Renault’s budget-friendly brand Dacia has announced it will relocate production of its Dacia Spring electric vehicle from China to Europe. The strategic move is designed to make the car eligible for local government incentives, particularly French EV subsidies, which significantly reduce the purchase price. The base model retains a sticker price of €17,900, but can drop to as low as €12,200 once applicable credits are applied.
Alongside the production shift, Dacia has introduced a redesigned version of the Spring. The updated model features a more muscular aesthetic, with re-sculpted front lines, flared wheel arches, and black accents. Dimensionally, the new Spring is 5.9 inches longer and 7.1 inches wider than its predecessor, giving it a more substantial presence. Interior storage has also increased, rising from 10.9 to 11.9 cubic feet, with expandable space reaching 45.3 cubic feet when the 50:50 split rear bench is folded.
The vehicle remains positioned as an urban commuter car. It is equipped with a 27.5kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that delivers a WLTP range of approximately 155 miles, equivalent to roughly 133 miles under the EPA test cycle. The electric motor produces 80 horsepower and 129 pound-feet of torque. For charging, an optional 50kW DC fast-charging package, available for an additional €500, can replenish the battery from 15% to 80% in about 28 minutes. Using a standard 6.6kW home outlet requires nine hours. Dacia reported that typical owners drive only 21 miles per day, with 75% of charging occurring at home.
Assembly will take place at the Novo Mesto plant in Slovenia, a facility that currently produces the Renault Twingo E-Tech. The Spring will be equipped with modern connectivity options, including a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, along with physical knobs for tactile control. Features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a rear parking camera, and keyless entry are available, though they come with a $1,500 surcharge.
This relocation supports Renault’s broader electrification strategy. Since its launch in 2021, the Spring has sold 210,000 units globally. The brand aims to help the group achieve its goal of selling only electric and hybrid vehicles in Europe by 2030, aligning with EU regulations that require fleet emissions to drop by 90% by 2035 compared to 2021 levels.
Does anyone know if the Slovenian production ensures better quality control than before?
The new look is actually an improvement. Finally grew up into a proper city car!
I’m still not convinced about LFP range. 133 miles EPA seems a bit tight for winter driving.
This price drop makes it incredibly competitive against local rivals. Great move for subsidies.
Love that it’s back in Europe, but is the $1500 tech surcharge really worth it?