Dacia Spring Electric 65 hp

Overview

The 2024 Dacia Spring Electric 65 hp is Europe's ultra-affordable EV, a tiny city car that, while not sold in the US, would theoretically be a game-changer for budget-conscious American buyers. This specific 65 hp trim, often badged "Extreme" in its home market, offers a welcome power boost over the standard version, making it a more capable urban runabout. As it's an EU-only model, official US pricing isn't available, but its rock-bottom European price tag suggests it would likely be one of the cheapest new EVs in the States, if ever imported.

What's New for 2024?

For 2024, this peppy 65 hp variant of the Dacia Spring reaches the end of its production run, having been introduced in 2023. It served as the more powerful choice in the lineup, offering a noticeable kick over the base 45 hp model and often bundled with unique 'Extreme' trim styling. While a heavily revamped Dacia Spring is set to replace this generation, the 2024 65 hp model represents the most potent iteration of the original, pioneering ultra-budget EV. Its defining feature was this zippier motor, making city driving a bit more engaging.

Design & Exterior

The Dacia Spring Electric 65 hp is a cheeky little city slicker! It rocks a compact, almost micro-SUV vibe with its raised stance and rugged plastic cladding. This 65 hp version, often linked to the "Extreme" trim in Europe, typically sports unique copper-colored accents on elements like the roof rails and mirror caps, plus cool decals. It’s seriously tiny at just 147 inches long, a mere 62.2 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 59.7 inches tall, making it an absolute champion for squeezing into tight parking spots. It's distinctive and built for the urban jungle.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Spring 65 hp is all about no-frills functionality, though models with this engine often feature 'Extreme' trim upgrades like copper accents and distinctive upholstery. It’s a strict four-seater, so it's cozy rather than cavernous. You get a surprisingly decent 10.2 cubic feet of trunk space, which expands to a useful 22.3 cubic feet when you fold the rear seats down – not bad for its dinky dimensions! No frunk here, though. Tech usually includes a basic 7-inch touchscreen, often with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to handle your tunes and navigation.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't expect blistering speed, but the 65 hp Spring is noticeably perkier than its 45 hp sibling, managing the 0-60 mph dash in around 13.2 seconds. Its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) churns out 48 kW (about 64 horsepower) and 83 lb-ft of torque, all sent to the front wheels. This makes it perfectly adequate for zipping around town and keeping up with city traffic. The ride is generally comfortable for a small car, and its compact size makes it incredibly agile. Regenerative braking helps to maximize every electron.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Spring 65 hp is equipped with a 26.8 kWh usable battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 116 miles – ample for most city commutes. It boasts an efficiency of around 4.33 mi/kWh. For charging, its standard 6.6 kW on-board AC charger can replenish the battery in about 5 hours. If you hit a DC fast charger, it can accept up to 30 kW, taking it from near empty to 80% in under an hour. While it uses a CCS Type 2 port in Europe, a US version would adopt CCS Type 1 or NACS.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Reflecting its budget-focused design, the Dacia Spring platform received a 1-star rating from Euro NCAP. Standard safety kit in Europe typically includes essentials like Automatic Emergency Braking and a speed limiter. You might find features like a reversing camera or rear parking sensors on higher trims or as options. For any hypothetical US launch, it would need to meet more stringent local safety standards, likely requiring significant enhancements and additional driver-assistance systems beyond its European spec.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

If the Dacia Spring 65 hp were available in the US, its warranty would likely mirror Dacia's European offering: typically a 3-year/60,000-mile basic vehicle warranty. The crucial battery warranty would probably be around 8 years or 75,000 miles, covering degradation to a certain percentage (e.g., 70% capacity). Dacia's value-first approach means extensive complimentary maintenance plans are unlikely. Its simple EV powertrain is designed for reliability and low running costs, focusing on essential, proven technology rather than complex systems.