The Dacia Spring Electric 45 marks a significant milestone in the evolution of affordable electric vehicles. Announced in October 2020 and released in the first quarter of 2021, this compact crossover offers an accessible entry point into the world of electric mobility. Its affordability and practicality make it a compelling choice for urban drivers seeking a sustainable and budget-friendly option.
Dacia Spring Electric 45 Key Specifications
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Launch | Announced: 2020, October |
| Status: Available to order. Released 2021, Q1 | |
| Base Price | €20,490 |
| Performance | Power: FWD 33 kW (45 hp) |
| Torque: 125 Nm (92 lb-ft) | |
| Acceleration: 19 sec 0-100 km/h | |
| Max speed: 125 km/h (78 mph) | |
| Battery | Capacity: 26.8 kWh usable, 27.4 kWh total |
| Tech: Air-cooled Li-ion 240V | |
| Range: 230 km WLTP (271 km NEDC) | |
| Consumption: 11.9 kWh/100 km WLTP | |
| Recuperation: Yes | |
| Heat pump: No | |
| AC Charging: Type 2 6.6 kW, 0-100% in 4 hours 51 min | |
| DC Charging: CCS 30 kW, 0-80% in 56 min | |
| Body | Type: 5 door crossover, 4 seats |
| Platform: CMF-A | |
| Dimensions: 3734 x 1579 x 1516 mm | |
| (147.0 x 62.2 x 59.7 in) | |
| Wheelbase: 2423 mm (95.4 in) | |
| Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) | |
| Weight: EU: 970 kg unladen, 1300 kg gross | |
| Suspension: Front pseudo Mac-Pherson, rear H-axle with helical springs | |
| Wheels: R14 | |
| Trunk: EU: 290 l, 620 l max | |
| Frunk: No | |
| Towing: No | |
| Displays | Center: Yes, unspecified size |
| Driver’s: 7″ | |
| Head-up: No | |
| Comfort | Seats: No heated seats |
| Roof: No glass roof | |
| Parking aids: Rear sensors, reversing camera | |
| Connectivity: Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay | |
| Safety | Airbags: Front airbags, side airbags (front) |
| Driving aids: No | |
| Self driving: No | |
| Crash tests: NCAP 2021: 1 star |
Performance
When it comes to performance, the Dacia Spring Electric 45 offers a modest yet practical package. Equipped with a front-wheel-drive system, it delivers 33 kW (45 hp) and 125 Nm (92 lb-ft) of torque. While these figures might seem modest, they are adequate for urban driving, where agility and ease of maneuverability are paramount.
The Dacia Spring Electric 45 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 19 seconds, reaching a top speed of 125 km/h (78 mph). Although it isn’t built for high-speed performance, this crossover excels in city environments, where its compact size and nimbleness are advantageous. Its lightweight design, with an unladen weight of 970 kg, contributes to its efficiency and ease of handling.
Battery and Charging
Battery performance is a critical aspect of any electric vehicle, and the Dacia Spring Electric 45 doesn’t disappoint. It features a 26.8 kWh usable battery capacity (27.4 kWh total), which provides a driving range of 230 km WLTP (271 km NEDC). This range is suitable for daily commutes and urban driving, reducing the need for frequent charging.
Charging the Dacia Spring Electric 45 is straightforward and convenient. It supports AC charging via Type 2 at 6.6 kW, allowing a full charge from 0 to 100% in approximately 4 hours and 51 minutes. For faster recharges, the vehicle supports DC charging via CCS at 30 kW, which can charge the battery from 0 to 80% in just 56 minutes. This versatility in charging options ensures that drivers can recharge their vehicles quickly, whether at home or on the go.
Design and Dimensions
The design of the Dacia Spring Electric 45 reflects its urban-focused nature. As a compact crossover, it boasts dimensions of 3734 mm in length, 1579 mm in width, and 1516 mm in height (147.0 x 62.2 x 59.7 in). These dimensions make it ideal for navigating narrow city streets and tight parking spaces. Its wheelbase of 2423 mm (95.4 in) provides stability, while a ground clearance of 150 mm (5.9 in) ensures it can handle various road conditions.
The exterior design is both functional and stylish. The front bumper, headlights, and grille give it a modern and dynamic look, while the R14 wheels add to its aesthetic appeal. Although it doesn’t feature a glass roof, the design maximizes interior space and comfort.
Inside, the Dacia Spring Electric 45 offers a practical and user-friendly cabin. With seating for four passengers, it provides ample space for a small family or group of friends. The trunk offers 290 liters of storage capacity, expandable to 620 liters with the rear seats folded down. While it doesn’t have a frunk or towing capacity, its design prioritizes passenger comfort and cargo space.
Infotainment and Displays
The infotainment system in the Dacia Spring Electric 45 ensures that drivers and passengers remain connected and entertained. The vehicle features a center display of unspecified size, complemented by a 7-inch digital driver’s display. These screens provide easy access to essential information, including navigation, multimedia, and vehicle settings.
Connectivity options include wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing seamless integration of smartphones. This feature enables drivers to access their favorite apps, music, and contacts while keeping their focus on the road. Although it lacks a head-up display, the infotainment system’s intuitive interface ensures that all features are easily accessible.
Comfort and Convenience
Comfort and convenience are essential in any vehicle, and the Dacia Spring Electric 45 delivers in this regard. While it doesn’t feature heated seats or a glass roof, it offers a practical and comfortable interior. The seats are designed for long drives, providing adequate support and comfort for all passengers.
Parking aids, such as rear sensors and a reversing camera, make maneuvering the vehicle easier, especially in tight city spaces. The inclusion of these features ensures that drivers can park with confidence, reducing the risk of collisions and scratches.
Keyless entry is not available, but the vehicle includes essential features such as ample storage compartments and cup holders, enhancing overall convenience. Although it lacks advanced features like ambient lighting or self-driving capabilities, its design focuses on practicality and ease of use.
Safety Features
Safety is a crucial consideration for any vehicle, and the Dacia Spring Electric 45 incorporates several features to ensure occupant protection. The vehicle includes front and side airbags for front passengers, providing essential protection in the event of a collision. However, it does not include advanced driving aids or self-driving capabilities, reflecting its focus on affordability and practicality.
The Dacia Spring Electric 45 received a 1-star rating in the NCAP 2021 crash tests, highlighting the need for cautious driving and adherence to safety guidelines. While it may not offer the highest level of safety features, it provides basic protection for occupants, making it suitable for city driving.
Summary
In conclusion, the Dacia Spring Electric 45 represents a significant step towards making electric vehicles more accessible to a broader audience. Its affordability, compact design, and practical features make it an ideal choice for urban drivers seeking a sustainable and budget-friendly vehicle.
Performance-wise, the Dacia Spring Electric 45 is well-suited for city environments, offering adequate power and agility for everyday driving. Its battery and charging capabilities ensure that drivers can cover substantial distances on a single charge, with convenient options for recharging.
The design and dimensions of the Dacia Spring Electric 45 emphasize its suitability for urban driving, with a compact footprint and ample interior space. The infotainment system and connectivity options keep drivers and passengers connected and entertained, while the comfort and convenience features ensure a pleasant driving experience.
Safety features provide basic protection for occupants, though the vehicle’s focus remains on affordability and practicality. While it may not include advanced driving aids or self-driving capabilities, it offers essential safety measures for city driving.
The legacy of the Dacia Spring Electric 45 lies in its ability to make electric mobility accessible to a wider audience. As one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the market, it sets a new benchmark for what budget-friendly electric vehicles can achieve. Its impact on the future of electric vehicle development is significant, demonstrating that sustainability and affordability can go hand in hand.
With its combination of practicality, affordability, and sustainability, the Dacia Spring Electric 45 is poised to influence future developments in the electric vehicle market. It showcases the potential for electric mobility to become a mainstream choice for urban drivers, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.
