The Dacia Spring is now the most affordable electric vehicle (EV) in the United Kingdom. Despite being manufactured in China, it’s marketed under the Romanian-owned Dacia brand – a subsidiary of Renault – and undercuts rivals due to government subsidies. This situation highlights the complex global supply chains underpinning the EV market.
Price and Market Positioning
The 2026 Dacia Spring starts at £12,240 (approximately $16,415) including all taxes and fees, thanks to the £3,750 “Dacia Electric Car Grant”. This makes it cheaper than the Dacia Sandero, previously the UK’s most affordable car, and even lower-priced Chinese EVs such as the Leapmotor T03, which begins at £15,995.
Two variants are available: the Expression Electric 70 and the Extreme Electric 100. Base prices are £15,990 and £16,990 before applying the grant. This aggressive pricing strategy demonstrates how subsidies can dramatically alter consumer choices in the EV sector.
Key Upgrades for 2026
Dacia has upgraded the Spring with revisions to the chassis, suspension, and brakes. The goal is to improve handling and stability in everyday driving conditions. Both models now feature a 24.3 kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery.
The Expression Electric 70 offers 70 horsepower, while the Extreme Electric 100 delivers 100 hp. The top-tier model also includes cosmetic copper accents, electric rear windows, a larger 10.1-inch infotainment screen with wireless smartphone integration, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability. Both variants provide a range of up to 140 miles on a single charge.
The Broader Context
The Dacia Spring’s affordability is driven by low manufacturing costs in China and the UK government’s EV incentives. However, this raises questions about the long-term sustainability of such subsidies and the potential for protectionist measures if other countries adopt similar strategies.
The situation underscores how global trade dynamics, political incentives, and manufacturing locations shape the EV market – even when the final product is presented as “European.” The Dacia Spring is a clear example of how EVs can be made cheaper by leveraging lower production costs abroad while still benefiting from domestic subsidies.
The Dacia Spring’s success shows that price is still a major barrier to EV adoption, and that manufacturers willing to exploit global supply chains and government incentives can gain a significant competitive advantage.
