Performance Improvements
Dacia Spring proved that electric vehicles can be very affordable if you are willing to sacrifice speed. Previous versions were characterized by extremely low dynamics, but now Dacia has replaced the 46 and 65 models with new versions that are significantly more powerful while remaining budget-friendly.
Until now, Spring was offered in several trim levels with two engine options: 45 and 65. These numbers denoted metric horsepower, which corresponded to only 44 hp (33 kW) and 64 hp (48 kW).
Clearly, we are not talking about Tesla-level performance. The 65 model accelerated to 100 km/h in 13.7 seconds, and the 45 version required 19.1 seconds for this — figures typical for mass-produced cars over 40 years ago.
New Technical Specifications
Dacia did not disclose the 0-100 km/h acceleration time for the new Spring 70 with 69 hp (70 PS / 52 kW), but provided in-gear acceleration data to demonstrate how significantly the additional power impacts.
If the 45 and 65 models required 26.2 and 14 seconds respectively to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h, the Spring 70 manages this in 10.3 seconds. And the Spring 100 version with 99 hp (100 PS / 74 kW) reduces this time to 6.9 seconds, accelerating to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds. This is certainly not the level of true hot hatches, but against the backdrop of previous versions, it is a real breakthrough.
| New Spring 80-120 km/h | Old Spring 80-120 km/h | |
| Spring 100 | 6.9 sec | – |
| Spring 70 | 10.3 sec | – |
| Spring 65 | – | 14.0 sec |
| Spring 45 | – | 26.2 sec |
Technical Updates
To control the new power, a stabilizer bar has been included in the equipment for the first time, along with a new 24.3 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery. The range on a single charge remained unchanged at 225 km, but the previous built-in 30 kW charging device was updated to 40 kW.
This change might seem insignificant against the backdrop of modern electric vehicles with charging power up to 400 kW, but the Spring’s battery has a small capacity, so charging from 20% to 80% at a fast charging station takes an acceptable 29 minutes, while a full charge from a 7 kW home station will take 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Pricing Question
Dacia has not yet announced prices for the updated Spring versions, but it is hoped that they will not differ much from the previous models. The base 45 version cost only £14,995 in the UK, making it one of the most affordable electric cars on the market.
The Dacia Spring update demonstrates how automakers can improve key characteristics while maintaining an attractive price. The increase in power is crucial for the practical suitability of an urban electric vehicle, especially for overtaking or high-speed driving on highways. The introduction of LFP batteries is also an important step, as they are known for their durability and safety, making the budget electric car an even more reliable option for daily use.