Renault Unveils €17,900 Dacia Spring EV Production in Europe to Access Local Incentives
Renault’s budget-friendly brand Dacia has announced that production of its affordable Dacia Spring electric vehicle (EV) will shift from China to Europe. This move will enable the automaker to take advantage of French government subsidies. Starting at €17,900 for the base variant (approximately $20,789), the price can be lowered to about €12,200 ($14,169) after applying EV incentives in France. Additionally, the Spring has undergone a redesign, elevating its stance and giving it a sportier appearance with a more robust body structure.
The Spring comes with basic specifications. It features a 27.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a range of 155 miles per the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), which translates to roughly 133 miles according to EPA standards. This model is ideal for urban and suburban commuting. An optional 50 kW DC fast-charger (€500) can charge the battery from 15 to 80 percent in about 28 minutes, while using a standard 6.6 kW outlet will take around nine hours. Dacia reported that typical Spring owners drive about 21 miles each day, with 75 percent of them charging the vehicle at home. Performance is modest, featuring 80 horsepower and 129 pound-feet of torque.
The recent redesign gives the Spring a more substantial silhouette. It is now 5.9 inches longer and 7.1 inches wider, enhancing its spaciousness. The front has been reshaped with sharper lines and angles, subtly flared wheel arches, and added black accents at both the front and rear.
The cargo capacity has increased from 10.9 cubic feet to 11.9 cubic feet, which is impressive for a sub-compact vehicle. This expands to 45.3 cubic feet with the rear bench folded down in a 50:50 split. The Spring offers a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, complete with numerous knobs and switches for easy control. Optional features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear parking camera, and keyless entry are available for an additional $1,500.
The Dacia Spring will be produced in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, at the same facility where Renault manufactures its Twingo E-Tech city car. It appears to be one of the most affordable EVs in Europe after accounting for incentives, which can vary based on country and individual income levels.
Since its launch in 2021, the Spring has sold approximately 210,000 units worldwide, demonstrating a solid performance for Renault. The vehicle is a key element in Renault’s ambitious strategy to achieve a 100 percent electrified vehicle lineup in Europe by 2030, which will consist of equal parts electric and hybrid models. European regulations stipulate a 90 percent reduction in fleet emissions by 2035 compared to the levels recorded in 2021.
