Dacia Evader: New Electric Urban Model to Launch in 2026

Dacia is preparing to launch the Evader, a new urban electric vehicle in 2026, aiming to address missed European Union emissions targets and expand its presence in the increasingly competitive electric vehicle market. The launch comes as the automaker faces penalties for failing to meet 2025 and anticipated 2026 EU emissions standards, largely due to a limited proportion of electric vehicles in its current lineup.

The current Dacia Spring, introduced in 2021 and updated in 2024, has not sufficiently offset the emissions generated by the company’s gasoline-powered vehicles. To comply with upcoming regulations, Dacia plans to offer two electric city cars in the A-segment simultaneously starting in 2026.

Evader: Technical Specifications and Design

The Evader will be built on the AmpR Small platform, the same technical base used by the Renault Twingo E-Tech. This platform is a modified version of the CMF-B EV architecture, specifically developed for compact urban electric vehicles. The vehicle is expected to measure approximately 3.80 meters in length, slightly larger than the current Spring (3.70 meters).

The design represents a significant departure from the Spring, adopting a more robust, almost mini-SUV style with clear and modern lines consistent with Dacia’s recent aesthetic direction. The Evader will feature a taller and more robust silhouette, simple yet modern design lines, and a more dynamic and appealing look intended to attract a wider customer base.

Production and Platform

Unlike the Spring, which is manufactured in China through a joint venture with Renault-Dongfeng, the Evader will be produced in Europe, specifically at the Renault plant in Novo Mesto, Slovenia. This facility has a long history of producing small vehicles and has recently been modernized for the assembly of electric models, including the Renault Twingo E-Tech.

European production offers several strategic advantages, including eligibility for environmental bonuses offered in several European countries, avoidance of tariffs imposed by the EU on auto imports from China, and support for the European industrial base and job creation.

Performance and Range

While complete technical specifications have not been officially disclosed, indications suggest the Evader will offer improved performance compared to the Spring. The AmpR Small platform allows for the integration of 40 kWh and 52 kWh batteries, already used in the Renault 5 E-Tech and Renault 4 E-Tech. The estimated range could reach 200-250 kilometers in urban use, sufficient for the daily needs of most European drivers – a notable improvement over the Spring’s approximate 220 km range under ideal conditions.

The electric motor is expected to develop between 70 and 90 kW (95-122 HP), providing adequate performance for urban and extra-urban traffic. The charging system will include standard 6.6 kW AC charging, with optional 11 kW AC and 50 kW DC fast charging capabilities, allowing for an approximate 10% to 80% charge in around 30 minutes with fast charging.

Pricing and Commercial Strategy for Dacia Evader

A key aspect of the new model is its price point. The Dacia Evader will be positioned with a catalog price under €18,000, slightly higher than the current Spring, which starts at €16,900. The European production location provides a significant advantage through eligibility for environmental bonuses. In France, for example, the “Coupe de pouce véhicules particuliers électrique” program could reduce the price by up to 27% of the vehicle’s value.

With this reduction applied, the effective price of the Dacia Evader could fall to approximately €13,140, substantially lower than the Spring’s catalog price, which does not benefit from this bonus due to its Chinese origin. This price difference puts the Spring in a difficult commercial position, as the new model will offer superior dynamics, a modern design, and improved features at a lower final price.

Coexistence of the Two Dacia Electric Models

Contrary to initial expectations, the Dacia Spring will not be immediately replaced by the new model. Both cars will coexist in the market at least until 2028, offering consumers two distinct options in the accessible urban electric vehicle segment. Dacia’s strategy involves a clear differentiation between the two models through distinct exterior designs, color palettes, interior configurations, and varying equipment levels.

Dacia intends to maximize its offering of electric vehicles in the minicar segment, responding to the growing demand for affordable electric mobility.

Competition and Market Context

The launch of the Dacia Evader comes at a time when the European urban electric vehicle market is rapidly developing. The new car will compete directly with the Renault Twingo E-Tech (starting price under €20,000), the Citroën e-C3 (lower-range variant), and potential future affordable models from the Volkswagen Group, as well as Chinese electric vehicles such as the BYD Dolphin Surf and Leapmotor T03.

The Evader’s competitive advantage lies in the combination of its affordable price, European production (which attracts environmental bonuses), and the brand’s reputation for reliability and low operating costs.

Future Plans: Sandero Electric and Beyond

Dacia’s electrification strategy extends beyond the A-segment. The fourth generation of the Sandero, expected at the end of 2027, will include a 100% electric variant for the first time. The future Sandero Electric will utilize the AmpR Small platform, the same technical base as the Renault 5 E-Tech. The model will remain a compact hatchback, maintaining the practicality and spaciousness that have made it a European bestseller.

Dacia plans to have two electric city cars (Spring and Evader), the new Sandero electric and internal combustion engine versions, a Duster with thermal and hybrid options, and the Bigster with hybrid engines by 2027, diversifying its lineup to solidify its position as a leader in affordable mobility.