Dacia has revamped the Spring electric vehicle, introducing a new 45 hp variant priced at 16,900 euros, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to its 65 hp counterpart. This model retains the original battery capacity and range while lacking some premium features. Available for long-term rental starting at 79 euros monthly, it includes essential driving aids. However, concerns arise regarding its limited range and lack of fast charging, reflecting broader market inflation trends.
Overview of the Dacia Spring: Evolution and Pricing
Initially introduced in 2021 at an attractive starting price of 12,403 euros (after ecological bonus), the Dacia Spring quickly became the most affordable electric vehicle on the market. Fast forward to today, and the price has climbed to 18,900 euros. While it retains its title of the cheapest electric car available, now shared with the Leapmotor T03, it comes with enhanced features.
Over the years, the Spring has transitioned towards a more upscale model, somewhat straying from its original goal of catering to budget-conscious consumers. With a power output of 65 hp and a touchscreen display, the Dacia Spring has gained allure, but this has resulted in a price hike. Additionally, since it no longer qualifies for the ecological bonus in France due to its production in China, it now competes closely in price with more versatile vehicles like the Citroën ë-C3, which still benefits from the bonus.
Dacia Spring 45 hp: Features and Rental Options
To realign its strategy, Dacia has reintroduced the Spring in early 2025 with a new 45 hp variant. This model comes with a reduced price tag of 2,000 euros less than its 65 hp counterpart, albeit with certain features stripped back. The 45 hp version is available for long-term rental (LLD) starting at 79 euros per month, requiring a down payment of 3,000 euros, or 149 euros monthly without any down payment. Is this option worth considering?
The Spring lineup now consists of two power variants: one with 45 hp and the other with 65 hp. The 45 hp version retains the same 26.8 kWh battery, providing a range of 225 km according to WLTP standards, and extending up to 305 km in urban settings. The charging specifications remain unchanged; the compact vehicle includes a standard 7 kW AC charger that charges from 20% to 100% in under 11 hours on a household outlet. However, the 30 kW DC charger option for fast charging is not available for the entry-level model.
Two trims are offered for the Spring 45: Essential and Expression, with the higher-end Extreme trim reserved for the 65 hp version. The Essential trim features minimal equipment, lacking a screen in favor of a spacious storage compartment. Instead, infotainment is now managed through a smartphone using the MyDacia app.
Though basic, the Spring Essential does include a 7-inch digital dashboard, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port for transforming your smartphone into a multimedia hub. However, amenities like air conditioning and rear electric windows are absent and must be sought elsewhere!
The standard package includes a free Kaolin White color and 14-inch wheels fitted with “Lea” hubcaps, while the interior features fabric upholstery. Dacia does not offer alternative color options, ensuring you won’t exceed the financing offer of 79 euros monthly!
With the introduction of the new GSR2 standard effective from July 4, 2024, in the European Union, Dacia has equipped its Spring with essential driving aids, enhancing safety. The Spring now includes automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, rear parking assistance, lane-keeping support, and more.
When it comes to the Dacia Spring, the eligibility criteria are straightforward. There are no income requirements since the vehicle is not eligible for any financial assistance.
This clarity is a relief, especially considering the complexity of the new government bonus system, which varies based on tax income. The long-term rental offer spans 37 months and includes a mileage cap of 30,000 km. Dacia states that the 79 euros monthly plan requires an initial payment of 3,000 euros, with no aid deductions applicable. An alternative option is available without any down payment at 145 euros monthly.
For those considering the latter, it might be wise to await the 2025 social leasing opportunities, where more versatile and higher-end vehicles, such as the Renault Mégane E-Tech, were offered at competitive prices. However, acceptance of your social leasing application is necessary, with criteria to be announced in the first half of the year.
Over three years of long-term rental, the total cost for your Dacia Spring amounts to 5,844 euros, with Dacia advertising the car starting at 16,900 euros on its website.
From this starting price, you will essentially pay approximately 34.6% of the vehicle’s price over three years of rental. This aligns with typical depreciation rates for vehicles of this type, especially as we see a trend of diminishing price stability in the electric vehicle market.
Importantly, this financing option is not a lease-to-own agreement, meaning you must return the vehicle at the end of the term. Keep in mind the potential restoration fees, which can be substantial at return time, despite the Spring being relatively basic with durable plastic components.
If you choose to trade in your vehicle at the dealership after your LLD, they may be more lenient regarding restoration fees. For the Spring, keep an eye on your mileage, as exceeding the 30,000 km limit will incur additional charges.
The good news is that the 45 hp Spring is not designed for long-distance travel, making it a sensible option for those who are unlikely to drive high mileage. This rental offer stands out as a well-positioned choice for a vehicle likely to serve as a secondary or even tertiary car for households.
In contrast to the previous Spring offer at 111 euros monthly, which was less favorable, the current Spring offer at 79 euros monthly presents a more appealing option, albeit with some concerns.
The financing aspect isn’t particularly alarming, as contributing about 35% of the car’s price over three years is reasonable. However, the proposition of a 45 hp vehicle, with limited range, absent fast charging, and lacking air conditioning at a price point of 16,900 euros is disconcerting. This is especially notable when considering that the original Spring from 2021 was nearly 4,000 euros cheaper with similar features.
This situation underscores the impact of inflation on the automotive market. To put things in perspective, in 2015, one could purchase a mid-range Citroën C3 petrol with 82 hp for a comparable price.
In conclusion, while the LLD offer appears strategically positioned, it is essential to consider the practical applications of the Dacia Spring as a secondary vehicle in your household.