One of Europe's cheapest electric cars is getting a major overhaul.
Dacia says the all-new Spring keeps its budget focus but now comes with a sturdier exterior, more in-car tech, and as much as 155 miles of range.
Here's what to know
According to Motor1, the second-generation Dacia Spring starts at €17,900 (~$20,776 USD) in Italy and is expected to remain under €20,000 (~$23,213) in other European markets before incentives.
Dacia said the new Spring uses a single 80-horsepower electric motor and a 27.5-kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate battery pack. The outlet pointed out the compact hatchback has also grown longer and significantly wider than the previous version, changes that give it a more substantial look without losing its city-friendly footprint.
Dacia said 75% of previous-generation owners charged at home. For buyers who want quicker charging, optional 50-kilowatt DC fast charging can take the battery from 15% to 80% in 28 minutes, and the new Spring is rated for up to 155 miles (250 kilometers) on the WLTP test cycle.
Motor1 reported that the new Spring will be built at Renault Group's factory in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, instead of in China like the previous model. The production move comes as Dacia works toward launching four fully electric models before the end of the decade.
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More background
The Spring is arriving as the European Union increases pressure on automakers to cut emissions. Motor1 noted that EU rules require fleet carbon dioxide pollution in 2035 to be 90% lower than 2021 levels, a shift that is accelerating the move away from gas-powered vehicles.
Affordability remains one of the biggest barriers to broader EV adoption. A lower upfront price can make electric driving more realistic for households looking to spend less on fuel and avoid some of the regular maintenance associated with combustion vehicles, including oil changes and many engine-related repairs.
Dacia's own research uncovered that owners of the previous-generation Spring typically drove about 21 miles (34 kilometers) per day, per Motor1. That eases some concern about slower charging speeds and range for many urban drivers who are the target here.
Data published by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) showed that fully electric vehicles accounted for 22.2% of new car sales across the EU, U.K., and EFTA.
What's being done?
Dacia is aiming at mainstream buyers with an EV that stays simple, practical, and relatively inexpensive. Motor1 reported the new Spring adds features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear parking camera on some trims, and available vehicle-to-load capability for powering small devices.
For consumers considering buying an electric vehicle, the biggest financial upside often comes after leaving the dealership. Drivers can save substantially on fuel costs over time, and EVs generally need less routine maintenance than gas cars.
Low-cost models such as the Spring could give city drivers a more accessible path to a simpler, lower-cost car with no tailpipe pollution. While the range, specs, and features won't blow drivers away, Motor1 argued Dacia's new redesign delivers.
"It has made the formula bigger, more practical, more modern, and considerably more appealing, while keeping the core promise intact: an affordable electric car that focuses on what most buyers actually need," the outlet concluded.
Where can I learn more?
The Spring's redesign arrives at a time when European automakers are pushing to make EVs cheaper, smaller, and easier to live with. That broader shift is showing up in falling prices and the day-to-day savings that keep drawing drivers away from gas cars.
• Across Europe, automakers are shrinking their EVs to counter SUV bloat and Chinese rivals.
• Across the auto market, EV sticker prices have fallen in recent years, narrowing the gap with gas cars.
• EV owners say cheap fuel and maintenance often outweigh the higher upfront price.
As prices come down and buyers get more options, budget EVs could start to look realistic for a much wider group of drivers.
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