Discover the Dacia Spring: The Most Affordable EV to Salary Sacrifice!
What Is The Dacia Spring, And Why Is It Significant?
Dacia was founded in Romania in 1966 to make modern, reliable, and affordable cars. After Renault acquired the brand in 1999, Dacia became known for offering straightforward vehicles that prioritise value over unnecessary complexity.
The Dacia Spring is the brand’s first fully electric model, representing one of the most affordable entry points into electric driving in the UK. With a list price between £15,990 and £16,990, it continues to undercut most other new EVs on sale.
Who Is The Dacia Spring Designed For?
The Spring is designed for drivers who want to reduce running costs and emissions without taking on high monthly payments. It is particularly well-suited to:
Urban and suburban commuters
Drivers covering short daily distances
First-time EV drivers
What Makes The Dacia Spring One Of The UK’s Cheapest EVs?
While cheaper electric quadricycles exist, the Spring stands out as a fully road-legal five-door car with real-world usability. It bridges the gap between ultra-basic mobility solutions and higher-priced electric hatchbacks.
It is also currently available under the 2026 Electric Car Grant, which is designed to incentivise cleaner vehicles. You could save £3,750, which makes this extremely attractive!
The Electric Dacia Spring
Image source: Shutterstock
The Dacia Spring has frequently been described as the UK’s most affordable electric car. At £15,990, it sits significantly below many popular alternatives. When accessed through salary sacrifice, the gap widens further due to tax and National Insurance savings.
What Are The Dacia Spring’s Specifications And Performance Credentials?
There are two trim levels: Expression and Extreme, and two powertrains: Electric 70 and Electric 100.
The 70 produces 52kW, while the Electric 100 increases output to 75kW. Both versions use the same 24.3kWh battery, delivering a claimed 234-kilometre range (approximately 145 miles).
The Spring measures 3.7 metres long, has a tight 9.6-metre turning circle, and weighs just 984kg, making it one of the lightest EVs available. This low weight plays a key role in its efficiency and low running costs.
| Specification | Powertrain | Battery Size | 0-62mph | Range | Salary sacrifice least cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expression | 52kW | 24.3kWh | 9.6s | 145 miles | £186 per month |
| Extreme | 75kW | 24.3kWh | 12.3s | 145 miles | £190 per month |
Expression Vs Extreme: Which Trim Should You Choose?
The Expression trim includes air conditioning, rear parking sensors, cruise control, and essential safety systems. Instead of a built-in infotainment screen, it uses a smartphone mount with a dedicated Dacia app.
The Extreme trim adds a larger infotainment screen, smartphone integration, upgraded interior materials, and exterior styling enhancements.
Is the Extreme trim worth the extra cost?
For drivers who value integrated navigation and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the Extreme trim may justify the small increase in monthly cost. For those focused purely on affordability, the Expression trim proves to be an excellent value.
What’s The Dacia Spring Like To Drive And Live With?
Early reviews suggest the Spring is tuned primarily for city driving. The suspension copes well with uneven road surfaces, and the elevated driving position provides good visibility.
City and motorway driving
In town, the Spring feels agile and easy to manoeuvre. On motorways, it is capable but less refined than larger EVs, with range reducing at sustained higher speeds. It is best suited to shorter motorway journeys rather than frequent long-distance driving.
How Practical Is The Dacia Spring’s Interior?
The interior prioritises function over luxury. Materials are durable rather than premium, controls are simple, and visibility is good thanks to large windows.
Rear passenger space is limited but usable, particularly for children. The 308-litre boot comfortably accommodates everyday errands such as a weekly shop.
How Much Does The Dacia Spring Cost Through Salary Sacrifice?
Salary sacrifice allows employees to lease an electric car using gross salary, reducing income tax and National Insurance. This often makes the Spring significantly cheaper than personal leasing or buying outright.
Monthly pricing usually includes insurance, servicing, maintenance, breakdown cover, and tyres.
How Does The Dacia Spring Compare To Other Affordable EVs?
| Feature | Dacia Spring | MG4 | Fiat 500e | Nissan Leaf (used) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RRP | 14,995 | £26,995 (2026 list price not independently verified) | £28,195 (2026 list price not independently verified) | £12,000–£18,000 |
| Range (WLTP) | 145 miles (234km) | 218 miles | 199 miles | 150–215 miles |
| Boot space | 308L | 363L | 185L | 435L |
| 0–60mph | ~10.0s (Electric 100) | 7.7s | 9.0s | 7.9–10.5s |
| Salary sacrifice (40%) | £171/month | £309/month | £347/month | £199/month |
| Best for | Lowest-cost new EV | All-round daily use | Style-led city driving | Used value seekers |
The Spring focuses on minimum cost and simplicity, while other models trade affordability for range, performance, or design.
How Much Does It Cost To Run The Dacia Spring?
Thanks to its small battery, the Spring is inexpensive to run.
Estimated annual costs (10,000 miles):
Electricity: ~£360 (home charging, off-peak)
Insurance: ~£650 (included via salary sacrifice)
Maintenance: ~£120 (included via salary sacrifice)
Road tax: £0 (if registered before April 2025 - post-2025 rates may apply)
Compared with a similar petrol car, drivers could save around £1,800 per year.
Who Is The Dacia Spring Perfect For (And Who Should Look Elsewhere)?
Ideal for:
Urban commuters
Short daily journeys (under 30 miles)
First-time EV drivers
Second-car households
Cost-conscious employees
Consider alternatives if:
You regularly drive 50+ miles daily
You need premium interiors
You frequently carry four or five adults
You prioritise motorway comfort
How To Get a Dacia Spring Through The Electric Car Scheme
If your employer offers an electric car salary sacrifice scheme, you can choose the Dacia Spring through The Electric Car Scheme’s online platform. If not, employers can register at no cost and offer the benefit without financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dacia Spring
Is the Dacia Spring Really the Cheapest Electric Car in the UK?
Yes, for fully road-legal electric cars designed for everyday use.
Is 137 Miles of Range Enough?
For most daily driving, yes. The average UK journey is under 10 miles.
How Long Does It Take to Charge?
Around 4–5 hours on a 7kW home charger, or roughly 29 minutes on a rapid charger.
Does the Dacia Spring Qualify for Government Grants?
The plug-in car grant has ended, but salary sacrifice savings remain significant.
Can I Fit a Family in the Dacia Spring?
Yes, though the space in the back is best suited to children or shorter adults.
What’s the Dacia Spring’s Safety Rating?
The Spring received a 3-star Euro NCAP rating.
Image source: Shutterstock
Can I Drive the Dacia Spring on the Motorway?
Yes, though it’s best suited to shorter motorway journeys.
What Happens If I Run Out of Charge?
Recovery applies, as with any EV, though warnings make this unlikely.
How Much Does Dacia Spring Insurance Cost?
Typically low, and included in salary sacrifice packages.
Can I Modify or Sell the Dacia Spring?
No, as it’s leased, but this removes depreciation risk.
What Maintenance Does the Dacia Spring Require?
EVs do not require as much maintenance compared with petrol cars, and this cost is usually included in your monthly payments when participating in a salary sacrifice scheme.
Will the Dacia Spring Hold Its Value?
Depreciation risk sits with the leasing provider, not the driver.
Can I Get a Used Dacia Spring Through Salary Sacrifice?
Yes, used EVs are available and often even cheaper.
What Colours Are Available on the Dacia Spring?
Six colours are available, with non-white options typically adding £650 (spread over the lease).
The Dacia Spring delivers on its promise of affordable, practical electric mobility. While it isn’t designed for long-distance luxury driving, it removes many financial barriers to going electric. Through salary sacrifice, it can cost less per month than many used petrol cars, making it one of the most accessible EVs in the UK.
If you want to understand exactly what the Dacia Spring could cost you through salary sacrifice, the easiest way to do that is by using our quote tool.
The tool lets you:
Select the Dacia Spring and choose your preferred trim
Enter your salary and tax band to see personalised savings
Adjust mileage and lease length to suit how you drive
View a clear monthly cost, including insurance, maintenance, and breakdown cover
It only takes a few minutes, and there’s no obligation to proceed. It’s simply the quickest way to see whether the Dacia Spring works for your budget and driving needs!
Are you an employer?
BOOK A DEMOAre you an employee?
SEE AVAILABLE CARSECS GUIDES AND ADVICE
Ready to Go Electric? Your Guides and Tools to a Smooth Switch
-
How the Scheme WorksFind out how salary sacrifice can work for you or your business.
-
The Charge SchemeSave 20-50% on all charging costs through salary sacrifice - at home, the office, or in public..
-
Complete Employer ProtectionAll employers and drivers are protected from day 1.
-
Used Electric CarsDiscover the most affordable way to drive electric. Cars delivered in 14 days.
Last updated: 05/01/2026
Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme's terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.
Copyright and Image Usage: All images used on this website are either licensed for commercial use or used with express permission from the copyright holders, in compliance with UK and EU copyright law. We are committed to respecting intellectual property rights and maintaining full compliance with applicable regulations. If you have any questions or concerns regarding image usage or copyright matters, please contact us at marketing@electriccarscheme.com and we will address them promptly.
