Renault's budget brand Dacia is moving production of its Spring electric city car from China to Slovenia, allowing it to qualify for French EV subsidies and cutting its effective price for buyers. The base model costs €17,900 (about $20,789), but this can fall to as little as €12,200 ($14,169) once French EV credits are applied, potentially making it Europe's cheapest EV after incentives. The switch also comes alongside a redesign, giving the previously utilitarian-looking car a more substantial, sportier appearance.

The new Spring will be built at Renault's Novo Mesto plant in Slovenia, alongside the Twingo E-Tech, and features a 27.5kWh LFP battery offering 155 miles of WLTP range, with 80 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque suited to city driving. It is slightly larger than before, with more boot space (up to 45.3 cubic feet with seats folded) and upgraded tech including a 10.1-inch touchscreen, though features like CarPlay and a rear camera cost extra. The Spring has sold 210,000 units globally since 2021 and is central to Renault's goal of an all-electrified European line-up by 2030, as EU rules require a 90% cut in fleet emissions by 2035.