Dacia's Compact Electric Vehicle Takes Aim at Europe's Expensive Automobiles | Carscoops

      The Hipster concept envisions the people's car as a minimalist electric vehicle (EV) that emphasizes being lighter, smarter, and more sustainable.

      The Dacia Hipster concept represents an ultra-low-cost EV that is smaller than a kei car. Its boxy design, modular interior, and lightweight construction at 800 kg keep expenses to a minimum. A production model may emerge following new EU regulations that permit more affordable EVs.

      While numerous complex ideas have emerged in the race to make electric cars more accessible, Dacia’s Hipster concept takes a simplified approach. It embodies a design reminiscent of the Citroen 2CV and Fiat Panda, focusing on being straightforward and practical, enabling mobility without the unnecessary embellishments often associated with EVs.

      Officially, the Hipster remains a concept, but the intention for production is evident. It is anticipated to be priced lower than Dacia's most affordable electric vehicle, the Spring, which retails at just under €17,000 (approximately $18,400) in Germany and around £15,000 (about $18,900) in the UK.

      Dacia reports that the average cost of new vehicles in Europe surged by an astounding 77 percent between 2010 and 2024, significantly outpacing household earnings. With the Hipster, the brand aims to make electric transportation accessible to a wider audience, moving beyond what the already economical Spring provides.

      Designed Compactly

      The Hipster is 3 meters (118.1 inches) long, 1.55 meters (61 inches) wide, and 1.54 meters (60.6 inches) high, making it even smaller than a kei car. Only a few micro-sized quadricycles, like the Citroen Ami, are more diminutive.

      Dacia describes the Hipster’s shape as “a block firmly placed on four wheels at each corner.” Its design resembles a downsized blend of a Jeep and a Land Rover Defender, featuring a short front, upright nose, and flat window surfaces that impart a rugged appeal. There are minimal overhangs, and the overall proportions seem to stem from practicality rather than complex design processes.

      The body is painted in a single color with three vibrant sections, complemented by protective cladding made from a partially recycled material known as Starkle. Other cost-reducing elements include straps replacing traditional door handles, taillights positioned behind the rear glass, and sliding windows.

      Small Yet Lightweight

      Despite its compact size, the Hipster is said to comfortably accommodate four adult passengers on bench seats. Behind the split tailgate lies a 70-liter (2.5 cubic feet) trunk, expandable to 500 liters (17.7 cubic feet) when the rear seats are down.

      The interior utilizes Dacia’s “You Clip” accessory mounting system, featuring 11 anchor points for items like cupholders, armrests, and lights. True to Dacia’s style, users can mount their smartphones on a docking station that functions as a digital key, navigation system, and an infotainment hub connected to a portable Bluetooth audio speaker. It also includes a digital instrument panel behind a modern steering wheel, along with dual airbags.

      Weighing in at just 800 kilograms (1,764 pounds), the Hipster is approximately 20 percent lighter than the Spring subcompact hatchback. This emphasis on weight reduction aligns with Dacia’s environmental goals, as the company strives to halve the car’s total lifecycle carbon footprint compared to traditional EVs by utilizing less material and energy.

      Adequate Range for Weekly Use

      While the specific battery capacity and motor output are not disclosed, Dacia suggests that the Hipster’s range is designed for everyday use rather than just impressive figures.

      Research indicates that 94 percent of French drivers travel less than 40 kilometers (25 miles) daily, or about 280 kilometers (174 miles) weekly. The Hipster is designed to accommodate typical driving patterns with just two recharges per week, implying a usable range of about 93 kilometers (58 miles).

      From Concept to Reality

      Dacia’s vision of reinventing the car extends beyond mere design speculation. The company clearly intends for the Hipster to progress into a production model that could disrupt the European EV market. This may align with forthcoming regulatory changes that will permit the sale of smaller, more affordable EVs across the continent.

      Interestingly, the Hipster differs from the previously teased budget-friendly electric hatchback that aims for a starting price of under €18,000 and a mid-2026 launch. In addition to unveiling this new concept, Dacia has also rolled out an updated Spring EV and refreshed versions of the Sandero, Sandero Stepway, Loggan, and Jogger.