The Dacia Spring Electric 65 represents a significant step forward in the realm of affordable electric vehicles. Announced in January 2023 and swiftly made available for order just days later, this compact crossover embodies the essence of practical and economical electric mobility. By offering an attractive entry point into the EV market, the Dacia Spring Electric 65 aims to make electric driving accessible to a broader audience, thereby contributing to a greener future.
Dacia Spring Electric 65 Key Specifications
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Launch | Announced: 2023, January 13 |
| Status: Available to order. Released 2023, January 17 | |
| Base Price | €22,300 ($25,000, £19,000) |
| Performance | Power: FWD 48 kW (64 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: 220 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
The performance of the Dacia Spring Electric 65, while modest, is perfectly tailored to urban environments. Equipped with a front-wheel-drive system, this crossover delivers 48 kW (64 hp) and 125 Nm (92 lb-ft) of torque. This configuration provides sufficient power for daily commutes and city driving, where the need for high-speed acceleration is minimal.
With a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 19 seconds and a top speed of 125 km/h (78 mph), the Dacia Spring Electric 65 is not designed for high-speed performance but rather for efficient and reliable urban transportation. Its lightweight design, with an unladen weight of 970 kg, enhances its agility and ease of handling, making it an ideal choice for navigating busy city streets.
Battery and Charging
Battery life and charging efficiency are crucial factors in the usability of electric vehicles. The Dacia Spring Electric 65 features a 26.8 kWh usable battery capacity (27.4 kWh total), which translates to a range of 220 km WLTP. This range is well-suited for daily city commutes and short trips, reducing the frequency of charging stops.
Charging the Dacia Spring Electric 65 is both convenient and flexible. For home or overnight charging, the vehicle supports AC charging via a Type 2 connector at 6.6 kW, allowing a full charge from 0 to 100% in approximately 4 hours and 51 minutes. For quicker charging on the go, it supports DC fast charging via a CCS connector at 30 kW, which can charge the battery from 0 to 80% in just 56 minutes. These options ensure that drivers can easily keep their vehicle charged, whether at home or at public charging stations.
Design and Dimensions
The design of the Dacia Spring Electric 65 emphasizes practicality and compactness, making it ideal for urban driving. Its dimensions—3734 mm in length, 1579 mm in width, and 1516 mm in height (147.0 x 62.2 x 59.7 in)—ensure it can easily navigate narrow streets and fit into tight parking spaces. The wheelbase of 2423 mm (95.4 in) provides stability, while the ground clearance of 150 mm (5.9 in) allows it to handle various road conditions with ease.
Aesthetically, the Dacia Spring Electric 65 combines modern design elements with functionality. The front bumper, headlights, and grille contribute to a contemporary look, while the R14 wheels add a touch of style. Inside, the vehicle is designed to maximize passenger comfort and cargo space. Although it does not feature a glass roof, the interior feels spacious and well-lit.
With seating for four passengers, the Dacia Spring Electric 65 offers a practical cabin layout. The trunk provides 290 liters of storage capacity, which can be expanded to 620 liters by folding down the rear seats. While it does not have a frunk or towing capacity, its design prioritizes passenger space and usability.
Infotainment and Displays
The infotainment system in the Dacia Spring Electric 65 is designed to keep drivers connected and entertained. It includes a center display of unspecified size and a 7-inch digital driver’s display, providing easy access to essential information such as navigation, media, and vehicle settings.
Connectivity options are straightforward, with support for wired 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. Although it lacks a head-up display, the infotainment system is user-friendly and intuitive, ensuring a smooth and convenient driving experience.
Comfort and Convenience
In terms of comfort and convenience, the Dacia Spring Electric 65 offers a practical and well-thought-out interior. While it does not include luxury features such as heated seats or a glass roof, it provides a comfortable environment for both the driver and passengers. The seats are designed to offer good support, making longer journeys more pleasant.
Parking is made easier with rear sensors and a reversing camera, which are particularly useful in tight urban spaces. Keyless entry is not available, but the vehicle includes essential features such as ample storage compartments, cup holders, and a straightforward layout that enhances overall convenience.
The Dacia Spring Electric 65 also offers a range of practical accessories that can be added to enhance its functionality. These include seat covers, floor mats, and additional storage solutions, which can help keep the interior clean and organized.
Safety Features
Safety is a critical consideration for any vehicle, and the Dacia Spring Electric 65 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. However, it does not include advanced driving aids or self-driving capabilities, reflecting its focus on affordability and practicality.
The Dacia Spring Electric 65 received a 1-star rating in the NCAP 2021 crash tests. While this rating indicates that there is room for improvement in terms of safety features, it is important to note that the vehicle provides basic protection for city driving. The inclusion of rear parking sensors and a reversing camera adds to the safety of maneuvering the vehicle in tight spaces.
Summary
In conclusion, the Dacia Spring Electric 65 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.
The design and dimensions of the Dacia Spring Electric 65 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 65 lies in its role in making electric mobility more accessible and practical for 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.
