Dacia Spring Electric 2026 Review: Early Impressions & Tech Analysis
Dacia Spring Electric 2026 Introduction:
Dacia Spring Electric arrives for the 2026 model year with a sharper attitude and the same no frills mission. Built under the Renault Group umbrella and assembled in China, the smallest electric SUV shaped city car keeps its focus on affordability, efficiency, and urban practicality. The category sits squarely in the A segment electric crossover space, yet the stance leans tougher than before. Key highlights include a lightweight structure, a compact lithium iron phosphate battery, and front wheel drive tuning aimed at dense city traffic. Pricing stays aggressive, placing electric ownership within reach of first time buyers, students, and urban households seeking a second vehicle.
- Manufacturing story traces back to Renault Group cost engineering with production centralized in China for scale efficiency.
- 2026 unveiling introduces a rugged visual update inspired by the Duster family look.
- Powertrain update adds a stronger 70 hp motor paired with an LFP battery.
- Starting price set at $18,500 USD (€15,910), undercutting most electric rivals.
- Market positioning targets urban mobility over highway touring.
What is the Price of Dacia Spring Electric in 2026?
The Dacia Spring Electric price starts at $18,500 USD (€15,910). That figure anchors the model as one of the lowest cost full electric vehicles available. The price positioning focuses on accessibility rather than luxury, keeping ownership costs predictable for city focused drivers.
| Trim Level | PRICE | KEY FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
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Essential 70
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Front wheel drive layout, 70 hp electric motor, 24.3 kWh LFP battery, WLTP range of 225 km or about 140 miles. Standard digital cluster and Media Control system support smartphone integration.
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Expression 70
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Adds upgraded interior trim, alloy style wheels, enhanced infotainment support, and expanded color options while retaining the same battery and motor setup.
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Extreme 100
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Top configuration with rugged exterior accents, larger wheels, unique trim detailing, and a higher output motor option for buyers wanting stronger urban acceleration.
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Across trims, the formula stays simple. Battery size and city range remain consistent, while equipment levels and visual details separate each version. That strategy keeps production costs in check.
Engine, Battery, and Performance Specs:
Battery & Charging Specifications
The compact lithium iron phosphate battery measures 24.3 kWh usable capacity. WLTP range reaches 225 km, equal to about 140 miles, while urban driving often stretches efficiency further. AC charging at 7 kW restores a full charge in roughly 4.5 hours. DC fast charging supports up to 40 kW, moving from 20 to 80 percent in about 29 minutes.
- Battery capacity 24.3 kWh usable
- WLTP range 225 km or 140 miles
- AC charge time 4 hours 30 minutes at 7 kW
- DC fast charge 20 to 80 percent in 29 minutes
Electric Motor Specifications
A single front mounted electric motor delivers 52 kW or 70 hp with torque output rated at 137 Nm, about 101 lb ft. Power feeds the front wheels through a simple reduction gear, prioritizing smooth delivery and efficiency over outright speed.
- Single motor configuration
- Power output 70 hp or 52 kW
- Torque 137 Nm or 101 lb ft
- Front wheel drive layout
Performance Specifications
Acceleration from 0 to 100 kmh takes 12.3 seconds, equivalent to 0 to 62 mph. Top speed caps at 125 kmh or 78 mph. Numbers favor city streets and suburban roads rather than expressways.
- 0 to 100 kmh in 12.3 seconds
- Top speed 125 kmh or 78 mph
Light curb weight under 1,000 kg or 2,205 pounds sharpens response and limits energy use. That advantage shows daily.
Exterior and Interior Features
Exterior Design
The exterior adopts a tougher crossover posture. Plastic cladding, Y shaped LED running lights, and scratch resistant accents handle urban wear. Length measures 3,701 mm or 145.7 inches, while width sits at 1,583 mm or 62.3 inches. Steel wheels start at 14 inches, dressed to resemble alloys.
Interior & Technology
Inside, a 7 inch digital instrument display comes standard. Media Control relies on smartphone integration, keeping costs down. The YouClip system allows modular storage solutions throughout the cabin. Cargo volume reaches 308 liters or 10.9 cubic feet, expanding to 1,004 liters with seats folded.
Design choices emphasize durability and clarity. Materials favor longevity over luxury, fitting daily commuting needs.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Very low entry price for a full electric vehicle
- Excellent efficiency in city driving
- Compact size simplifies parking
- Simple mechanical layout improves reliability
Cons
- Limited highway comfort
- Modest acceleration
- Basic infotainment approach
Market position & Expert Data:
The Spring Electric occupies a rare space as a sub $20,000 electric vehicle. According to McKinsey research, cost parity with combustion cars drives first time EV adoption in urban Europe. Data reveals entry level EV demand rising by over 30 percent in 2025 across dense cities.
Analysts from Harvard Business Review highlight lightweight platforms as key to efficiency gains, noting up to 20 percent lower energy consumption per mile versus heavier crossovers. That trend supports the Spring approach.
Conclusion:
The Dacia Spring Electric serves urban drivers who value cost control, simplicity, and electric access. City agility, low charging costs, and compact dimensions define its appeal. For daily errands and commuting, few options deliver similar value.
Exterior and Interior photos of Dacia Spring Electric 2026
Watch the Video Overview
Full Specifications List:
Model Specs
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
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Model
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Dacia Spring Electric
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Model Year
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2026
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Manufacturer Group
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Renault Group
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Country of Manufacture
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China
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Vehicle Class
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A segment city electric crossover
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Body Type
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5 door hatchback crossover, small SUV profile
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Performance
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
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Power Type
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Full electric
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Drive Type
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FWD, front wheel drive
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Motor Output
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70 hp (52 kW)
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Torque
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137 Nm (101 lb ft)
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0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 kmh)
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12.3 seconds
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Top Speed
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125 kmh (78 mph)
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Battery and Charging
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
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Battery Chemistry
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Lithium Iron Phosphate, LFP
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Battery Capacity Usable
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24.3 kWh
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Nominal Voltage
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Not specified
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AC Charging Rate
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7 kW
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Charging Time AC 0 to 100 percent
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4 hours 30 minutes
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DC Fast Charging Peak Rate
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40 kW
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Charging Time DC 20 to 80 percent
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29 minutes
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Estimated Range Data
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
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WLTP Combined Range
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225 km (140 miles)
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EPA Range
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Not rated
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Real World Use Case
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Urban focused driving, best efficiency below 100 kmh (62 mph)
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Body Specifications
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
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Length
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3,701 mm (145.7 in)
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Width
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1,583 mm (62.3 in)
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Height
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1,489 mm (58.6 in)
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Wheelbase
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2,423 mm (95.4 in)
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Curb Weight
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984 kg (2,169 lb)
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Turning Circle
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9.6 m (31.5 ft)
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Cargo Capacity
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308 L (10.9 cu ft)
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Cargo With Seats Folded
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1,004 L (35.5 cu ft)
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Exterior Design Features
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
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Lighting Signature
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Y shaped LED daytime running lights
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Front Design Identity
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Dacia Link grille with interlocking logo
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Wheel Size
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14 in steel wheels with stylized covers
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Body Protection
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Plastic cladding and scuff resistant accents
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Aerodynamic Detail
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Streamlined hood and subtle rear spoiler
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Available Colors
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Safari Beige, Brick Red, metallic greys
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Interior Design and Materials
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
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Seating Capacity
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4 seats
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Upholstery
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Durable fabric, daily use focused
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Cabin Accents
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White interior accents for brightness
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Accessory System
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YouClip modular mounting points
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Child Seat Anchors
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Isofix points on rear bench
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Cabin Technical Features
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
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Instrument Display
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7 in digital instrument cluster
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Infotainment Approach
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Media Control smartphone based interface
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Regenerative Braking
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B mode for stronger regeneration in traffic
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Driver Assistance Suite
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Autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition
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Chassis Stability Detail
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Revised suspension with anti roll bar for improved stability
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How Dacia Spring Electric 2026 Compares to Rivals
Dacia Spring Electric plays in the affordable electric vehicle Europe lane, while Citroen e-C3, Jaecoo 5 EV, Geely Galaxy Starship 7 EV, and Dongfeng Xinghai X5 bring more battery and more speed to the table. In other words, one group majors in city duty, the other majors in broader real-world usability. And that difference shows up fast in range, charging, and price logic.
| EV Model | PRICE (USD) | KEY FEATURES | EV PAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
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Spring Electric
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Model Year 2026, Manufactured in China, Range 140 mi (225 km), Battery 24.3 kWh, Drive Type FWD, Acceleration 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) 12.3 sec, Top Speed 78 mph (125 km/h), Power 70 hp (52 kW) |
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Citroen e-C3
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Model Year 2023, Manufactured in France, Range 199 mi (320 km), Battery 44 kWh, Drive Type FWD, Acceleration 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) 11.0 sec, Top Speed 84 mph (135 km/h), Power 113 hp (84 kW) |
View | |
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Jaecoo 5 EV
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Model Year 2026, Manufactured in China, Range 248 mi (399 km), Battery 58.9 kWh, Drive Type FWD, Acceleration 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) 7.7 sec, Top Speed 108 mph (174 km/h), Power 211 hp (155 kW) |
View | |
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Geely Galaxy Starship 7 EV
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Model Year 2026, Manufactured in China, Range 298 mi (480 km), Battery 65 kWh, Drive Type FWD, Acceleration 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) 7.2 sec, Top Speed 109 mph (175 km/h), Power 215 hp (160 kW) |
View | |
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Dongfeng Xinghai X5
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Model Year 2026, Manufactured in China, Range 329 mi (530 km), Battery 64.4 kWh, Drive Type FWD, Acceleration 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) 8.5 sec, Top Speed 93 mph (150 km/h), Power 163 hp (122 kW) |
View |
Range and Real World Usability
Dacia Spring Electric range stays city-first at 140 mi (225 km), which feels right for short hops, errands, and tight parking life. Step up to the Citroen e-C3 at 199 mi (320 km) and the day opens up, especially for suburban loops. Then the Chinese electric SUV crowd stretches its legs: Jaecoo 5 EV hits 248 mi (399 km), Geely pushes 298 mi (480 km), and Dongfeng posts 329 mi (530 km) on a different cycle standard. More miles, fewer charging decisions.
Charging Time and Daily Convenience
Charging speed tells the convenience story fast. Spring Electric runs 20 to 80 percent in about 29 minutes on 40 kW DC, plus roughly 4.5 hours on 7 kW AC for overnight habits. Citroen e-C3 talks about 80 percent in around 30 minutes, handy for city owners who rely on public plugs. Jaecoo leans quicker with 10 to 80 percent near 33 minutes on up to 130 kW DC. Geely targets about 30 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes. Dongfeng also targets about 30 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes at around 60 kW DC.
Price Positioning and Value Logic
Dacia Spring Electric price starts at $18,500, and that number explains the essential electric vehicle approach. It delivers a lightweight electric city car experience for the cost of many gas subcompacts. Citroen e-C3 steps up to $24,920 with a bigger 44 kWh battery and longer range, a clean value trade for European buyers. Dongfeng sits at $21,100, landing close to budget territory while offering a much larger 64.4 kWh pack. Geely at $28,000 and Jaecoo at $34,500 price in more battery, more power, and more highway comfort. Different buyers, different math, same goal: lower operating costs with zero tailpipe emissions.
Compare with similar:
Latest News:
Related news from the different online sources
January 17, 2026 Dacia's 2026 lineup kicks off with the revamped Spring EV hitting UK dealerships in March, starting at 12,240 pounds after a 3,750-pound grant. It features new 69 hp or 99 hp motors for quicker acceleration, a 24.3 kWh LFP battery delivering 140 miles of range, upgraded suspension for better handling, and 40 kW DC charging. A successor city EV under 15,000 pounds arrives later, built on the Renault Twingo platform to keep electric driving affordable.
January 16, 2026 Dacia unveils a new electric city car as a standalone model alongside the Spring, using the Renault Twingo platform. Priced potentially around 18,000 euros, it promises high value with no-frills design. Developed in just 18 months, production starts in Slovenia, qualifying for EU incentives. This addition bolsters Dacia's budget EV portfolio, with a reveal planned for the second quarter of 2026.
January 14, 2026 Dacia confirms the debut of its second fully electric vehicle around June 2026, expanding options beyond the Spring. This new model, slightly pricier than the Spring, aims to meet growing demand for affordable EVs. Recent Spring enhancements include 70 hp and 100 hp engines, improved dynamics, and a new battery, ensuring it remains a top choice for entry-level electric mobility in Europe.
January 12, 2026 The Dacia Spring will stay in production alongside a new Twingo-based city EV launching by year-end under 18,000 euros. The 2026 Spring refresh includes boosted power, enhanced safety, and an LFP battery for better efficiency. This dual offering makes Dacia unique in providing two affordable electric city cars, catering to diverse urban commuting needs.
December 19, 2025 Order books open for the 2026 Dacia Spring, starting at 12,240 pounds in the UK after grant, solidifying its status as the cheapest new EV. Updates feature 70 hp or 100 hp motors, a lighter 24.3 kWh LFP battery with 140-mile range, faster 40 kW charging, and chassis tweaks for improved ride. Deliveries start in spring 2026, perfect for cost-conscious EV enthusiasts seeking practical city transportation.
