Dacia has unveiled the second generation of the Spring, its affordable electric city car. The new model brings more space, improved performance and additional driving range while maintaining one of its strongest selling points: a starting price below €20,000.

However, the most important change is not immediately visible. Production of the Spring is moving from China to Renault Group’s Novo Mesto factory in Slovenia, where it will be manufactured alongside the Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric.

The decision could help Dacia avoid European Union tariffs on electric vehicles made in China. It will also allow the Spring to qualify for incentive programs that prioritize vehicles manufactured in Europe, including subsidies available to lower-income buyers in markets such as France.

A Larger and More Practical Electric City Car

The second-generation Spring measures approximately 3.85 meters long and 1.74 meters wide. Compared with the outgoing model, it is around 15 centimeters longer and 18 centimeters wider.

The larger dimensions provide more room for passengers and cargo without transforming the Spring into a conventional compact SUV. It remains a lightweight urban vehicle designed for commuting, short trips and buyers who prioritize affordability over luxury.

Cargo capacity increases to 337 liters with the rear seats in place and up to 1,283 liters when they are folded. Dacia will also offer an optional 18-liter storage compartment under the hood.

Despite its increased size, the basic version weighs only slightly more than 1.2 metric tons. That figure is relatively low for a modern battery-electric vehicle and should benefit efficiency and urban maneuverability.

New LFP Battery and a 250-Kilometer Range

All versions of the new Spring use a front-mounted electric motor producing 60 kW, or approximately 80 horsepower. It generates 175 Nm of torque and sends power to the front wheels.

The motor is paired with a 27.5-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery using a cell-to-pack design. According to the reported specifications, the Spring can travel up to 250 kilometers, or approximately 155 miles, under the WLTP testing cycle.

Its rated energy consumption is 12.7 kWh per 100 kilometers, positioning the Spring as an efficient alternative for city driving.

Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes 12.5 seconds, while top speed is limited to 130 km/h. These figures are modest by modern EV standards but represent an improvement over the earliest versions of the Spring.

Fast Charging Will Remain Optional

The standard onboard charger supports 6.6-kW AC charging. An optional 11-kW unit will also be available and adds vehicle-to-load functionality, allowing owners to use the battery to power external devices.

Customers who need to use public fast chargers will have to select the optional 50-kW DC charging system. With this equipment, the battery can reportedly charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes.

This relatively low charging power reinforces the Spring’s role as a commuter vehicle rather than a long-distance electric car.

Two Trim Levels and a Simple Interior

Dacia will offer the Spring in Expression and Journey trim levels. The entry-level model includes a seven-inch digital instrument display, manual air conditioning, electric front windows, automatic headlights and rear parking sensors.

Journey versions add a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, navigation, a rearview camera, connected services and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Only four exterior colors will be available: Agave, Slate Grey, Diamond Black and Glacier White. The limited selection is part of Dacia’s strategy to reduce manufacturing complexity and control prices.

Europe Becomes Central to Dacia’s EV Strategy

Dacia has sold approximately 210,000 Spring EVs since the model arrived in Europe in 2021. Nevertheless, the Chinese-built version became less competitive after it lost access to certain government incentives and became subject to additional European tariffs.

The new European-built Spring will start at €17,900, with every version expected to remain below €20,000 before incentives. Deliveries are planned for early 2027. Reuters reports that the Spring will be the first step in a broader product expansion that should give Dacia four fully electric models by 2030.

The second-generation Spring will not compete on battery capacity, acceleration or luxury. Instead, it aims to show that a practical European-made electric car can still be simple, efficient and genuinely affordable. Detailed technical specifications were also reported by electrive.