Dacia Spring Electric 45 hp

Overview

The 2022 Dacia Spring Electric 45 hp was Europe's darling of affordable electric motoring, a supermini EV designed to conquer the urban jungle without emptying your wallet. If this pocket rocket had landed stateside, it would've been the ultimate entry-level EV, perfect for city dwellers needing a no-frills, zero-emission runabout. Its key highlight was its sheer value proposition. While US pricing was never announced as it wasn't sold here, in Europe it was incredibly cheap, hinting at a potential sub-$20,000 price tag if it ever crossed the pond, making EV ownership accessible to almost everyone.

What's New for 2022?

For 2022, the Dacia Spring Electric, specifically this 45 hp variant, continued its mission as a straightforward, ultra-affordable electric city car. Having launched in 2021, the 2022 model year for this particular trim largely represented a continuation of its debut offering. There weren't major overhauls or feature additions for this specific version in its second year; it was more about Dacia solidifying the Spring's presence as Europe's most accessible EV. This 45 hp model remained the entry point, emphasizing basic, efficient electric mobility before its production run ended later that year.

Design & Exterior

The Dacia Spring Electric 45 hp boasts a cheeky, city-smart design that's surprisingly rugged for its size, with mini-SUV styling cues like faux skid plates and roof rails. It's properly dinky, measuring just 147 inches long, 62.2 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 59.7 inches tall, making it a dream for tight parking spots. The 45 hp trim keeps things simple with basic lighting and likely practical steel wheels. It's a no-nonsense exterior that’s more about function and character than outright flash, perfect for navigating bustling city streets with a bit of personality.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside the Spring Electric 45 hp, you'll find a cabin that's all about function over fuss, with durable plastics and a straightforward layout. It seats four, though rear legroom is best for shorter trips or kids. For such a compact car, cargo space is respectable: 10.2 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a useful 22.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Unfortunately, there's no frunk. Tech is basic, likely featuring a small central display for infotainment essentials; expect standard AM/FM radio and Bluetooth, though high-end features like expansive touchscreens or premium audio are off the menu.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't expect blistering speed from the Dacia Spring Electric 45 hp; its 0-60 mph sprint takes a leisurely 18.5 seconds. The front-wheel-drive setup is powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) delivering around 44 horsepower (from 33 kW) and 92 lb-ft of torque. While not a highway stormer, it’s peppy enough for zipping through city traffic. Its light weight and compact size make it incredibly agile and easy to park. The ride is geared towards urban comfort, and regenerative braking helps recapture some energy, though it’s unlikely to offer full one-pedal driving.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Spring Electric 45 hp features a 26.8 kWh usable battery pack, providing a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 122 miles – ample for daily city commutes. It's quite efficient, achieving around 4.55 mi/kWh. For charging, the standard 6.6 kW on-board AC charger can replenish the battery in about 4-5 hours. If you're on the go, it supports DC fast charging at up to 30 kW, which can boost the battery significantly in under an hour. If sold in the US, it would likely adopt a CCS Type 1 port instead of its European CCS Type 2.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety-wise, the Dacia Spring Electric 45 hp is a basic offering. It hasn't been rated by the NHTSA. In Europe, it received a 1-star rating from Euro NCAP, reflecting its budget-focused design which prioritizes affordability over extensive advanced safety systems. Standard features would include essentials like airbags, ABS, and stability control. However, don't expect a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control or comprehensive lane-keeping aids; the focus here is on fundamental safety for city driving rather than cutting-edge tech.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

If the Dacia Spring Electric 45 hp were available in the US, it would likely mirror Dacia's European warranty, possibly offering a basic vehicle warranty around 3 years/36,000 miles. The crucial battery warranty would probably be more in line with EV standards, like 8 years/100,000 miles, covering against significant degradation. Powertrain coverage would likely align with the battery. As an EV, maintenance needs are minimal – no oil changes! However, Dacia isn't known for complimentary maintenance programs, so that would probably be an out-of-pocket expense.