Dacia Spring Cargo launched as the cheapest electric van in the UK

Dacia’s new electric hauler, the Spring Cargo, has arrived in the United Kingdom to shake things up. Costing just £14,995 before VAT (or £149 a month if you go the Business Contract Hire route), this little powerhouse is now the UK’s most budget-friendly electric van. Forget the glitzy bells and whistles – this compact machine focuses on delivering what city businesses actually need.

With the back seats yanked out and a metal mesh bulkhead slotted in, the Spring Cargo isn’t just a mini EV car with a big boot – it’s a full-fledged van, despite its size. Clocking in at a modest 3.7 metres in length and armed with a turning radius of 4.8 metres, it’s a dream for zipping down narrow streets or sneaking into tight parking spots. This pint-sized van somehow manages to squeeze in a 370 kg payload and 1,085 litres of load space, accessible through both the rear doors and tailgate. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of small EVs: compact, resourceful, and ready for anything.

Gallery: Dacia Spring Cargo

26

Source: Dacia

When it comes to mileage, the Spring Cargo brings plenty of juice to keep it going all day. With a 26.8 kWh battery, it boasts a city range of up to 186 miles, and even on mixed-use routes, it’ll still cover 140 miles between charges. Need a quick top-up? Its charging capabilities can take you from 20 per cent to 80 per cent in 45 minutes – while that’s not exactly fast charging considering the size of the battery, it still should be quick enough for most city businesses.

Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 65 PS electric motor, providing a no-nonsense approach to power. It might not blow your hair back, but it’s more than enough to handle stop-start traffic and those unexpected speed bumps that pop up around city corners. In the style department, it’s straightforward too, decked out in Polar White paint as standard.

Revised Dacia Spring: all the details

Dacia Spring facelift test: Electric car for the frugal

Leapmotor T03 vs Dacia Spring: Challenge between low-cost electrics

But Dacia hasn’t skimped on tech – there’s a 10-inch display for the infotainment system, smartphone mirroring, Bluetooth, cruise control, and even a reversing camera. Plus, it’s got what is known as vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, meaning you can plug in your 240-volt gadgets and power up on the go.

The Romanian brand has already proven it can win on price with the passenger version of the EV, which hit UK roads earlier this year. This small, no-frills EV comes in at an eyebrow-raising £14,995, making it the most affordable electric car in Britain today. It offers the same electric powertrain and compact design as the Cargo, but with seats for the whole family or a few friends.