Dacia Spring 2026: More Power, Still the Cheapest EV

The Dacia Spring 2026 now offers 70 and 100 hp, with a battery LFP of 24.3 kWh and prices between €16,900 and €19,700. But the entry-level version has already vanished from order books, a victim of its own success. Meanwhile, the Hipster concept could take over — built in China, under €15,000, by the end of 2027.

"There was an overwhelming demand; dealers were flooded with calls. The Essential version is therefore unavailable until further notice." — Dacia spokesperson, as quoted by Auto Bild

A Spring 2026 That Finally Gains Power

Since late December 2025, the Spring 2026 has been orderable with a real change under the hood. Gone are the 45 hp (33 kW) and 65 hp (48 kW) of before: now there are two new motors, 70 hp (52 kW) and 100 hp (75 kW). The 100 hp version is a first for the Spring, and according to Dacia, it improves acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h by 20% compared to the old 65 hp. On the highway, that actually makes a difference when you need to pass.

Another technical novelty: the battery switches to lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP). The gross capacity drops to 24.3 kWh from about 26.8 kWh previously with lithium-ion. Paradoxically, the WLTP range remains at 225 km, thanks to a claimed consumption of 12.4 kWh/100 km (down from 13.2 to 14.1 kWh/100 km before). The Spring is also the first Renault Group car to adopt LFP chemistry. The gains come from aerodynamic improvements — a redesigned underbody, a new rear spoiler — which drop the SCx from 0.74 to 0.66. On paper, it's consistent. On the highway in winter, expect real-world range to dip below 160-170 km.

The Chassis Has Been Reworked Too

Dacia has heard the criticism about the Spring's handling. The old version was regularly called out for its vague steering and approximate behavior as soon as you left the city. The 2026 model gets structural reinforcements on the CMF-A platform, a stabilizer bar fitted as standard on all versions, and a recalibrated steering. The wheels go to 15 inches as standard starting from the Expression trim.

Does this transform the Spring into a versatile road car? No. But it should at least make it less stressful on country roads. The goal is honest: fix the most annoying flaws without touching the model's philosophy.

The Cheapest Version Already Sold Out

Here's where it gets interesting. The Essential Spring at €16,900 disappeared from the configurator even before the promotional period ended. In early January 2026, Dacia launched a manufacturer bonus of €5,000, valid until February 28. In Germany, with state subsidies of up to €6,000, some buyers could get it for as little as €5,900 net. Dealers were overwhelmed. The stock lasted a few weeks.

Result: the bonus has been halved in the cash scheme (€2,500 now, or €3,000 with financing and leasing), and only the Expression at €18,700 and Extreme at €19,700 versions are currently orderable. The Essential version is "unavailable until further notice," according to the brand's spokesperson. When it will return, no one is saying.

The Spring Is Actually Selling — The Numbers Prove It

7,428 units sold in France in 2025. The Spring remains the most affordable electric vehicle on the new car market in Europe, and that shows in the sales figures. Against it, the Fiat 500ee](/article/fiat-topolino-2026-nouvelle-couleur-orange-et-ecran-ameliore) starts above €25,000, the Citroën ë-C3 starts around €23,300, and the Renault Twingo E-Tech has simply disappeared from the catalog. The Spring has no real direct competitor at the same price — that's both its strength and the explanation for these sales figures.