The Dacia Spring Electric 65 (2024) marks a new chapter in affordable electric mobility. Announced in February 2024 and made available for order by April, this compact crossover combines practicality, efficiency, and affordability. Designed to cater to urban commuters and environmentally-conscious drivers, the Dacia Spring Electric 65 aims to make electric driving accessible to a broader audience while offering essential features and performance capabilities.
Dacia Spring Electric 65 (2024) Key Specifications
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Launch | Announced: 2024, February 21 |
| Status: Available to order. Released 2024, April | |
| Base Price | €19,000 ($21,000, £16,500) |
| Performance | Power: FWD 48 kW (65 hp) |
| Acceleration: 14 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: 220 km WLTP | |
| Consumption: 14.6 kWh/100 km WLTP | |
| Recuperation: Yes | |
| Heat pump: No | |
| AC Charging: Type 2 7 kW, 20-100% in 4 hours | |
| DC Charging: CCS 30 kW, 20-80% in 45 min | |
| Vehicle to load (V2L): max output 220V/16A | |
| Body | Type: 5 door crossover, 2/4 seats |
| Platform: CMF-A | |
| Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) | |
| Weight: EU: 984 kg unladen | |
| Suspension: Front pseudo Mac-Pherson, rear H-axle with helical springs | |
| Wheels: R15 | |
| Trunk: EU: 308 l, 1004 l max | |
| Frunk: 35 l | |
| Towing: No | |
| Displays | Center: 10″ touchscreen |
| Driver’s: 7″ | |
| Head-up: No | |
| Comfort | Seats: No heated seats |
| Roof: No glass roof | |
| Parking aids: Rear sensors, reversing camera, rear park assist | |
| Connectivity: Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay | |
| Safety | Airbags: Front airbags, side airbags (front) |
| Driving aids: Advanced emergency braking system, traffic sign recognition with speed alert, lane change alert, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning |
Performance
The Dacia Spring Electric 65 (2024) offers a balanced performance suited for urban environments. Its front-wheel-drive system is powered by a 48 kW (65 hp) electric motor, providing adequate power for city driving. With an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 14 seconds and a top speed of 125 km/h (78 mph), it may not be a sports car, but it excels in daily commuting scenarios.
The electric motor delivers smooth and quiet operation, making it a pleasure to drive in congested urban areas. The vehicle’s lightweight design, with an unladen weight of 984 kg, enhances its agility and responsiveness, allowing for easy maneuvering through tight city streets. Furthermore, the car’s recuperative braking system efficiently recovers energy during deceleration, contributing to its overall range and efficiency.
Battery and Charging
One of the most critical aspects of any electric vehicle is its battery and charging capabilities. The Dacia Spring Electric 65 (2024) features a 26.8 kWh usable battery capacity (27.4 kWh total), providing a practical range of 220 km WLTP. This range is sufficient for most daily commutes and short trips, reducing the need for frequent charging.
Charging options are flexible and convenient. The vehicle supports AC charging via a Type 2 connector at 7 kW, allowing a full charge from 20% to 100% in approximately 4 hours. For faster charging, it supports DC fast charging via a CCS connector at 30 kW, which can charge the battery from 20% to 80% in just 45 minutes. Additionally, the vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability with a maximum output of 220V/16A adds versatility, enabling the car to power external devices.
These charging options ensure that drivers can easily keep their vehicle charged, whether at home, at public charging stations, or on the go. The efficient battery management system and air-cooled Li-ion technology further enhance the longevity and reliability of the battery pack.
Design and Dimensions
The Dacia Spring Electric 65 (2024) boasts a compact and practical design, ideal for urban driving. Its dimensions and design elements emphasize functionality and efficiency, making it a perfect fit for city dwellers. The vehicle’s compact size—3734 mm in length, 1579 mm in width, and 1516 mm in height—ensures it can easily navigate narrow streets and fit into tight parking spaces. The 150 mm ground clearance allows it to handle various road conditions comfortably.
The exterior design features a modern and stylish look, with a front bumper that enhances its aesthetic appeal. The R15 wheels add a touch of sophistication, while the overall design remains clean and functional. Inside, the vehicle is designed to maximize passenger comfort and cargo space. The trunk offers 308 liters of storage capacity, expandable to 1004 liters by folding down the rear seats. Additionally, a 35-liter frunk provides extra storage space for smaller items.
The Dacia Spring Electric 65 (2024) offers a versatile interior layout with seating for two or four passengers, depending on the configuration. The practical and spacious cabin design ensures a comfortable ride for all occupants, with ample legroom and headroom.
Infotainment and Displays
The infotainment system in the Dacia Spring Electric 65 (2024) is designed to keep drivers connected and entertained on the go. The centerpiece of the system is a 10-inch touchscreen display that provides easy access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings. The intuitive interface ensures that drivers can easily find and use the features they need.
In addition to the central display, the vehicle also includes a 7-inch digital driver’s display, which provides essential information such as speed, battery status, and driving range. While the Dacia Spring Electric 65 does not include a head-up display, the clear and well-organized screens ensure that drivers can access all the necessary information without distraction.
Connectivity options are comprehensive, with support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This allows drivers to seamlessly integrate their smartphones, access apps, music, and contacts, and use voice commands for hands-free operation. The infotainment system’s user-friendly design and robust connectivity options make it easy to stay connected and entertained while on the road.
Comfort and Convenience
The Dacia Spring Electric 65 (2024) prioritizes practicality and comfort, offering a well-designed interior that caters to the needs of urban drivers. While it does not include luxury features such as heated seats or a glass roof, it provides a comfortable and functional environment for both the driver and passengers.
The seats are designed to offer good support and comfort, making longer journeys more pleasant. The cabin layout is straightforward and user-friendly, with all controls and features easily accessible. The vehicle includes essential comfort features such as ample storage compartments, cup holders, and a practical design that enhances overall convenience.
Parking is made easier with rear sensors, a reversing camera, and rear park assist. These features are particularly useful in tight urban spaces, ensuring that drivers can park with confidence. Keyless entry is not available, but the vehicle includes essential features such as a jack and jack points for changing tires, and the option to add accessories like seat covers and floor mats to enhance the interior.
Safety Features
Safety is a paramount consideration for any vehicle, and the Dacia Spring Electric 65 (2024) incorporates several key features to ensure the protection of its occupants. The vehicle includes front and side airbags for the front passengers, providing essential protection in the event of a collision.
Advanced safety features are also included, such as an advanced emergency braking system with vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcycle detection. This system helps to prevent accidents by automatically applying the brakes if a potential collision is detected. Traffic sign recognition with speed alert ensures that drivers are always aware of the current speed limit, while lane change alert and lane keeping assist help to keep the vehicle safely within its lane.
Driver attention warning monitors the driver’s behavior and alerts them if signs of fatigue or distraction are detected. These advanced safety features provide a comprehensive safety net, enhancing the overall safety of the vehicle.
Summary
In conclusion, the Dacia Spring Electric 65 (2024) stands out as an affordable and practical choice in the electric vehicle market. Its significance lies in its ability to make electric driving accessible to a broader audience, particularly those seeking a budget-friendly and efficient urban vehicle.
Performance-wise, the Dacia Spring Electric 65 is tailored to 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 both at home and on the go.
