Renault’s budget brand Dacia has begun developing a new electric city car for Europe, targeting a price below £15,000 (€18,000). The vehicle, closely related to the upcoming Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric, is expected to launch by mid-2026, Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo told Autocar.
“I defy any competitor in the world to do that,” de Meo said, highlighting the aggressive 16-month development timeline. The new Dacia EV will be based on the same AmpR Small platform as the Renault 5 and Renault 4, with production set to take place in Europe to avoid EU tariffs on Chinese-built imports, such as the Dacia Spring.
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The upcoming Dacia EV is expected to offer better technology than the Spring, which currently starts at £14,995 and features a 26.8 kWh battery with a WLTP range of 225 km.
While specifications for the new model remain undisclosed, the Twingo E-Tech is anticipated to achieve a range of around 300 km and improved DC fast-charging capability.
See also: Dacia Unveils Upgraded 2024 Spring Electric SUV with Modernized Design and Enhanced Interior
Renault aims to cut production costs by 40% compared to the Renault 5, partly by reducing the number of components by 30%. “We’re preparing to go one step further in terms of EV affordability,” de Meo said, reaffirming the brand’s commitment to accessible electric mobility in Europe.
