Dacia Spring Electric Cargo 45 hp

Overview

The Dacia Spring Electric 45 hp was Europe's super-accessible electric warrior, a no-frills city slicker perfect for urban escapades. This particular 45 hp variant, produced from 2023 until its discontinuation in 2024, prioritized sheer value. While new ones are off the menu, you might snag a used example in the EU for around €17,861. It's all about basic electric mobility, making it a doddle to nip around town without breaking the bank. This specific version is a practical two-seater, hinting at a cargo-focused configuration for maximum utility.

What's New for 2024?

For this specific iteration of the Dacia Spring Electric 45 hp, 2024 wasn't about flashy updates; it marked its swansong year. Having been introduced in 2023, its production concluded in 2024 as Dacia rolled out a heavily revamped Spring model. So, if you're eyeing this version, you're looking at the final batch of the original pocket-rocket EV before its successor hit the showrooms. Think of it as the last chance to grab this particular straightforward, budget-friendly electric package before the big refresh took over the Dacia lineup.

Design & Exterior

The Dacia Spring Electric 45 hp boasts a cheeky, mini-SUV vibe despite its compact city car dimensions. Measuring 3734 mm in length, 1579 mm in width (mirrors excluded), and 1516 mm in height, it's perfectly sized for squeezing through tight city streets and into snug parking spots. The design is honest and functional, with rugged plastic cladding and simple light clusters. Don't expect fancy alloys on this trim; it's all about practicality, though its purposeful stance gives it a bit of character on the road. It’s the pre-facelift design, familiar and friendly.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Spring Electric 45 hp is a lesson in utilitarian chic – durable plastics and a no-nonsense layout are the order of the day. This specific version is a strict two-seater, transforming the rear into a massive 1000-litre cargo hold, perfect for businesses or those needing serious carrying capacity. There's no frunk. Tech is straightforward; some versions of the 45hp model included Dacia's 7-inch Media Nav system with smartphone connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping you plugged in without overcomplicating things. Passenger comfort is basic but adequate for city hops.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't expect to win many drag races, as the Spring Electric 45 hp takes a leisurely 19.1 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standstill. Its permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) delivers 33 kW (that's about 44 old-school horsepower) and 125 Nm of torque to the front wheels. Top speed is a modest 110 km/h. In its natural habitat – the city – it feels surprisingly nippy thanks to instant electric torque. Light steering and a soft ride make it an easy companion for urban driving, with simple regenerative braking to claw back some energy.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Spring Electric 45 hp packs a 26.8 kWh usable battery, giving a real-world range of around 196 km according to Green Cars Compare – ample for city commutes. Efficiency is 7.31 km/kWh. For AC charging, it uses a Type 2 (Mennekes) connector, and the standard 6.6 kW on-board charger fills it in just over 4 hours. For rapid top-ups, this version supports DC fast charging at up to 30 kW via a CCS Type 2 combo port, allowing a 10-80% charge in well under an hour.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety-wise, the Dacia Spring Electric 45 hp keeps things to the essentials. It received a one-star rating from Euro NCAP, reflecting its budget-focused approach. Standard kit typically includes essentials like ABS, ESP, multiple airbags, and a speed limiter. Mandatory features like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) would be present on later models of this production run. However, don't expect a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems; the focus here is on affordability over cutting-edge active safety tech. Always check the specific vehicle's equipment.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Dacia typically offers a straightforward warranty package. For the Spring Electric, expect a general vehicle warranty around 3 years or 100,000 km, whichever comes first in most European markets. The crucial high-voltage battery usually gets a longer warranty, often 8 years or 120,000 km, with a guarantee against excessive degradation (e.g., to retain at least 70-75% of its original capacity). Maintenance on EVs like the Spring is generally minimal due to fewer moving parts compared to petrol cars, contributing to its low running costs. Reliability is generally decent for its class.