Dacia plans to launch the electric microcar Hipster in Europe beginning in 2027, a British media outlet has reported. This model falls under the L7e light vehicle classification and was first presented as a concept in October 2025. Production is set to begin next year, with Autocar indicating the UK launch price will be under £10,000, which converts to approximately €11,000.
The vehicle will be built at the same Chinese facility where the first-generation Dacia Spring was manufactured through the eGT New Energy Automotive joint venture, involving Renault, Nissan, and Dongfeng. This plant has since transitioned to producing the second-generation Spring in Slovenia rather than China. The production decision follows approval from the joint venture partners, confirming earlier reports from February 2026 about potential series manufacturing in China pending final authorization.
The Hipster is positioned below the Spring in Dacia’s lineup and meets strict L7e category requirements. These include a maximum unladen mass of 450 kg (excluding the battery), a power limit of 15 kW, and a top speed capped at 90 km/h. These specifications help the model avoid EU tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, which currently apply to heavier M1-class cars rather than L7e models.
The production version of the Hipster will closely resemble the concept car’s dimensions, measuring 3 meters in length, 1.53 meters in height, and 1.55 meters in width. Its boxy design features minimal overhangs and vertical windows, providing space for four full-sized seats and variable luggage capacity. Boot space ranges from 70 to 500 liters, with the larger volume achievable by folding the rear bench. While the concept car included a split tailgate for easier loading, the production model will use a conventional side-hinged rear door.
The Hipster draws inspiration from Japan’s kei cars, emphasizing simplicity and affordability. To reduce costs, Dacia will omit advanced features and adopt a “bring your own device” approach, where the driver’s smartphone serves as both a key and an infotainment display through a docking station. The concept’s Bluetooth speaker and sliding side windows have been simplified in the production version, with traditional door handles replaced by loops.
The project’s evolution reflects changes in Renault Group leadership. Originally intended to replace the Spring under former Dacia CEO Denis Le Vot, the role was later reassigned to a Renault Twingo derivative. Current Chief Growth Officer Fabrice Cambolive has adjusted the Hipster’s design to further cut expenses, reportedly seeking development assistance from China. The final model is scheduled to debut next year, aiming to challenge perceptions of heavyweight electric vehicles through minimalism and low environmental impact.
