Imagine, if you will, a Nissan Kicks with an electric powertrain and a low price. That, as far as we can tell, is the Dacia Spring Electric and it’s fantastic.
It has a 44 hp electric motor mated to a 26.8 kWh battery pack. On the WLTP cycle, it’s rated at 140 miles of range. That is upped to 183 miles on the WLPT City cycle. While WLTP is a bit optimistic compared the U.S. EPA cycle, it’s still a sizable amount of usable range for cheap.
Recharging the Spring Electric is done by up to 6.6 kW onboard AC charging, or DC fast charging up to 30 kW. A full charge on a Level 2 charger should take less than 5 hours.
A touch screen infotainment system supports Android Auto and Apple Car Play. A folded down rear seat gives drivers 600 liters of boot space. It has all the advanced safety features you’d expect, such as autonomous emergency braking, as standard equipment.
Dacia will also offer two adapted versions; one for car sharing services and one for cargo use and last-mile deliveries.
It’s a city car that can be taken on a trip if necessary. Which, in reality, is what most people need when they purchase an electric car. It looks great, and if it drives like other small vehicles from the Renault / Nissan / Mitsubishi alliance, it should be a fun little runabout.
Order banks open in the spring of next year.
