The Dacia Spring occupies a unique space in the UK market as the most affordable electric vehicle you can buy new today. Launched in 2021 and refreshed with a facelift in late 2024, this A-segment hatchback targets everyday drivers priced out of mainstream EVs.
At just 3.7m long and under sub-1,000kg, it delivers a genuine entry point into electric motoring without financial strain.
Pricing and Trim Levels
After the June price drop, the Expression Electric 70 drops to £12,240 on-the-road after the £3,750 Dacia Electric Car Grant.
The Extreme Electric 100 sits at £16,990 RRP, with Carwow savings pushing real transaction prices lower. Monthly PCP finance starts from £129, making this automatic dacia spring genuinely competitive against petrol rivals like the Kia Picanto and Suzuki Swift.
Trim Highlights
The Expression covers 7-inch digital instruments, cruise control, rear parking sensors, and manual AC.
Upgrading to Extreme adds a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, reversing camera, and the impressive Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) bidirectional charging and remarkable at this price point.
Design and Interior
The Spring’s SUV-inspired, boxy silhouette with black cladding and raised ride height gives it a bold street presence.
Inside, hard plastics and vinyl seats remind you of the budget positioning, but the YouClip accessory system, wireless charging pad, and 308-litre boot deliver real everyday practicality. The Extreme’s copper accents and map-style graphics add personality without pretension.
Cabin Storage and Tech
Cabin storage totals 33 litres across the dashboard tray, cupholder, and phone mount points.
The 10-inch touchscreen on Extreme responds cleanly, while automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and traffic sign recognition come standard across both trims. The My Safety Perso button lets you silence safety warning chimes with a single button press.
Performance and Battery
The Electric 70 reaches 0-62 mph in 12.3 seconds while the Electric 100 manages 9.6 seconds, with both capped at 78 mph. Within 20mph and 30mph urban zones, the motor feels lively and confident.
On the motorway, the lightweight, slab-sided body becomes susceptible to crosswinds and the vague steering demands attention. The LFP battery’s degradation-resistant chemistry is a genuine long-term advantage.
Charging and Running Costs
A 7.4kW home wallbox charges the 26.8kWh battery in 4 hours 30 minutes, while 30kW DC rapid charging covers 20% to 80% in just 29 minutes.
Real-world efficiency hits 5.1mi/kWh, translating to around 2p per mile on an overnight tariff. Annual road tax (VED) and company car tax sit at the lowest possible band, making total ownership costs remarkably low.
Space and Practicality
Taller drivers above six feet will find the flat seats and limited seat adjustment restrictive, though average-height passengers ride comfortably front and rear.
The 308-litre boot beats the Leapmotor T03 and matches most rivals in its class. A 35-litre frunk handles charging cables neatly, and folding the rear bench forward opens up usable load space for weekend trips.
Family Use
The ISOFIX mounts and compact turning circle make the Spring a natural fit for school runs and local shopping.
Three adults on the rear bench feels tight, but two children ride comfortably. If you find a used dacia for sale at current prices, the value case becomes almost impossible to argue against for city family use.
Real Owner Experiences
Long-term owners on Reddit EV forums report consistent 4.8mi/kWh efficiency and praise the turning circle for city navigation.
Common complaints include firmware conflicts at public charging posts, occasional High-Voltage System Error warnings, and noticeable cabin drone at motorway speeds.
Owners in coastal UK regions recommend aftermarket rust-proofing on rear suspension components as a precaution.
What Owners Actually Love
Despite the criticisms, most owners call the Dacia Spring a “gem” for daily commuting. The 7-year warranty with proper main dealer servicing significantly reduces long-term risk.
Swapping the stock Ling Long tyres for Continental Ultra Contacts meaningfully improves grip through corners and roundabouts.
Safety
The one-star Euro NCAP result from 2021 remains the biggest concern, with adult occupant protection scoring between 44%-49%.
Active safety tech including automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist comes standard, but structural limitations in frontal impact scenarios are real.
As a second car used within city speed limits, the risk profile is more manageable than as a sole family vehicle.
Verdict
The Dacia Spring is a car that knows exactly what it is. It democratises EV ownership for drivers priced out of the Renault 5, Fiat Grande Panda, or anything near £20,000.
For urban commuters, school run parents, or anyone wanting a wallet-friendly electric automatic dacia spring as a second vehicle, it delivers exceptional value. Just keep it in the city, plug it in at home, and it will reward you with remarkably low running costs every single day.