Renault Group’s budget brand Dacia is relocating production of its Spring electric vehicle from China to Slovenia, a strategic shift that unlocks French subsidies and pushes the entry price down to €12,200 (approximately $14,000) after government incentives.

The second-generation Spring, unveiled on September 8, carries a base sticker of €17,900 (approximately $21,000) before credits, keeping the entire range below €20,000 (approximately $23,000). It will be assembled at Renault’s Novo Mesto plant, the same facility that builds the Twingo E-Tech city car, on the group’s newly developed RG-EV platform for small vehicles.

The move is part of Renault’s futuREady strategy announced in March 2026 and marks the first of four EVs Dacia plans to introduce by 2030. By manufacturing within Europe, the Spring qualifies for French purchase incentives that vary by country and household income, making it what the company positions as Europe’s most affordable EV after subsidies.

Redesigned for more presence

The new Spring is substantially larger than its predecessor, gaining 5.9 inches in length and 7.1 inches in width (18 cm wider, per the automaker). Dacia has re-sculpted the front fascia with sharper lines and angles, flared the wheel arches, and added black accents front and rear. Storage capacity rises from 10.9 cubic feet to 11.9 cubic feet, expanding to 45.3 cubic feet with the 50:50 split rear bench folded.

Under the hood, the Spring pairs a 60 kW (80 hp) electric motor with 175 Nm of torque (129 pound-feet) and a 27.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. WLTP combined range reaches up to 250 km (about 155 miles), which translates to roughly 133 miles under EPA testing. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 12.1 seconds, with a top speed of 130 km/h.

Charging options reflect the car’s urban orientation. An optional 50 kW DC fast-charging system, priced at €500, brings the battery from 15 to 80 percent in about 28 minutes. A standard 6.6 kW home outlet requires nine hours for a full charge. Dacia notes that typical Spring owners drive just 21 miles per day, with 75 percent charging at home.

Inside, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster is standard across the range, while higher trims add a 10.1-inch central touchscreen. The Expression trim features Dacia’s Media Control system; the Journey trim steps up to Media Nav Live. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a rear parking camera, and keyless entry are available as a package costing approximately $1,500 extra. Four exterior colors are offered: Agave, Schist Grey, Diamond Black, and Glacier White, with 15-inch or 16-inch wheel options.

A proven formula, accelerated development

The original Spring has sold more than 210,000 units across over 40 markets since its 2021 debut, giving Renault a credible foothold in the affordable EV segment. The second-generation model is the first Dacia to benefit from Renault’s new development programs, which aim to compress vehicle design cycles to under two years while cutting costs.

“With the RG-EV small platform, New Spring gains the latest e-technologies by Renault Group, a pioneer in this field, continuously seeking to make the best technology accessible to as many people as possible,” the company said in a statement.

Strategic context

The production shift aligns with tightening European emissions rules. The bloc has mandated a 90 percent reduction in fleet emissions by 2035 compared to 2021 levels. Renault aims for a fully electrified mix in Europe by 2030, split evenly between full EVs and hybrids.

Renault Group maintained its full-year 2026 guidance after reporting first-half revenue up 9.5 percent to €30.25 billion (approximately $35.2 billion). The Spring’s European assembly footprint strengthens the group’s ability to capture subsidy-eligible demand in price-sensitive markets while supporting its broader electrification targets.

For consumers, the Spring’s post-incentive pricing positions it as a compelling entry point into EV ownership, particularly for suburban and city drivers whose daily mileage falls well within the vehicle’s range envelope. The trade-off is clear: modest performance and range in exchange for a price point that undercuts most competitors in the European market.