This prototype is most likely an electric race car made from Romanian materials.

We are sure you were as surprised as we were by today’s first batch spy photos. Let us tell you more about this prototype in the attached gallery. This is an all-electric mule made by Renault’s affordable manufacturer, Dacia. It is sporting the body of a first gen Duster SUV .

Renault is one the most knowledgeable mainstream manufacturers when it comes to electrification. It shouldn’t surprise that the sister brand from Romania will also benefit from this experience. The flat-package of batteries under the seat covers can be seen underneath the unusually-shaped body of the Renault trial car.

These photos were taken by spy photographers at Renault Sport in a frozen lake near the Arctic Circle. Renault Sport is currently working on a new contender to the Andros Trophy Ice Series. This car will soon become Dacia’s race car in the series.

This prototype has a wider and longer body than a standard first-gen Duster. It also has a roll cage and racing seats. Strut tires are also included. You can zoom in on the front wheels to see the Brembo-branded brakes. The rear wheels have Alpine-branded calipers.

The entry of Dacia into the All-electric Class of the Andros Trophy is expected to have a major impact on the development of road-going electric cars. Dacia will launch its first production EV in the early part of the next decade, according to reports. This race car will help engineers use the knowledge gained during the race season.

We won’t be surprised, however, if the company begins testing more electric prototypes on public roads within the next few months.