Dacia’s New Budget EV Spotted Testing in Europe Ahead of Its Official Debut

Dacia is set to introduce an entry-level electric vehicle priced below $21,000, positioning it among the most affordable EVs in Europe. Early prototype sightings suggest a close technical link to the Renault Twingo E-Tech, though with distinct design changes.

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Dacia’s New Budget EV Spotted Testing in Europe Ahead of Its Official Debut : Credit : Autocar | The News Wheel

The Romanian brand outlined this model as part of its broader electrification strategy, which includes four new EVs planned by 2030. This upcoming A-segment hatchback will mark Dacia’s first step in what it describes as a “confident and decisive entry into electric mobility.”

Developed in under 16 months, the model is built on Renault’s RGEV Small / AmpR Small platform. Its rapid development timeline and aggressive pricing highlight Dacia’s focus on affordability, a defining element of its market approach.

A Familiar Base With A Redesigned Exterior

Spy images captured in Europe reveal a heavily camouflaged prototype, though its proportions closely resemble those of the Renault Twingo E-Tech. According to Carscoops, the vehicle appears to be a reworked version of that model, retaining much of its structure.

Despite this shared foundation, several visual differences stand out. The front end adopts more traditional headlights and a revised bumper with a wide lower intake. The body also features rugged cladding, reinforcing Dacia’s characteristic styling cues.

The side profile remains largely unchanged, while the rear introduces higher-mounted taillights and a redesigned bumper. The liftgate also appears more conventional compared to its Renault counterpart.

Interior Features Focused On Practicality

Only one interior image has surfaced so far, offering limited insight into the cabin layout. The visible elements include a floating infotainment screen and a steering wheel bearing Dacia branding.

Based on the source material, the model could mirror the Twingo E-Tech by incorporating a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch central display. The interior may also feature sliding rear seats with an adjustment range of up to 170 mm.

This configuration allows users to prioritize either passenger space or cargo capacity. The trunk offers up to 360 liters of storage, expanding to over 1,000 liters when the rear seats are folded down.

Dacia’s EV prototype testing in Europe © Autocar

Modest Performance Tailored For Urban Use

The powertrain is expected to carry over unchanged from the Twingo E-Tech. This includes an electric motor producing 80 hp and 175 Nm of torque, figures cited by Carscoops.

Performance remains limited, with a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 12.1 seconds and a top speed of 130 km/h. The vehicle is equipped with a 27.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack.

This setup delivers a WLTP range of up to 263 kilometers, which aligns with typical urban driving needs. The focus on a smaller battery contributes directly to the model’s low price point, reinforcing its role as an accessible city car within Dacia’s expanding electric lineup.

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