Raj PandeyElectric vehicles (EVs) are changing the automotive landscape but one challenge still remains – affordability. For many, the drastic changes in technology related to EVs brings up a lot of concern and most of it revolves around the upfront costs. A budget friendly solution for this issue is “Dacia Spring”, offering a fully electric car at an economical price.
Dacia Spring, priced at just £16,995, is the new name in town and making EVs affordable like never before. But do these prices come with a catch? In this extensive review of “Dacia Spring”, we will analyze its features, range, performance, and how does it fare against cheap EVs in the market.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to the Dacia Spring
Dacia, the brand known for manufacturing economical yet efficient cars, has now launched in the EV market with “Dacia Spring”. The Dacia Spring is a small electric hatchback that strives to achieve cost-effectiveness with practicality making it a great selection for urban commuters and new EV enthusiasts.
Dacia Spring Features:
✔ Least expensive electric car in the UK – Price starts at £16,995
✔ 140-mile range – Sufficient for daily commuting
✔ Lightweight and compact design – Ideal for urban mobility
✔ Tools and features are easy to understand and operate – No complex operations involved
✔ Low cost operations – Inexpensive maintenance and charging
With a minimalist design and affordable price, the Dacia Spring EV caters to people searching for a low-cost EV.
2. Dacia Spring Variants and Pricing
The company has put on the market the Dacia Spring in both trims aimed at different types of drivers.
| Variant | Battery Size | Range (WLTP) | Price (Starting) |
|---|---|---|---|
Dacia Spring Essential |
26.8 kWh |
140 miles |
£16,995 |
Dacia Spring Extreme |
26.8 kWh |
140 miles |
£18,995 |
Which Variant Should You Choose?
- Dacia Spring Extreme – For those looking for a no frills entry-level EV to run day to day.
- Dacia Spring Essential – Comes with fancier styling and improved tech features for an additional £2,000.
Even with the high end trim, the Dacia Spring is handsomely cheaper than the rest of the EVs in the UK.
3. Performance and Driving Experience
Driving Dacia Spring in the city is more lightweight and easier because it is built for city driving.
Performance Specifications:
⚡ Electric Motor Power – 44 HP (33 kW)
⚡ Maximum Velocity – 126 km/h (78 mph)
⚡ 0-60 mph in – 19.1 seconds
⚡ Torque – 125 Nm
How Does It Feel on the Road?
Optimal for City Driving – Step 1: City driving requires tight corners and reverse parking. For this, having a small car with responsive steering is key.
Not Specifically For Speed – The maximum power output of the motor is only 44 HP, which makes acceleration slow, but is decent for short drives.
Ride Quality is Decent – The affordable price tag does not mean that the suspension does an excellent job of filtering out unwanted bumps when driving.
The “Dacia Spring” is certainly not an EV for performance lovers, but offers decent value as an urban mobility solution for everyday travel.
4. Range and Charging: Is It Practical?
One concern for any EV buyer is fear of being stranded without charging stations nearby, which is commonly known as concern for the range. Regardless, the “Dacia Spring” does carry sufficient range capability for city driving.
Battery and Charging Specs:
🔋 Chargeable Battery Size – 26.8 kWh
🔋 Range on a Single Charge – 140 miles (WLTP)
🔋 Fast Charging – Capable of 30 kW charging, can bring the battery bank from 20 to 80% in just 45 minutes.
🔋 Charging at Home with a 7.4 kW AC Charger – Enables battery bank to be fully charged in 4.5 hours.
The Car’s Range, Good Enough?
Ideal for short daily commutes and city trips.
Not suitable for long road trips unless charging stops are planned.
Public fast-charging option provides quick top-ups.
The range is modest when compared to premium EVs, but the ‘Dacia Spring’ offers good value for its price.
5. Interior and Technology: Simple Yet Functional
The ‘Dacia Spring’ embodies a minimalist approach that aims to provide practicality and affodability, instead of luxury.
Interior Highlights:
🖥️ 7-inch Touchscreen (Extreme Trim) – Comes with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
🎵 Basic Audio System – Works well, but not premium.
🛋️ Comfortable Seats – Cloth-covered with good cushioning.
🚗 Basic Climate Controls – Manual air conditioning in both trims.
Though it lacks luxury features, the ‘Dacia Spring’ covers basic technology requirements to enable essential driving.
6. Safety Features: Is It a Safe Car?
Basics features of safety concern are available and Dacia has included some basic safety features for budget EVs.
Key Safety Features:
🛡️ Rear Parking Sensors – Standard on both trims.
🛡️ Lane Departure Warning – Prevents driving to a different lane by mistake.
🛡️ Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) – Improves braking response time.
🛡️ ABS & Electronic Stability Control – Standard safety features.
Although the safety measures are rather basic, they conform to the regulations and guarantee a secure driving experience.
7. The Dacia Spring’s Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
✔ Cheapest EV in the UK market (£16,995)
✔ Ideal for driving within cities as it is small in size
✔ Maintenance and charging is very cost efficient
✔ Design is basic and easy to operate
✔ Good range of 140 miles which is enough for daily activities
Disadvantages:
❌ Very sluggish acceleration (0-60 mph in 19.1 seconds)
❌ Not very advanced techy features
❌ Not great for extended road travel
❌ Space available for luggage is very limited
8. Where Does the Dacia Spring Stand Against Other Budget EVs?
| Model | Starting Price | Range (WLTP) | Charging Time (DC Fast Charge) |
|---|---|---|---|
Dacia Spring |
£16,995 |
140 miles |
45 minutes |
MG4 EV |
£26,995 |
218 miles |
40 minutes |
Fiat 500 Electric |
£22,335 |
190 miles |
30 minutes |
Nissan Leaf |
£28,995 |
168 miles |
40 minutes |
Compared to other economical EVs, Dacia Spring is supressed in both range and overall performance. However, none bipolar it in affordability.
9. Conclusion: Is the Dacia Spring Worth Buying?
The “Dacia Spring” is the most economical EV in the UK, therefore qualifies as an efficient budget electric car choice.
Even though it doesn’t have top-tier options, it does help you save money and offers easy driving in cities.
Who Should Buy the Dacia Spring?
✅ City drivers looking for a compact, practical EV.
✅ First-time EV owners who want something basic to start with.
✅ Consumers looking to spend as little money as possible. Dacia offers the cheapest EV there is.
Other solutions are available for those requiring more performance or range. But for the best price, the “Dacia Spring” is second to none. 🚗⚡
Are you thinking about purchasing the “Dacia Spring” as your first EV? Share your opinion with us in the comments down below!😊
