Amid rising prices for new cars, there is something pleasing about a bargain brand that’s committed to keeping its prices low.
Dacia is the best example of this, with the Renault-owned manufacturer offering some of the cheapest new cars on sale. Its least expensive model is the Sandero hatchback, which costs from just £6,995. The Duster 4x4 is a bit pricier – starting from £10,995. But that still makes it the most affordable brand-new SUV that you can buy today.
But up until now, Dacia has been missing an electric model from the range. Could that be about to change, though, with a rumoured Duster EV?
The Renault partnership
With Renault being the owners of Dacia, and the French manufacturer offering an extensive electric range, it’s surprising that a Dacia EV hasn’t been unveiled or officially confirmed yet.
To keep costs down, the majority of Dacias are based on outgoing Renault cars. However, the potential for an EV could now be there, given Renault has recently announced a significant update for its electric Zoe hatchback, which will warrant the outgoing model of little use.
Renault has also committed to launching 22 electrified models by 2022, and it’s likely a Dacia will be included in that number. The Romanian manufacturer has previously said it will “benefit from the Renault Alliance”, meaning an electric vehicle is likely in the near-future.
A promise to be “shockingly affordable”
Dacia’s entire brand philosophy is based around value, and that’s important to those spending money with the firm.
The problem is, electric cars are usually quite expensive, with Dacia not having that premium image to help make EVs appealing to its customers – unlike other manufacturers.
Yet, despite that, Dacia’s boss is committed to maintaining all its models’ great value. Speaking to Auto Express in 2017, Dacia’s European chairman Jean Christophe Kugler, said: “We will remain shockingly affordable. We won’t change our brand territory.” These comments are in reference to the possibility of an EV.
The best clue yet – a Duster EV testing in the wild?
Spy photographers caught what’s thought to be an electric Duster testing in the wild earlier in 2019. The model spotted can be seen with batteries mounted under the seats. Interestingly, the car seen testing might not be a Dacia for the road – but rather a car that could compete in all-electric racing championship from 2020.
Yet, a track-ready Dacia EV is a superb indication that a road model is on the way, with the race car being useful in helping to develop EV technology.
While Dacia has still not confirmed when an EV will arrive, it’s expected to be next year when any electric ambitions are announced by the manufacturer.
