Electric vehicle (EV) affordability just got a major boost in the UK. Dacia has officially unveiled the all-new Dacia Spring, starting at a groundbreaking £14,995 (on-the-road), making it the most affordable new electric car in the market by a significant margin.
This aggressive price tag positions the Spring not only as the cheapest EV but also comfortably within the top 10 most affordable new cars in the UK, regardless of fuel type. With pre-orders now open, Dacia is anticipating high demand and is offering customers a £99 deposit to secure their place in line.
Dacia Spring: Making EVs Accessible
Prior to the Spring’s arrival, the high upfront cost of EVs was often cited as a barrier for many UK drivers considering the switch. Dacia is tackling this concern head-on with the Spring, proving that going electric doesn’t have to break the bank.
The five-door supermini comes in two trim levels: Expression (mid-range) and Extreme (top-of-the-range). It boasts a driving range of up to 137 miles (WLTP mixed cycle) or a city-focused 186 miles (WLTP urban cycle) thanks to its compact 26.8 kWh battery.
Pre-ordering the Spring offers additional value. Customers can choose from a complimentary £250 credit towards accessories, public charging through Mobilize Power Solutions, or a contribution for a home charger installation.
Performance and Features
The Spring offers a choice of two electric motors: a 45 hp or a more powerful 65 hp/48 kW option. Coupled with its lightweight design (under one tonne, the lightest EV in Europe), the Spring promises good performance for city driving and beyond.
The 26.8 kWh battery can be charged from 20% to 100% in under 11 hours using a 7kW charger or just four hours on a wallbox.
Standard features on the Expression trim (available with both motor options) include a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, cruise control, manual air conditioning, rear parking sensors, and a Media Control system with USB port.
The Extreme trim, exclusively paired with the 65 hp motor, adds several enhancements. These include copper interior and exterior accents, a larger 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a bi-directional charger that allows the Spring to power external appliances.
Safety is also a priority, with the Spring boasting a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) that meet the latest European safety regulations. These include automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning.
Spacious Interior and Practicality
The Spring boasts a class-leading cargo capacity, offering up to 1,004 liters with the rear seats folded down. This rivals the storage space of vehicles in a higher segment. Additionally, nearly 31 liters of storage within the cabin, combined with Dacia’s YouClip system for attaching accessories, makes the Spring a practical choice for families.
Dacia Spring: Poised to Shake Up the UK EV Market
“The Spring has been instrumental in driving EV adoption across Europe,” said Luke Broad, Dacia Brand Director for the UK. “With a price even lower than anticipated, we’re confident it will replicate this success in the UK. We’ve listened to concerns regarding EV affordability and ensured the Spring offers exceptional value without compromising on durability, equipment, or usability. Quite simply, there’s no other new EV that offers so much for so little.”
The all-new Dacia Spring arrives in UK dealerships in October 2024. With pre-orders now underway, this disruptive new EV is set to make a significant impact on the country’s electric vehicle landscape.
Version | Benefit In Kind | Basic Price | VAT (20%) | Total Retail Price | VED | Delivery Charge | First Registration Fee | Price (OTR) |
Expression Electric 45 | 2% | £11,954.17 | £2,390.83 | £14,345.00 | £0 | £595 | £55 | £14,995 |
Expression Electric 65 | 2% | £12,787.50 | £2,557.50 | £15,345.00 | £0 | £595 | £55 | £15,995 |
Extreme Electric 65 | 2% | £13,620.83 | £2,724.17 | £16,345.00 | £0 | £595 | £55 | £16,995 |