The UKs cheapest EV just got bigger, faster and smarter but the sub-18k
Dacia Spring could still lose its cut-price crown

Date:
Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:00:55 +0000

Description:
Larger, faster and with more range: Dacia overhauls the cut-price Spring but it could lose its title as the UKs cheapest electric car

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Dacia says the thoroughly revised Spring will go on sale next year It will be based on the same
platform as Renaults Twingo More power, greater range and improved in-car
tech all promised Earlier this year, Chinese EV manufacturer Leapmotor upset the applecart when it dropped the price of its T03 electric city car down to just 12,995, making it officially the cheapest electric car in the UK.

Dacia, the long-time holder of that title, quickly responded and slashed the price of the current-generation Spring to just 11,990 in its cheapest
version. Now, the company says an all-new model is on the horizon, which promises 155 miles of range on the WLTP cycle (up from 140 miles) thanks to a larger 27.5kWh LFP battery, an extra 10 horsepower from the single electric motor and faster charging via 50kW DC outlets.

Perhaps more importantly, the upcoming Spring rides on an all-new platform, shared with the Renault Twingo and forthcoming Nissan Wave EV, which means
the body is longer and considerably wider than the outgoing model.

This offers up more interior space for passengers something the current Spring isnt particularly good at as well as an additional 29 liters of space in the trunk, increasing the maximum cargo space by 279 liters to 1,283
liters overall. You may like A new EV price war begins Dacia slashes price
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Alas, Renaults RG-EV Small platform and the larger battery mean the new
Spring will be considerably heavier, although Dacia says improved
efficiencies in both the battery and motor ensure it offers more usable range than the vehicle it will replace. Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Dacia) (Image credit: Dacia) (Image credit: Dacia) (Image credit: Dacia) (Image credit: Dacia) Image 1 of 5 View Original Image 2 of 5 View Original Image 3 of 5
View Original Image 4 of 5 View Original Image 5 of 5 View Original Alongside a generally elevated cabin, complete with more premium fabrics and trims, technology has taken a sizeable leap forward, too. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Every new Spring will get a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, while more expensive Journey models gain Dacias Media Nav Live system, built around a much larger 10.1-inch touchscreen.

It brings wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected navigation with real-time traffic and continuously updated European maps, plus connected services that let owners schedule charging and pre-condition the cabin remotely.

Theres also a vehicle-locating function and an app store, although it hasn't been confirmed whether the system will run on the Android Automotive platform like some of its Renault siblings. What to read next This adorable $14K Fiat EV is coming to America, but it's not really a car Ive driven the new Cupra Raval and its proof that the hot hatch can live on in the EV era I've driven the Honda Super-N and I'm in love with this seriously fun EV

Dacia has also added some useful EV-specific tech. The optional Charge Pack brings an 11kW AC charger and 50kW DC rapid charging, while Vehicle-to-Load capability allows the Spring to supply power to external electrical devices. Analysis: More adventurous, but more expensive (Image credit: Dacia) Dacia
has been working hard over the years to position itself as the adventurous brand within the Renault Group, all while pushing its value-for-money messaging.

As a result, the new Spring looks decidedly more capable, with a more commanding road presence and protective cladding making it generally seem
more robust than the current generation.

The Renault Twingo EV, which shares most of its structural components with
the upcoming Dacia model, is yet to receive its official Euro NCAP safety rating, but we would bet good money it will be a good deal safer than the one-star rating the 2021 Dacia Spring received.

However, there is a big question mark hanging over the price. Dacia has revealed that the new Spring will cost less than 18,000 when it arrives in showrooms next year, although the UK governments Electric Car Grant scheme could bring that down to around 14,000.

But even with subsidies, it looks like the upcoming Spring will no longer be the UKs cheapest electric vehicle, leaving Leapmotor to take back the crown. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/the-uks-cheape st-ev-just-got-bigger-faster-and-smarter-but-the-sub-gbp18k-dacia-spring-could -still-lose-its-cut-price-crown


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