Dacia Relocates Spring Production to Slovenia, Keeping Price Below €20,000
Dacia has unveiled a second-generation Spring, built at Renault’s Novo Mesto plant in Slovenia, with the entire range priced under €20,000 before government subsidies.
Key Features:
- Production Shift: The new model is assembled in Slovenia, qualifying for EU EV purchase incentives previously inaccessible to a Chinese-built car.
- Platform and Design: Built on Renault Group’s RG-EV small architecture, the Spring underwent a development program that cut design time to under two years.
- Specifications:
- Motor: 60kW (80hp) motor with 175Nm torque.
- Range: Up to 250km on the WLTP combined cycle.
- Weight: 1,212kg.
- Charging: Standard 6.6kW AC charger; optional Charge Pack adds 11kW AC and 50kW DC charging.
- Battery: Utilizes LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery chemistry, choosing affordability over high-density cells.
Why Slovenia?
- Geopolitical Factors: Countervailing duties on Chinese-built EVs by the European Commission prompted a shift to locally assembled vehicles.
- Cost Efficiency: Lower labor costs in Slovenia compared to France or Germany contribute to the sub-€20,000 price point.
Dacia emphasizes that the Spring's design caters to its target owners, who drive an average of 34km per day and primarily charge at home.