Dacia Slashes Spring EV Price to US$17,429 to Boost Sales

Dacia, Renault’s low-cost brand, has reduced the price of its budget electric vehicle (EV), the Spring, by US$2,063 (MX$42,000) in France, bringing the price down to US$17,429. This move is part of a broader strategy by European automakers to boost stagnant EV sales through price cuts as the region faces stricter emissions regulations and growing competition from Chinese manufacturers.

European car manufacturers are required to sell at least 20% of their vehicles as EVs to avoid substantial fines. However, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association, electric vehicles accounted for just 13% of sales in the region in the first 11 months of 2024.

Dacia is facing growing competition from Chinese manufacturers, notably Leapmotor, which recently dropped the price of its T03 model to €14,900, making it the cheapest EV in Europe.

The updated Dacia Spring comes with two engine options: a 65-horsepower engine in the higher variant and a 45-horsepower engine in the more affordable model. Despite the lower power in the 45 hp version, both variants share the same battery, offering a driving range of around 225 kilometers. 

The price cut has already been implemented in several European markets.