Affordable & Stylish: The Dacia Spring Electric Vehicle Offers Fun & Savings

2024 update: Europe’s cheapest e-car now features bidirectional charging for enhanced convenience.

The Volkswagen Group is currently in the process of crunching numbers to develop a strategy for selling an affordable electric vehicle while still turning a profit. Meanwhile, Renault has already found a solution. Their budget-friendly Romanian brand, Dacia, has experienced tremendous success with their electric hatchback, the Spring, since its debut in 2022. With over 140,000 units sold thus far, it is evident that the Spring has been well-received by consumers. In 2024, this refreshingly simple electric vehicle will undergo a significant makeover.

This is not your typical next-generation model as it can be better described as an extensive makeover. The 2024 Spring’s exterior updates align with Dacia’s current design aesthetic, evident in the brand-new Duster SUV. There are notable additions of plastic body cladding and square-shaped wheel arches that give this basic electric vehicle a tougher appearance. These modifications certainly bring a touch of modernity to Europe’s most affordable EV, surpassing its previous version that seemed to be stuck in the outdated era of the 90s.

Significant modifications have been made to the interior of the 2024 Dacia Spring, featuring a completely revamped dashboard. Along with the seven-inch digital display for instrument readings and a 10-inch touchscreen, the cabin boasts updated climate controls and redesigned air vents. The steering wheel now bears the new DC corporate emblem and, notably, can be adjusted for height. Additionally, a fresh gear selector is visible, accompanied by a convenient smartphone holder located behind it.

This compact vehicle boasts impressive practicality, with its front trunk able to hold 35 liters (equivalent to 1.23 cubic feet) and the rear cargo area offering a volume of 308 liters (a six-liter increase from the previous model), or approximately 11 cubic feet. Additionally, folding down the rear bench allows for a significant expansion in luggage space, up to a maximum of 1,004 liters (or 35.5 cubic feet). The cabin also includes multiple storage compartments, providing an extra 33 liters (or 1.16 cubic feet) of storage capacity.

The design of the packaging for the Spring may seem adequate, given its compact dimensions of 3701 millimeters (145.7 inches) in length, 1767 millimeters (69.5 inches) in width, and 1519 millimeters (59.8 inches) in height. It also boasts a wheelbase of 2423 millimeters (95.4 inches). The size of the wheels varies depending on the chosen trim level, with options of either 15 or 16 inches. Additionally, the latest update introduces two new color choices: Safari Beige and Brick Red.

The base model of the Spring has a modest 45 horsepower, but you have the option to upgrade to a more powerful electric motor with an impressive 65 hp. With this higher-end motor, the cheerful EV is able to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in less than 14 seconds. Opting for the entry-level motor will still get the job done, although at a slower pace of under 20 seconds. The small battery, which has a capacity of 26.8-kWh, can cover a range of over 137 miles (220 kilometers) and can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in just 45 minutes using a 30-kW DC charger. However, if you are using a 7-kW AC charger, expect to wait approximately 11 hours for the battery to go from 20 to 100 percent. An added feature of the Spring is its ability to engage in bidirectional charging, meaning it can provide power to other electrical appliances such as a toaster.

While the range may not be extraordinary, Dacia assures that it is suitable for the average Spring user. After examining data gathered from the previous version’s infotainment system, the brand under Renault discovered that most owners drive their vehicles for approximately 23 miles (37 kilometers) each day. Furthermore, 90 percent of all journeys are less than 43 miles (70 kilometers). The collected data also revealed that the average speed at which the Spring is driven is 23 mph (37 km/h) and that 75 percent of owners charge their cars at home.

Dacia takes pride in being the sole European EV with a weight below 1,000 kilograms (2,204 pounds), and this claim still holds true for their latest model, the Spring. In order to adhere to regulations set by the European Union, improvements have been made to the vehicle’s standard features and driver assistance technology, resulting in a slight increase of only six kilograms (13 pounds). Even with all the added extras in the top trim level, the total weight of the Spring remains impressively low at just 984 kilograms (2,169 pounds).

The Spring may not exactly get your heart racing, but for individuals seeking simple, cost-effective transportation with zero emissions, this vehicle is the ideal choice. It’s perfectly suited for navigating the busy city streets and serves as a practical solution for small businesses that require delivery capabilities. While pricing for the latest model has yet to be revealed, the previous version was priced at approximately €20,000 in its home country of Romania, before any incentives were applied.

It should be mentioned that the car was manufactured in China and also has a Renault counterpart called the City K-ZE. Both electric vehicles have their origins from the Renault Kwid, which first hit the market in 2015 with traditional engines.

Source: Dacia