Dacia Spring: The Affordable Electric SUV Coming to the UK

source: Dacia

Published 22 February 2024

The Dacia Spring, Europe’s most affordable electric car, is set to make its debut in the UK in 2024. Already a resounding success across Europe, this all-electric compact SUV combines practicality, affordability, and eco-friendliness. While the exact pricing details are yet to be officially confirmed, it is expected to cost less than £16,000. To put this into perspective, it’s significantly cheaper than the current cheapest electric vehicle in the UK, the Smart EQ ForTwo, which has two seats and a laughably small boot. Let’s delve into the key aspects of the Dacia Spring.

Design: Assertive and Robust

The Spring’s design strikes a balance between ruggedness and urban agility. Here are the highlights:

Assertive Look: Wider wheel arches, roof bars, and geometric body styling give the Spring an assertive appearance.
Compact SUV Aesthetics: With its tall ride height and upright styling, the Spring exudes a mini-SUV vibe, akin to the Suzuki Ignis.
Interior Updates: Inside, hard plastics dominate, but thoughtful details like the contrast colour panel and ‘X’ motif in the air vents add interest.
Spacious Boot: The Spring boasts a respectable 308-litre boot volume, expandable to 1,004 litres with the rear seats folded down. Additionally, there’s about 33 litres of storage scattered throughout the cabin.
Frunk: For extra convenience, the Spring offers an optional under-bonnet storage area (a ‘frunk’) with 35 litres of space—perfect for stashing a charging cable.

source: Dacia

Technology: Connectivity and Efficiency

Dacia ensures that the Spring keeps up with modern demands:

10-inch Touchscreen: Higher-end models feature a user-friendly 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Simplicity and functionality are the hallmarks of Dacia’s infotainment offerings.
YouClip System: If you opt out of the infotainment system, the Spring’s innovative YouClip system lets you attach accessories like phone holders, cup holders, or bag clips.
Connected Services: The My Dacia app allows you to monitor battery charge, schedule charging, and even pre-condition the cabin temperature before getting in the car.
Driver Assistance: Lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and emergency braking enhance safety and manoeuvrability.

source: Dacia

Mileage: Practical Range for Daily Use

Battery Capacity: The Spring’s 26.8 kWh battery provides a range of approximately 137 miles—ideal for daily commutes and urban driving.
Charging Time: From 20% to 80%, the Spring charges in just 45 minutes using a domestic single-phase 10A power source.
Real-World Usage: Data shows that Spring owners typically cover daily commutes of under 20 miles at an average speed of 16 mph. Charging at home for around 3.5 hours suffices for most users.

source: Dacia

Who is the Dacia Spring For?

The Dacia Spring is strategically aimed at a specific audience, catering to practicality, affordability, and eco-consciousness. :

Urban Dwellers: The Spring is ideal for city residents who need a compact vehicle for daily commuting. Its small footprint and manoeuvrability make it perfect for navigating crowded streets and tight parking spaces.
Budget-Conscious Buyers: If you’re looking for an electric car without breaking the bank, the Spring fits the bill. Its expected price of less than £16,000 makes it an attractive option for those on a tight budget.
Eco-Friendly Consumers: The Spring appeals to environmentally conscious individuals who want to reduce their carbon footprint. As an all-electric vehicle, it emits zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air in urban areas.
First-Time EV Owners: For those venturing into the world of electric mobility, the Spring offers simplicity and ease of use. Its practical range and straightforward features make it accessible to newcomers.
Fleet and Shared Mobility Services: Businesses and organisations seeking cost-effective electric vehicles for their fleets or ride-sharing services may find the Spring appealing. Its low operating costs and reliability make it a sensible choice.

In summary, the Dacia Spring targets practical-minded individuals who value affordability, sustainability, and no-frills functionality in their daily transportation. Whether you’re a city dweller, a budget-conscious buyer, or an eco-warrior, the Spring aims to be your reliable electric companion on the road .