Dacia is gearing up to take the Hipster from concept to production. The four-seat electric microcar, first unveiled in 2025, is poised to become the new entry point below the Spring. Reports suggest the Shiyan plant in China will handle its production starting in 2027.
Shiyan is no stranger to Dacia. The facility previously built the first-generation Spring, which is now nearing the end of its lifecycle. Interestingly, the Shiyan team won't just assemble the car; they are also involved in technical development, working on the motor, battery, and chassis. This approach allows for the reuse of components from the previous Spring to keep costs down.
Weight and L7e Regulations
The Hipster must comply with Europe's L7e category regulations. These limit maximum weight to 450 kg excluding the battery, power to no more than 20 hp, and top speed to around 90 km/h. For engineers, reducing weight is one of the biggest hurdles, alongside keeping the price competitive.
Using plastic body panels, as seen on the Citroen Ami, was initially considered a technically interesting solution. However, design director David Durand argues it is actually more expensive than steel. As a result, engineers in China are exploring various ways to lighten the vehicle without inflating the price.
Battery and Final Price
The battery will play a crucial role in determining the Hipster's final price. Early indications point to a capacity of around 15 kWh, though the choice of cell chemistry is still under discussion. The final price is expected to be around 11,000 euros, aligning with Dacia's mission to offer affordable electric mobility.
The final production version is expected to be revealed next year. However, recent patent drawings filed by Dacia already provide a fairly clear picture. The production design is likely to stay true to the essential and unconventional shape of last year's concept.
Dacia's move signals that the electric microcar segment is heating up. If the Hipster indeed arrives with a price below the Spring, competition in Europe's affordable EV class could shift dramatically. The public now waits to see if Dacia can deliver on its accessibility promise without compromising comfort and safety.
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