Europe’s Budget EV Just Got Bigger, Better and Still Costs Under €20,000

Dacia has redesigned the Spring and moved production from China to Slovenia. The new electric hatchback uses Renault’s AmpR Small platform, which also underpins the Twingo E-Tech, Renault 5 E-Tech and Nissan Micra. Dacia plans to launch it in late 2026, with first deliveries due in early 2027.

To start with, the new Spring grows to 151.6 in long and 2,672 lbs in weight. It is 5.9 in longer and 7.1 in wider than the outgoing model. Dacia gives it a more upright design with boxy LED lights, plastic bumper cladding, conventional door handles, and 15- or 16-inch steel wheels.

Inside, the Dacia Spring EV keeps four seats and gains 337 liters (11.9 cu ft) of luggage space, expanding to 1,283 liters (45.3 cu ft) with the rear bench folded. Buyers can also add an 18-liter (0.6 cu ft) frunk. The dashboard gets a 7-inch digital cluster, while the top Journey trim adds a 10.1-inch infotainment screen. Entry-level cars use a smartphone mount instead.

A Twingo-sourced electric motor produces 80 hp and 129 lb-ft. The front-wheel-drive Spring reaches 62 mph in 12.1 seconds and tops out at 81 mph (130 km/h). Its 27.5 kWh LFP battery provides up to 155 miles of WLTP range.

Dacia will build the new Spring alongside the Twingo in Novo Mesto, Slovenia. All versions will cost under €20,000 ($23,000) before local subsidies. The outgoing model will remain available temporarily as the cheaper option.