Video: Renault Dacia Spring EV for Europe early 2021

The Renault Dacia Spring Electric production EV will be offered in Europe (UK excluded) next year as a city car, a version for car-sharing and another as a cargo vehicle for last mile deliveries.

Appropriately, it’s expected to go on sale in spring – and may eventually be offered in New Zealand and Australia.

Hailed as the lowest-priced electric city car on the European market – although pricing isn’t yet revealed – it is reported to be offered below 19,000 pounds (US$24,512 or even US$23,400).

The Dacia Spring Electric has a 33kW engine and a 26.8kWh battery providing 225-295km range and a 125km/h top speed.

It can fast-charge at a rate of up to 30kW from a CCS DC charger.

The five-door SUV-like Dacia is small (3.73 metres long) but roomy – claimed to fit four adults comfortably, have 300 litres boot space increasing to 600l with rear seats folded down, and 23l front storage.

The cargo version will have 800l luggage capacity and a 1033mm load length.

“Cool and trendy, the Dacia Spring will change the game as an affordable electric mobility solution for all,” Groupe Renault executive committee member Denis Le Vot says.

A Renault NZ spokesperson says it’s excited by Groupe Renault’s recent announcements about the Dacia Spring Electric and the Megane eVision, plus Groupe Renault’s advancements in electric mobility and the possibility of being able to offer Kiwis more choice when it comes to Renault EVs.

While Renault NZ doesn’t have distribution rights for Dacia it will be following Renault Megane eVision progress closely.

“If and when it is made available to the New Zealand market we will seriously consider it as part of our line-up.”

The Dacia Spring’s interior features a 3.5-inch digital display between the dials, while an 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is an option and includes voice control and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It has a 4.8 metre turning radius suited to tight city streets, and has an optional parking assistance system with three ultrasound radar sensors on the rear bumper and a rear-view camera.