Dacia is preparing to expand its product range with its new electric model Dacia Hipster, developed for urban transportation. This micro-vehicle, which will be positioned below the brand’s current entry-level model Spring, will hit the roads in 2027.

The new model aims to attract attention with its starting price of under 15,000 euros. Planned to be produced at the eGT New Energy Automotive factory in China, where the Renault Group will cease Spring production in July 2026, the vehicle is being developed in accordance with L7e category standards.

Cost-effective production strategy

Renault and Dacia’s top management have revised the product specifications from scratch to reduce the project’s costs. To minimize costs, the older generation Spring’s engine, battery, and chassis components are being utilized to the maximum extent.

In addition to the 4-seater L7e model, work is also underway on the lighter 2-seater L6e category, which can be driven by those without a driver’s license or underage individuals. The battery capacity, which will be the biggest factor determining the final price of the vehicle, is expected to be around 15 kWh, and a cost-effective chemistry is expected to be used.

It is claimed that this battery chemistry will likely be LFP technology. The project aims to maintain the production capacity at the Xi’an factory with the partnership of the Chinese companies Dongfeng, Nissan, and Renault.

Technical details and design features

According to L7e regulations, the vehicle’s weight, excluding the battery, must not exceed 450 kg. Additionally, the vehicle’s power is limited to 20 horsepower and its maximum speed is 90 km/h.

Dacia Design Director David Durand notes that plastic body panels, like those in the Citroen Ami, remain more expensive than steel panels. Therefore, the Chinese engineering group is working on special solutions to reduce weight while maintaining cost.

Leaked patent drawings of the production version largely adhere to the design of the concept shown in 2025. The model will have dimensions of 3.0 meters in length, 1.55 meters in width, and 1.53 meters in height.

Instead of the two-section tailgate in the concept, a single-module rear door that opens to the side has been adopted. The front side windows are designed in a split structure, with the lower part folding upwards, as in the Citroen Ami.

This project will be on the roads in 2027 following final top management approval. Do you think Dacia’s new micro-electric model will achieve the expected success in urban transportation?