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The Nissan Micra Goes Electric: A New Chapter for a Famous Small Car For more than four decades, the Nissan Micra has been one of the most recognisable small cars on the road. Known for its affordability, reliability, compact size, and easy driving style, the Micra has become a favourite choice for first-time drivers, commuters, and city motorists around the world. Now Nissan is bringing the Micra into the electric age with the new Nissan Micra Electric a completely redesigned battery-powered hatchback that combines the traditional strengths of the Micra with modern electric vehicle technology. Follow Car Guru DIY Blog
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Dacia Spring: The Cheapest Electric Car in the UK – Full Guide, Costs, Pros, Cons, Buying Steps and FAQs
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By Peter Mytko • Cars. News. Reviews.
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Dacia Spring EV UK Review: Is Britain’s Cheapest Electric Car Worth Buying?
Electric cars have traditionally been expensive. For many years, owning an EV meant paying a premium price compared with petrol or diesel cars. The arrival of the Dacia Spring changed that conversation by bringing a genuinely affordable electric vehicle to the UK market.
The Dacia Spring is designed around one simple idea: make electric driving accessible to ordinary drivers. Instead of offering luxury materials, huge batteries, and sports-car performance, Dacia focuses on low purchase prices, cheap running costs, and simple everyday transport.
The latest Dacia Spring starts from around £11,990 in the UK, making it one of the cheapest new electric cars available. It offers a practical electric range of around 140 miles WLTP, making it mainly suitable for city driving, commuting, shopping trips, and short daily journeys.
But does buying the cheapest EV mean making too many compromises? This detailed guide explains everything you need to know before buying a Dacia Spring.
What Is the Dacia Spring?
The Dacia Spring is a small five-door electric city car produced by Romanian manufacturer Dacia, part of the Renault Group.
Unlike expensive EVs designed for long-distance motorway travel, the Spring is built for:
City driving
Short commutes
First-time EV owners
Second-car households
Drivers wanting low running costs
The car uses a compact battery and lightweight design to keep the price low. The current Spring Electric 70 model uses a 24.3 kWh battery, produces 70 hp (52 kW), and has an official combined range of around 140 miles.
It is not designed to compete with premium EVs such as Tesla models or larger family electric cars. Instead, it competes by being affordable.
Dacia Spring EV Price in the UK
New Dacia Spring Costs
Approximate UK prices:
Model
Price
Dacia Spring Expression Electric 70
From £11,990
Higher specification versions
Around £13,000+
The low price is the biggest attraction. Many electric cars cost £25,000–£40,000, so the Spring makes EV ownership possible for buyers who previously could not afford one.
Extra Costs You Should Consider
Buying the car is only part of the cost. Consider:
1. Home Charging Installation
A home charger can cost approximately:
£800–£1,500 depending on installation
Less if your home already has suitable electrical connections
A standard household socket can charge the car, but a dedicated EV charger is faster and more convenient.
2. Electricity Costs
Charging costs depend on your electricity tariff.
Example:
Battery size: about 24 kWh
Electricity price: 25p per kWh
A full charge:
24 × £0.25 = about £6
A full battery may give around 140 miles officially, meaning electricity costs can be around 4–5p per mile.
Actual costs vary depending on driving style, weather, and electricity prices.
3. Insurance
Insurance depends on:
Driver age
Location
Driving history
Experience with EVs
Because the Spring is a budget car, insurance may be cheaper than many larger EVs, but young drivers may still face high premiums.
4. Servicing and Maintenance
EVs usually require less maintenance because they have:
No engine oil changes
No exhaust system
Fewer moving parts
Less brake wear due to regenerative braking
Typical yearly maintenance may include:
Tyre checks
Brake inspection
Software updates
Cabin filter replacement
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Buy a Dacia Spring EV in the UK
Step 1: Decide If the Dacia Spring Fits Your Lifestyle
Before buying, ask:
Good match if you:
Drive mostly in towns or cities
Travel fewer than 100 miles per day
Can charge at home
Want the cheapest EV possible
Need a second car
Poor match if you:
✘ Regularly drive long motorway journeys
✘ Need lots of passenger space
✘ Want luxury features
✘ Need a large family vehicle
Step 2: Choose Your Version
The main choice is usually between:
Expression
Best for:
Lowest price
Basic transport
Maximum savings
Typical features include:
Air conditioning
Parking sensors
Electric windows
Essential driving equipment
Higher Trim Versions
Better if you want:
More technology
Improved comfort
Extra styling features
Step 3: Arrange Charging
Before delivery:
Check if you can install a home charger.
Compare electricity tariffs.
Download EV charging apps for public charging.
Learn where local chargers are located.
For many owners, home charging overnight is the easiest solution.
Step 4: Test Drive the Car
During a test drive check:
Driving position
Seat comfort
Visibility
Acceleration
Interior quality
Noise levels
Remember: this is a budget EV. It prioritises affordability rather than premium comfort.
Step 5: Compare Finance Options
You can usually buy through:
Cash purchase
Personal loan
Finance agreement
Leasing
Compare:
Monthly payment
Total cost
Mileage limits
Final ownership terms
Step 6: Order and Prepare for Delivery
Before collecting your car:
Install charging apps
Arrange insurance
Check charger installation
Learn EV driving basics
Driving Experience: What Is the Dacia Spring Like?
The Spring feels very different from traditional petrol cars.
Advantages
The electric motor provides:
Instant response
Quiet driving
Smooth acceleration
Easy city manoeuvring
The car is small, making:
Parking easier
Narrow streets less stressful
Urban driving enjoyable
Performance
The Spring is not a fast car.
It is designed for efficiency rather than speed.
The Electric 70 version reaches 62 mph in around 12.3 seconds.
For city driving this is acceptable, but motorway overtaking requires planning.
Charging Times
The Spring supports home and public charging.
Approximate charging:
Home charger
Around several hours overnight.
Rapid charging
The battery can charge from 20–80% in around 29 minutes under suitable conditions.
For most owners, overnight home charging will be enough.
Pros of the Dacia Spring EV
1. Extremely Affordable
The biggest advantage is price.
It brings EV ownership into a completely new budget category.
2. Very Cheap Running Costs
Compared with petrol cars:
Electricity can cost less than fuel
Maintenance is simpler
Road tax benefits may apply depending on government rules
3. Perfect City Car
Small dimensions make it ideal for:
Town centres
Shopping trips
Short commutes
4. Simple and Easy to Use
There are fewer complicated systems compared with expensive EVs.
Many drivers like its straightforward design.
5. Good Boot Space for Size
Despite being small, it offers useful luggage space for everyday shopping and errands.
Cons of the Dacia Spring EV
1. Limited Range
Around 140 miles officially means this is not the best choice for long-distance drivers.
Cold weather, heating, motorway speeds, and heavy loads reduce range.
2. Basic Interior
To achieve a low price, Dacia uses cheaper materials.
You will not get:
Luxury finishes
Premium seats
High-end technology
3. Not Ideal for Motorways
The Spring is happiest around town.
Long motorway journeys can be tiring because:
Performance is limited
Range drops faster
Cabin refinement is basic
4. Safety and Comfort Compromises
Budget construction means buyers must accept fewer premium features compared with more expensive EVs.
Common Mistakes When Buying a Dacia Spring
Mistake 1: Buying Without Checking Your Driving Needs
Some people buy the cheapest EV without considering range.
Ask yourself:
“Do I regularly drive more than 100 miles?”
If yes, another EV may suit you better.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Charging Options
Many new EV owners underestimate charging.
Before buying:
Check home charging possibilities
Research local chargers
Understand charging costs
Mistake 3: Expecting Luxury
The Spring is affordable because it avoids expensive equipment.
Do not expect:
Premium materials
Sports performance
Luxury comfort
Mistake 4: Forgetting Winter Range Reduction
Cold temperatures reduce EV efficiency.
Plan for less range during winter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Dacia Spring the cheapest EV in the UK?
Yes, it has been positioned as one of the cheapest new electric cars available in Britain, with prices starting around £11,990.
How far can the Dacia Spring travel?
The official combined range is around 140 miles, with urban driving potentially higher.
Is the Dacia Spring good for motorway driving?
It can handle motorway journeys, but it is better suited to urban and local driving.
How much does it cost to charge a Dacia Spring?
A full charge may cost around £5–£8 depending on electricity prices.
Can I charge a Dacia Spring at home?
Yes. A home charger is the most convenient option.
Is the Dacia Spring reliable?
Electric cars generally have fewer mechanical parts than petrol cars. Reliability will depend on maintenance, driving conditions, and long-term ownership.
Is the Dacia Spring good for first-time EV buyers?
Yes. It is one of the easiest ways to enter electric driving because of its low purchase price and simple operation.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Dacia Spring?
The Dacia Spring is not trying to be the best electric car. It is trying to be the most affordable way into electric driving.
For someone who needs a cheap, efficient city car, it makes a lot of sense. It can replace many petrol cars used for short journeys while offering lower running costs and quieter driving.
However, buyers must understand the compromises:
Limited range
Basic interior
Not ideal for frequent motorway trips
If your daily driving is mainly local, the Dacia Spring could be one of the smartest budget car choices available in the UK.
It proves that electric cars do not always need to be expensive sometimes the biggest innovation is simply making them affordable
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Drive mostly in towns or cities
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