The Dacia Hipster is set to launch as an electric microcar in 2027.
Image: Dacia
According to a report, Dacia is preparing the production version of the electric Hipster for 2027 (pictured). A source close to the project told Autocar that manufacturing will take place in China, at the same facility where Renault’s first generation of the small battery SUV Spring was produced. In the UK, the price is expected to be around 9,500 pounds, which is approximately 11,000 euros.
The Hipster was introduced in 2025 as a concept for a small electric urban vehicle with four seats, positioned below the new Spring. The vehicle is designed for the EU vehicle class L7e. Dacia has not yet officially confirmed any specific production plans.
According to Autocar, production is set to take place at the plant in Shiyan, per a source, whose Spring production ended in July. Dacia manager Frank Marotte told the portal that plans are being prepared alongside Dongfeng and Nissan to ensure the plant’s continuity. Renault wants to retain this site, with an annual production capacity of 45,000 vehicles, due to its manufacturing costs and opportunities for innovation.
Internal sources say the team in Shiyan is also working on the engine, battery, and suspension for the Hipster. Parts from the existing Spring are intended to be reused as much as possible to reduce costs. A powertrain limited to 15 kW/20 HP and a battery capacity of 15 kWh are mentioned, with the final battery chemistry also expected to affect the price.
The L7e specifications limit the vehicle weight without the battery to a maximum of 450 kilograms and the top speed to 90 km/h. Weight and manufacturing costs are cited as key challenges for Dacia. According to design chief David Durand, plastic body parts could be a solution to reduce weight, but they are more expensive than steel components.
The production version is expected to retain the dimensions of the concept car almost exactly, with a length of 3.0 meters, width of 1.55 meters, and height of 1.53 meters. According to Autocar, the bumpers, front grille, and lighting design will be revised, while the front side windows are now split into two sections with the lower part folding upward. At the rear, a door mounted on the side replaces the concept car’s split-opening design.
The final version is expected to be introduced next year according to the report. The patent drawings already submitted showed a design that largely adheres to last year’s concept. Durand stated that the project is in development and only requires final approval from senior management.
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About the author
Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with professional experience in the automotive industry and finance sector. Since 2011, he has been covering electric vehicles, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions for ecomento.de. Learn more.
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