Dacia Hipster Could Become Europe’s Cheapest EV At Under €11,500

Dacia is no stranger to cheap, simple cars, but the Hipster takes that idea somewhere much more unusual. The tiny electric city car is expected to enter production in China next year, with a possible European price below €11,500, or roughly $13,000. If that happens, it will sit below the new Spring as Dacia’s cheapest model.

Production is expected to take place at the Shiyan plant in China, the same facility that built the previous-generation Spring. The factory has reportedly been idle since July, while production of the new Spring moves to Slovenia. Engineers there are also expected to help with the Hipster’s development.

Dacia revealed the Hipster concept last year, and it’s hard to miss just how small it is. The car measures only 3 meters (118.1 inches) long, 1.54 meters (60.6 inches) tall, and 1.55 meters (61 inches) wide. Its boxy body, matte gray finish, and small splashes of color give it a very different character from most city cars.

Keeping it light is just as important as keeping it small. The Hipster is being developed to meet Europe’s L7e quadricycle rules, which limit its weight to 450 kg (992 lbs), excluding the battery. Dacia hasn’t finalized the battery yet, but the pack is expected to be around 15 kWh.

The production version should stay remarkably close to the concept. Patent images show a simpler front bumper and grille, a small windshield wiper, and slightly revised doors. The side windows, rear window, tailgate, and bumper also get minor changes. Otherwise, Dacia appears to be keeping the basic shape intact.

That could be the Hipster’s biggest appeal. It isn’t trying to be a small luxury car or a cheaper version of something bigger. If Dacia can keep the price below €11,500, it could become a very different kind of affordable EV for European cities.