Dacia Spring Electric 45 hp

Overview

The Dacia Spring Electric 45 hp is Europe's super-budget-friendly EV, a compact city slicker designed to get you from A to B without emptying your wallet. While not officially sold in the US, if it were, it'd be one of the cheapest ways into electric motoring. This 45 hp version is the entry point, prioritizing cost above all. Think of it as a no-frills, four-wheeled electric scooter with a roof. It’s basic, but that’s precisely its charm for nipping through tight city streets on a dime.

What's New for 2024?

For the 2024 model year, this specific Dacia Spring Electric 45 hp is essentially taking its final bow, as its production run (which started in 2022) concluded in 2024. So, rather than packing new features, it represents the last of this particular generation's entry-level offering. An all-new Dacia Spring has been revealed for Europe, meaning this 45 hp variant is the swan song of the original, ultra-affordable Spring. Consider it the final call for this iteration before its successor hits the streets abroad.

Design & Exterior

The Spring Electric 45 hp sports a cheeky, mini-SUV-like design that’s more about function than outright fashion. It's compact and upright, perfect for urban jungles. Dimensions are properly dinky: just 147 inches long, a slim 62.2 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 59.7 inches tall. The 45 hp trim typically keeps things simple with basic wheel covers and functional lighting. It’s not trying to be a premium product, offering an honest, utilitarian aesthetic that’s surprisingly endearing given its budget-focused mission. It’s all about practical, small-footprint motoring.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside the Spring Electric 45 hp, it's a festival of hard-wearing plastics and straightforward design – all part of its budget DNA. It seats four, though rear passengers might find it a tad cozy on longer trips. For cargo, you get a respectable 10.2 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to 22.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Don't go looking for a frunk, though; there isn't one. Tech is basic: expect a simple infotainment system, likely with a small screen, focusing on essential functions rather than dazzling displays or extensive connectivity.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't expect to win any drag races here! The Spring Electric 45 hp, with its 33 kW (around 44 hp) front-wheel-drive PMSM motor, delivers a modest 92 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration from 0-60 mph is a very leisurely 18.5 seconds. Its natural habitat is the city, where its light steering and compact size make it a breeze to park and maneuver. The ride is geared towards comfort over tight handling. Top speed is a humble 78 mph, reinforcing its urban focus. It gets the job done for city commutes, but highway journeys require patience.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Spring Electric 45 hp packs a 26.8 kWh usable battery, delivering a real-world range estimated by Green Cars Compare at around 122 miles – plenty for daily city hops. Efficiency is a strong point at 4.55 mi/kWh. For charging, the standard 6.6 kW on-board AC charger can top it up in just over 4 hours. DC fast charging is available, maxing out at 30 kW, which can take you from 10-80% in about 35-40 minutes. In its native European market, it uses a CCS Type 2 port; a US version would likely sport a CCS Type 1 or NACS port.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a critical area where the Spring Electric 45 hp's budget nature shows. It scored a stark 1-star rating from Euro NCAP. As it's not sold in the US, there are no NHTSA ratings. Standard driver-assistance systems are likely limited to legally mandated features like ABS, stability control, and possibly basic autonomous emergency braking. Don't expect a suite of advanced aids like adaptive cruise control or comprehensive lane-keeping assist on this entry-level trim; the focus is squarely on affordability rather than cutting-edge safety tech.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

While the Dacia Spring Electric 45 hp isn't sold in the US, if it were to follow typical Dacia/Renault warranty structures, you might expect a basic vehicle warranty around 3 years/60,000 miles. The crucial battery warranty would likely be more in line with industry standards, perhaps 8 years/100,000 miles, covering degradation to a certain percentage. Powertrain coverage often aligns with the basic warranty. Complimentary maintenance would be a surprise. Dacia's reputation is built on simple, generally reliable mechanics, aiming for low running costs.