Dacia previews budget brand's first EV

Dacia has previewed the budget brand's first electric vehicle with the Spring concept, a version of the Renault City K-ZE minicar now built and sold in China.

The Spring will go on sale in 2021 and have a range of "at least" 200 km (124 miles) on the WLTP cycle, Dacia says.

The City K-ZE is an electric version of the Kwid, a five-door, four-seat mini-SUV that is sold in India, Brazil and other emerging markets.

Dacia did not announce a price, but the City K-ZE sells in China for around 8,000 euros ($8,900).

Former Renault Group CEO Thierry Bollore said last year that the automaker was working on an electric vehicle that would sell for 10,000 euros or less.

The Spring concept has a charging outlet in the right front fender. Dacia says its lighting design is a preview of a new look for Dacia, with narrow horizontal LED headlights set above separate running lights. At the rear, LED tail lights form a "double Y" pattern.

The SUV look is enhanced with skid plates and higher ground clearance.

Dacia is targeting the electric mini-SUV at both private owners and short-term rental services. Dacia parent Renault Group says it has 7,800 electric vehicles in such services -- also known as car-sharing -- in Europe.

Dacia does not currently have any electrified vehicles in its lineup, which Renault Group is able to sell for low prices largely because it relies on older, proven technology from Renault and alliance partner Nissan.

The brand is included in Renault's emissions pool, but its vehicles have relatively high CO2 output because the brand does not yet use Renault's hybrid or electric drivetrains.

Dacia has also introduced a new version of its dual-fuel gasoline/liquified petroleum gas (LPG) powertrain, which it calls ECO-G. It reduces emissions by about 10 percent to 12 percent compared with gasoline-only powertrains. The LPG option is particularly popular in Italy, where about half of Dacias are sold with the option.

Renault Group builds the K-ZE in a factory in Wuhan with its Chinese joint-venture partner Dongfeng Motor.

The factory remains closed because of the coronavirus outbreak, but Renault has said it will resume production some time this month. Last year, Renault sold 2,658 City K-ZEs. The car is also sold under Chinese brands associated with Dongfeng and Renault Group, including Venucia and Dongfeng.