Dacia Spring Electric 65 hp

Overview

The Dacia Spring Electric 65 hp was a cracking little city EV, offering a bit more poke than the original for zipping around town. As one of Europe's most affordable electric cars, it positioned itself as a no-frills entry into zero-emission motoring. The 65 hp "Extreme" trim, which this often was, added a dash of style and a welcome power boost. Though production ended in 2024, it remains a compelling option on the used market, with prices around €13,990 for nearly new examples. It's all about basic, budget-friendly electric mobility.

What's New for 2024?

For its final run into 2024, the Spring Electric 65 hp's key "newness" was its punchier 48 kW motor, a significant upgrade from the base 33 kW unit. This livelier powertrain transformed the Spring's urban drivability, making it feel much more eager. Often paired with the "Extreme" trim, this variant also brought cosmetic tweaks like copper-coloured accents and specific decals, giving it a bit more visual flair. While the Spring saw a full model refresh later in 2024, this 65 hp version represented the peak of the first generation's offering.

Design & Exterior

The Dacia Spring Electric 65 hp rocks a cheeky, compact hatchback design with a sprinkle of SUV attitude thanks to its raised stance and roof rails. It's built for the urban jungle! Dimensions are city-friendly: 3734 mm long, 1579 mm wide (excluding mirrors), and 1516 mm tall. The 65 hp version, often found in "Extreme" guise, typically sported unique styling cues like copper highlights on the mirrors and roof bars, plus distinctive wheel designs, setting it apart from the entry-level model. It’s a simple, honest design that’s refreshingly unpretentious.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Spring 65 hp is all about function over fuss – expect durable plastics but a straightforward, user-friendly layout. It seats four, though rear passengers might find it a tad snug on longer journeys. For your gear, there’s a decent 290 litres of boot space, expanding to a useful 631 litres with the rear seats folded down. Sadly, no frunk for extra bits. The 65 hp "Extreme" versions usually came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, often including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a big step up from the basic radio.

Performance & Driving Experience

The 65 hp Spring is surprisingly nippy for city driving, thanks to its 48 kW (65 metric horsepower) PMSM motor dishing out 113 Nm of torque instantly to the front wheels. It’ll scoot from 0-100 km/h in a respectable 13.7 seconds – much perkier than its less powerful sibling. This isn't a motorway mile-muncher, topping out at 125 km/h, but around town it’s agile and easy to park. The ride is geared for urban environments, soaking up bumps adequately, and regenerative braking helps claw back some energy, though it’s fairly simple in operation.

Range, Battery & Charging

With its 26.8 kWh usable battery, Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range of around 187 km for the Spring 65 hp, making it ideal for daily commutes and city errands. Energy consumption is a frugal 6.98 km/kWh. AC charging via its CCS Type 2 port is handled by a 6.6 kW on-board charger, meaning a full top-up takes roughly 4-5 hours. For quicker boosts, DC fast charging is available at up to 30 kW (also its max on a 400V charger), getting you from 10-80% in under an hour.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

When it comes to safety, the Dacia Spring Electric 65 hp scored a sobering 1-star rating from Euro NCAP, reflecting its budget-focused approach. Standard safety kit is pretty basic, typically including essentials like an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), multiple airbags, and mandatory Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) to meet regulations. Higher trims, often associated with the 65hp model, might add a reversing camera and rear parking sensors, but don't expect a suite of advanced active safety systems like adaptive cruise control or sophisticated lane keeping assist.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Dacia typically offers a reassuring warranty package in Europe. For the Spring Electric, expect a basic vehicle warranty of around 3 years or 100,000 km, whichever comes first. The crucial high-voltage battery usually gets a more extended cover, often 8 years or 120,000 km, with a guarantee against excessive degradation (e.g., to 70% of its original capacity). Powertrain components are generally covered under the basic warranty. Maintenance is minimal, as with most EVs, contributing to the Spring's super-low running costs and reputation for straightforward, reliable motoring.