electric mobility. The new version was developed in less than two years together with the Renault Twingo and Nissan Pixo, with the development team gathered in Shanghai. Production takes place in Slovenia, alongside other models from the group.
The most significant change concerns the platform. The new Spring uses the RG-EV architecture of Renault's small models, which allows it to grow considerably compared with its predecessor: it measures 3,855 mm in length, 1,722 mm in width and has a wheelbase of 2,492 mm. According to available information, this choice also makes it possible to avoid the European Union customs duties that affect the old Spring, which is built in China and is more expensive to produce.
Inside, the dashboard is almost identical to that of the Twingo. The base version gives up the central screen, while the higher trims feature a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. Dacia has kept physical buttons, including the 'My Safety' switch for driver assistance systems. The rear seats are fixed and the boot offers 337 litres of capacity.
The battery is lithium iron phosphate (LFP) with a net capacity of 27.5 kWh. The range claimed under the WLTP cycle is 155 miles, about eight fewer than the Twingo, a difference explained in part by a less favourable aerodynamic coefficient: 0.318 versus 0.295 for the Renault city car. Home AC charging reaches 11 kW, while DC fast charging reaches 50 kW.
In terms of performance, the motor delivers 80 hp and 203 lb ft of torque. The brake-by-wire braking system ensures a linear response to the pedal, while the regenerative braking configuration is deliberately limited. The turning circle remains under 10 metres, and the car can travel on motorways up to 80 mph, a limit imposed by the system. Compared with its predecessor, the difference in on-road capability is evident. Goodyear tyres replace the old LingLong tyres, with wheels exclusively 16 inches in size.
The British price has not yet been defined. The estimate indicates around £13,500, to which a possible discount of £3,750 would apply, still awaiting a decision on the electric vehicle incentive scheme. The current model is on sale for £11,990. According to estimates of European prices, the new Spring would cost about £1,700 less than the Twingo.
A Dutch test also recorded a weight above 1,200 kg, while the frunk, the front storage compartment, is available as an option. One reviewer expects a real-world range close to 120 miles, which positions the car primarily as a second car for daily commuting.