Dacia Spring 1

The Dacia Spring is a battery-electric city car that fills a niche almost nobody else touches: the genuinely affordable EV. On price it plays in a league of its own, well below every established electric rival. That is only possible because the car is built in China and does without any hint of luxury. Anyone expecting a fully-fledged automobile will be disappointed — anyone after a cheap, nimble runabout gets exactly that. The Spring is not a motorway car; it is built for short urban trips, for commuters with a modest radius, and as a second car.

When it comes to the drivetrain, it pays to be honest. Motor output ranges from weak lower-tier versions up to around 48 kW in the stronger variant — nothing that invites spirited driving. The battery is small at roughly 26.8 kWh, which translates to a rated range of about 220 kilometres, and noticeably less in real-world use and especially in winter. Charging is slow: AC is the standard, DC fast charging is limited and not one of the car's strengths. For its defined purpose that is enough, but anything beyond that quickly turns the Spring into a test of patience. Worth noting is a measurable battery drain while parked, something to keep in mind for longer stints in the garage.

On the weak points, there is no sugar-coating it. There were recalls around the onboard charger software and a high-voltage cable clamp — both safety-relevant issues in the high-voltage system that must be confirmed as resolved before any purchase. The crash test result was poor; occupant protection was clearly an area where money was saved. On top of that come the classic budget-car issues: early rust on sills and underbody, sporadic heater failures, an air-conditioning compressor that can fail, creaking steering, and premature suspension wear that shows up at inspection. Build quality is modest and the materials are basic.

When buying used, insist on proof that the recalls were carried out, have the battery state of health checked, inspect the underbody and sills for rust, and test the heater and air-conditioning in operation. The verdict: the Spring is an honest tool for a clearly defined job. Anyone who accepts the compromises in range, safety and equipment and genuinely drives only in the city gets electric mobility at an unbeatable price. As a sole car or for long distances, it is the wrong choice.