Dacia diaries: A wintery week with the UK’s cheapest EV
Winter is a true test for any EV. We’ve looked into this before: freezing temperatures compromise the efficiency of all vehicles, but particularly EVs that have a small battery and no heat pump.
So, when the Dacia Spring arrived at Leasing.com HQ on the coldest day of the season so far, I was both intrigued and a little apprehensive about how the most affordable EV – with its 26.8kWh battery pack – would perform.
Priced from just £14,995, it’s officially the UK’s most affordable electric vehicle. This list price translates into a personal lease costing as little as £130 per month – unheard of for an EV. But how would this no-frills EV cope with a typical week of mixed driving in sub-zero temps?
Compare Dacia Spring lease deals
Day 1: First impressions
From the outset, the Spring makes a quirky statement. Its SUV-inspired styling and compact, boxy frame exude charm. As I plugged it in for an initial charge, the stats were promising: an official range of 140 miles and a real-world winter estimate of over 100 miles.
With a maximum charging capacity of 30kW, it’s not what you’d call a fast charger. But via an 11kW wall box you’ll get a full charge in two to three hours.
While these stats don’t sound ground breaking, for urban commutes and short trips, it seemed more than adequate keeping in mind the Spring’s attractive price point.
Day 2: A frosty start
The first real test came early the next morning, with temperatures hovering around zero. I defrosted the car using the air conditioning, which is standard on all models. Using the heater in an EV like this is notorious for knocking miles off the range.
However, after a few minutes the windows were clear and the cabin was warm – with the display stating the same range as when I’d started the car. It’s worth noting that pre-heating is available on the Spring, which allows you to activate the heat and air con with the car still plugged in.
On the road, the Spring was a delight in the morning rush hour. It’s nippy, responsive, and light, making short work of stop-start traffic. Even with the heater on full blast, I managed close to 4 miles per kWh—impressive given the conditions.
Regenerative braking, activated by shifting into “B” mode, was intuitive and perfect for one-pedal driving through the morning rush hour. It of course helps to eek out a little bit more range and efficiency, too.
Compare Dacia Spring lease deals
Day 3: Snowy adventures
Midweek brought a fresh blanket of snow, turning a usually mundane commute into an unexpected adventure. While many cars struggled to grip the icy roads, the Spring’s low weight and skinny tyres came into their own.
Combined with its high-riding position, it’s a more capable car than you might expect when the going gets tough.
It zipped along confidently, with the Eco mode proving particularly handy. Reducing throttle response, this mode not only helped to conserve battery but also improved traction on slippery surfaces.
The high-riding stance gives it a surprisingly capable feel and gives it the same feeling of its larger sibling, the rugged Duster.
Day 4: Out of town
The Spring isn’t designed for long motorway drives, but I decided to push it outside its comfort zone for a short trip to visit family around 40 miles away. Cruising at 70mph was achievable, though the cabin did get noisy. At times, the modest 65hp motor felt stretched, more comfortable at 60mph than 70mph.
Charging en route was simple enough, with a rapid charger delivering 80% battery in just 45 minutes. Granted, the 30kW max charge speed isn’t ground breaking, but using said rapid charger ensures it’ll gain a 10% to 80% recharge in around 40 minutes.
Day 5: Focus on efficiency
By now, I’d become accustomed to the Spring’s quirks and charms. Winter can often decimate an EV’s range, but this little car continued to surprise me.
Even with sub-zero temperatures, I consistently achieved over 100 miles per charge. So that’s the equivalent of a week’s worth of urban commutes for a lot of drivers.
The secret lies in its efficiency-first design. The 26.8kWh battery might be small compared to most EVs, but it’s perfectly matched to the lightweight frame. The result? Less energy required to keep things moving.
Day 6: Practicality check
A quick supermarket run put the Spring’s practicality to the test. Yes, the back seats are tight, and the boot isn’t cavernous, but for a small car, it’s perfectly adequate. There’s also a host of modular accessories that fit into the centre console available directly from Dacia, including a cool box (this wasn’t needed this week).
The touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a pleasant bonus too, and as mentioned the My Dacia app allows you to control charging and pre-heat the car a few minutes before you start your journey. All in all a very well connected car for not a lot of cash.
Day 7: Conclusion….
As my week with the Dacia Spring came to a close, I couldn’t help but admire this plucky little EV. It’s not perfect. It’s not designed for long hauls, and the interior is basic, but for urban drivers or those looking for a second car, it ticks all the right boxes.
What impressed me most was its ability to thrive in winter, a season that can be brutal for EVs. Whether it was efficiently handling freezing temperatures or confidently tackling snowy roads, the Spring proved it’s more than just an affordable option.
For those seeking a simple, cost-effective way to embrace electric driving, the Dacia Spring is a breath of fresh air – even in the coldest of seasons.