Renault’s Dacia brand has reduced the price of its low-cost electric vehicle, the Spring, by 2,000 euros in France, as part of a broader trend of anticipated discounts across Europe to stimulate flagging EV sales.
European car manufacturers are expected to rely on price cuts to meet stricter emissions regulations from the European Union, which mandates that at least 20% of all vehicle sales be electric to avoid penalties.
However, only 13% of vehicles sold in Europe in 2024 were electric, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association.
The price reduction for the Spring model brings its entry price down to 16,900 euros, making it more competitive with China’s Leapmotor, which recently lowered the price of its T03 to 14,900 euros, Reuters news report said.
The Spring’s new version will feature a less powerful 45-horsepower engine, down from the previous 65 horsepower, though both versions offer a driving range of about 225 kilometers. The price cut has already been implemented in several other European markets.