Although we don’t yet know the price, order banks will open in 2021.
Spring is here. It’s actually autumn in the northern hemisphere. This includes the vast expanse of Europe where the new Dacia roams. The Spring Electric is its name (hence the witty intro), but it’s much more than a new electric vehicle for getting around town. This is Dacia’s first venture into electric motoring.
It is sort of, anyway. This five-door hatchback looks familiar. It was sold in China as the Renault City K-ZE. Although the shape and powertrain are almost identical, Dacia has added some touches like a unique grille, lights and badges. The lowest priced claim is likely to be the key takeaway, although we don’t have any official pricing information from Dacia. The Renault K-ZE is available in China for as low as $9,000 so it’s a good starting place.
You won’t find many extras with the base price, as you might think. Standard features include power windows and locks, as well as a small 3.5-inch digital instrument cluster display. Other options, such as manual-operated air conditioners and a spare tire, are available as an option. You can upgrade the Spring Electric with an optional multimedia system that includes a touchscreen of 7.0 inches and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. This screen can provide optional navigation and parking assistance with a backup camera. It also has radar sensors that provide auditory cues.
The EV Dacia is much safer. The standard-issue equipment includes the usual assortment of airbags, traction and stability control system systems, as well as the expected array of airbags. Standard-issue items include automatic headlight activation and auto emergency brake. These systems use radar systems to alert the driver in advance of an impending collision. If the driver does not respond, the brakes are applied. This is a remarkable kit for an EV that claims to be the most affordable in Europe.
The Spring Electric has a single motor that produces 44 horsepower (33 kilowatts) at the front wheels. It is powered by a 26.8-kilowatt hour battery. The WLTP range is approximately 140 miles (225 km), but the Eco button on the Spring Electric adds almost 10 percent to that distance. This reduces the motor’s power to 31 horsepower (23 kW), and limits top speed to 62 MPH (100 km/h), slightly less than the usual top speed of 78 MPH (125 km/h). The basic 220-volt home charger comes standard. However, the Wallbox and DC charging cable can be added to the option. With the Wallbox, the battery can recover 80 percent of its range in under an hour using a 30 kW terminal.
Although we are seeing the Spring Electric today in our showroom, Dacia has stated that orders will not open until spring 2021. There will be two versions of the Spring Electric: a five-passenger commuter vehicle and a dedicated cargo car with the rear seat removed. The on-sale date will provide details about the pricing.