The electric car market is booming, with more and more models and brands competing for the attention of eco-conscious drivers. But among the plethora of options, one stands out for its simplicity, practicality, and affordability: the 2024 Dacia Spring.
What is the Dacia Spring?
The Spring is the first all-electric car from Dacia, the Romanian subsidiary of Renault that is known for its low-cost vehicles. The Spring was launched in 2021 as the cheapest electric car in Europe, with a starting price of $12,500 (after incentives) in France, its main market. The Spring is based on the Renault City K-ZE, a small crossover that is sold in China and India.
The Spring is not a flashy or luxurious car, but it is a smart and sensible choice for urban and suburban drivers who want to go electric without breaking the bank. The Spring offers a range of 140 miles (225 km) on the WLTP cycle, which is more than enough for most daily commutes and errands. The Spring can be charged in 8.5 hours using a standard 220V outlet or in less than an hour using a 30 kW DC fast charger.
What are the benefits of the Dacia Spring?
The Dacia Spring is also spacious and versatile, with a boot capacity of 10.6 cubic feet (300 liters) that can be expanded to 23.3 cubic feet (660 liters) by folding the rear seats. The Spring can accommodate up to four adults comfortably, thanks to its high roofline and generous legroom. The Spring also comes with a 7-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a rearview camera and parking sensors.
The Spring is not only cheap to buy but also cheap to run and maintain. The Spring has a low energy consumption of 10.9 kWh/100 km, which translates to a running cost of $1.2/100 km (based on the average electricity price in France). The Spring also has a low maintenance cost, as it does not require oil changes, spark plugs, or timing belts. The Spring has a warranty of 3 years or 62,000 miles (100,000 km), whichever comes first.
What are the drawbacks of the Dacia Spring?
The Dacia Spring is not without its drawbacks, of course. The Spring has a modest power output of 44 hp (33 kW) and a top speed of 78 mph (125 km/h), which means it is not suitable for highway driving or overtaking. The Spring also has a basic interior with hard plastics and manual windows, which may not appeal to some drivers. The Spring also lacks some safety features such as airbags, ABS, and ESC, which are optional or unavailable depending on the market.
However, for many drivers, the Spring’s advantages outweigh its disadvantages. The Spring is a reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly car that can meet the needs of most urban and suburban drivers. The Spring is also a fun and easy car to drive, with a light steering, a smooth transmission, and a high driving position.
