Dacia’s Ambitious Leap into the European EV Market
As the electric vehicle landscape in Europe continues to evolve, Romanian automaker Dacia is ready to make a significant impact with its latest innovation. Known for producing one of the continent’s most affordable EVs, the Spring, Dacia is now gearing up to introduce a new city model into its lineup.
The Spring, currently manufactured in Wuhan, China, represents a collaboration with Renault-Dongfeng. However, Dacia is now focusing on a European-built model that promises to expand its electric offerings. This new vehicle, set to be unveiled in the second quarter of 2026, will share its platform with the Renault Twingo, yet aims to be more budget-friendly with a starting price around €18,000, approximately €2,000 less than the Twingo. The Spring has seen price adjustments, with its current French market price starting at €16,900.
According to Dacia’s sales chief, Frank Marotte, “Our aim is basically to maximize the offer of EV in the [minicar segment].” He further notes the rapid shift towards battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in both the A-segment and potentially the B-segment as well.
Photo by: Dacia
With the new model being assembled in Slovenia alongside the Renault Twingo, it will likely benefit from the European Union’s “E-car” category incentives. This incentive is similar to Japan’s kei car regulations, designed to reduce manufacturing costs. The specifics of what qualifies as an E-car remain undefined, potentially including even larger vehicles like the Twingo.
The new Dacia EV, distinct from the Spring, is expected to feature a robust and angular design, as suggested by official teasers. Additionally, Marotte hinted at the development of a B-segment model, possibly an electric variant of the Sandero, slated for a 2027 release. The Sandero, Europe’s top-selling car in 2025, is expected to maintain its combustion engine option, in light of the EU’s relaxed stance on new combustion car sales by 2035.
Dacia’s electrification strategy may eventually extend to the Duster. Currently available with hybrid power, a fully electric Duster would necessitate a new platform, as the present CMF-B architecture doesn’t support full electrification.
As EV sales continue to climb across Europe, Dacia is poised to transition its entire lineup to electric by the 2030s. Starting with smaller models and moving upward, the Romanian automaker is marking a pivotal year with its first bespoke EV launch, setting the stage for future innovation.
Original Story at insideevs.com