Dacia has confirmed that its fully electric Spring supermini will arrive in the UK in 2024, following months of speculation.

The Dacia Spring arrives in the UK in 2024

Billed as Europe’s cheapest EV, the five-door, four-seat hatchback will launch here in a majorly revamped version said to deliver several significant improvements in design and equipment.

First shown in concept form in March 2020, the Spring was unveiled in production form a year later and went on sale in markets including France where it’s currently sold for €20,800 (£17,773) excluding eco bonus. Nearly 49,000 units were sold last year, up 75% on 2021 and making it Europe’s third highest-selling electric vehicle to private customers according to the brand – it’s mainly sold to retail car buyers. The Spring is also available as a cargo utility vehicle, ditching the back seat to give a volume of 800 litres and a payload of 325kg, aimed at last-mile deliveries with no tailpipe emissions.

Its powertrain teams up a 44hp motor with a 26.8kWh battery to give a range of 140 miles (225km) WLTP. The battery can be charged on a 3.7kW domestic wallbox, enabling a full charge in less than 8.5 hours. Using DC rapid charging, which is an optional extra in current markets, the Spring can take up to 30kW, taking less than an hour for an 80% charge.

Data analysis by Dacia has given an insight into how the Spring is used by European customers and how it could meet the needs of UK drivers whose travel is mostly in urban areas. The budget brand has found that on average, customers’ daily commutes last under 20 miles and are covered at 16mph, while in 75% of cases, the Spring is charged at home for an average duration of 3.5 hours.

Dacia had said last year that it was mulling a UK launch but was assessing supply levels and the cost of the conversion for right-hand drive.

Luke Broad, brand director for the UK, said: “We are thrilled that Dacia Spring will come to the UK in 2024. It will certainly be worth the wait! It will literally plug a gap in the UK electric car market for a highly usable, quality EV that won’t break the bank and which makes electric vehicle ownership more realistic than ever.

“With over 120,000 customers already sold on the Spring’s unbeatable, ‘no-nonsense’ blend of value, efficiency and durability, UK car buyers can look forward to an EV that’s perfectly aligned to their mobility requirements and, importantly, is done the Dacia way.”

Xavier Martinet, Dacia SVP sales, marketing and operations, added: “The UK is an important market for us, so we are delighted to strengthen our range with the Dacia Spring. With UK sales surging year-on-year and many British car buyers having a recognised appetite for the brand, it is now the right time to introduce a pure electric vehicle. Spring has democratised electric vehicle ownership in Europe, offering people the chance to enjoy sustainable driving without the often-associated price premium. I’m confident that Spring will we be as popular in the UK as it has proved throughout the rest of Europe.”

Full details, including timings, pricing and specification, will be announced in 2024. Keen EV drivers can also register their interest to receive all the latest information here.