Electric Cars: The Basics
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The All-Electric Dacia Spring Hatchback
Dacia (S.C. Automobile Dacia S.A.) was founded in Romania in 1966, with a clear purpose to ‘provide modern reliable and affordable cars to all Romanians’. The genesis of the name Dacia is from the name given by the Romans to Romania. Though the company was owned by the Romanian government for 33 years, in 1999 the automotive manufacturer was sold to Groupe Renault. Since then, the brand has continued to market affordable vehicles globally.
In 2020, Dacia announced that it would be launching an electric car, the all-electric Dacia Spring. The company currently has the following battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs):
- All-electric Dacia Spring
If we go back to 2010, the year for the launch of the all-electric Nissan Leaf, the start of a new chapter for modern electric cars. The first-generation Nissan Leaf had a 24 kWh onboard EV battery. Since then, automotive manufacturers have been keen to launch electric vehicles (EVs) with a larger onboard EV battery. Move forward a decade, and a 100 kWh onboard EV battery is fast becoming commonplace. Of course, the larger the EV battery, the longer the electric range.
But not all EV manufacturers subscribe to the view, ‘larger is better’, when it comes to the size of an electric car battery. In fact, Honda, the Japanese automotive manufacturer launched the all-electric Honda-e ,a city car with only a 35.5 kWh onboard EV battery. The company argued that for those families living in cities, a 35.5 kWh battery is more than adequate for most day-to-day driving needs, and a larger EV battery was not required. We at e-zoomed agree with this view. It seems other automotive manufacturers have also started to subscribe to Honda’s approach, with Dacia being an excellent example, given the small onboard EV battery incorporated in the Dacia Spring pure electric car.
It is worth noting that most day-today commutes for families are short distances i.e. to the gym, school run, high street, grocery shopping etc. Longer distance trips are a lot less frequent. Moreover, for those living in towns and cities, driving a compact vehicle has so many advantages: easy to manoeuvre, easy to drive, easy to park and more.
The all-electric five-door Dacia Spring supermini is just that, a zero-tailpipe emission environmentally-friendly compact EV that is well suited for those families living in cities. The Dacia Spring was launched in Europe in 2021, and since then, 140,000 customer have acquired the EV. According to the company, the Spring EV was the third most sold electric car to retail customers in 2022 and 2023.
The Dacia Spring EV is available in only one EV battery size: 26.8 kWh (240V) with a claimed range up to 225 km (WLTP combined cycle). The claimed WLTP urban cycle for the BEV is 305 km. Adjusting for real-world driving conditions, expect a range up to 200 km on a single-charge. In comparison, the Honda-e also has a similar range (222 km/ WLTP). According to Dacia, the average trip by a Spring driver is 37 km.
The Dacia Spring EV has a 7 kW AC onboard charger and DC charging up to 30 kW DC. As most homes in Ireland are powered by single-phase power supply, a 7 kW AC onboard charger is appropriate (20%-100%: 4 hours). Though the 30 kW DC charging speed is not as fast as competitors, given the primary use of the EV is for city driving, along with the small onboard EV battery, the 30 kW DC gets the job done. The Spring EV can be charged 20%-80% in 45 minutes. Dacia offers as standard a 8 years or 120,000 km EV battery warranty. Most automotive manufacturers offer up to 8 years or 160,000 km.
One of the other advantages of a small onboard EV battery (apart from price), is that the life-cycle emissions for a smaller battery is lower than a larger battery. A win for the environment, apart from the improved local air quality from driving a zero-tailpipe emission electric cars. We at e-zoomed encourage EV owners to install on-site (home or business) solar PV and battery storage. It is a fantastic way to leverage the potential for lower cost of ownership of an electric car, and also achieve ‘well-to-wheel’ zero-tailpipe emissions. We at e-zoomed offer a number of fantastic solar PV and battery storage bundle offers!
In terms of size, the Dacia Spring (A-Segment) is smaller than the Honda-e and Hyundai Inster compact electric cars. The Spring has a 3.70m length (wheelbase: 2.42m). In comparison, the Honda-e has a 3.89m length (wheelbase: 2.53m) and the Inster has a 3.82m length (wheelbase: 2.58m). According to Dacia, the Spring EV is the only all-electric car in Europe that that weights under one tonne. Of course, the lower the weight of the vehicle, the higher the efficiency. Dacia claims the Spring has a claimed energy consumption of 14.6 kWh/ 100km (WLTP). The BEV was awarded a 5-Star rating from Green NCAP.
In terms of practicality, despite the compact size of the Spring, the EV offers decent storage with a 308 L boot and 35 L frunk (perfect for storing the EV charging cable). The interior has up to 32.7 L of storage capacity. In comparison, the Honda-e has a 171 L boot and the Hyudai Inster has a 238 L boot. The four-seat Spring EV can seat two adults on the rear seats, though a squeeze for taller adults.
The EV incorporates a number of driving & safety aids. These include: driver attention alert, emergency braking assist, electronic stability control and hill start assist, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, forward emergency braking (AEBS) and My Safety ADAS configuration button. A rear-view camera is available on the higher trim. However, the BEV has been awarded only One-Star for the Euro NCAP Safety Rating.
The interior quality reflects the affordable pricing, but nevertheless, the automotive manufacturer offers a reasonable level of technology and equipment (10.1″ multimedia display, 7″ digital computer, e-shifter gear selector, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay etc.). Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) is available only on the higher trim. The exterior styling does not set the EV apart from the competition. Having said that, neither should it offend anyone. The EV is available in six exterior colours. We like the Brick Red colour option.
The driving experience is not inspirational, but adequate for city driving. All variants are available as a front-wheel drive (FWD). The entry-level Spring Electric 45 can achieve 0-100 km/h in 19.1 seconds (maximum power: 45 HP/ torque: 125 Nm). The Spring Electric 65 can achieve 0-100 km/h in 13.7 seconds (maximum power: 65 HP/ torque: 113 Nm). The top speed of the EV is 125 km/h. The EV incorporates regenerative braking (B Mode). The EV offers decent visibility for the driver and its kerb-to-kerb turning circle is impressive (9.63m).
The Dacia Spring EV is truly an affordable electric car. Prices start from € 16,990. Company car drivers can also take advantage of the pure electric car. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| A very affordable electric car | DC charging limited to 30 kW |
| Well suited for city driving | One-Star Euro NCAP rating |
| Practical, despite the compact size | Driving performance will not set the heart racing |
Gallery
The All-Electric Dacia Spring Hatchback (credit: Hatchback)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Vehicle Type: | Hatchback |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (2 Options) |
|---|
| Dacia Spring Electric 45 (from € 16,990) |
| Dacia Spring Electric 65 (from € N/A) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 26.8 kWh (186 kg) |
| Charging: | 30 kW DC Rapid Charging (20%-80%: 45 mins). Onboard AC charger: 7 kW AC (20%-100%: 4 hrs 0 mins) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
| EV Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 120,000 km (charge capacity: 75%) |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity: 16.7 kWh | € 4.00 |
| Battery net capacity: 30.0 kWh | € 7.19 |
| Battery net capacity: 39.2 kWh | € 9.39 |
| Battery net capacity: 45.0 kWh | € 10.78 |
| Battery net capacity: 50.0 kWh | € 11.98 |
| Battery net capacity: 64.0 kWh | € 15.34 |
| Battery net capacity: 71.0 kWh | € 17.01 |
| Battery net capacity: 77.0 kWh | € 18.45 |
| Battery net capacity: 90.0 kWh | € 21.57 |
| Battery net capacity: 100.0 kWh | € 23.97 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1485 |
| Width (mm): | 1583 |
| Length (mm): | 3701 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2423 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 9.63 |
| Boot Space (L): | 308 (up to 1,004 L with rear seats folded down) |
| Frunk (L): | 35 |
| Spring Electric 45 | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 26.8 kWh |
| Electric Range (WLTP): | 225 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 14.1 – 14.6 |
| Charging: | 30 kW DC Rapid Charging (20%-80%: 45 mins). Onboard AC charger: 7 kW AC (20%-100%: 4 hrs 0 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 125 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 19.1 seconds |
| Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 33 |
| Max Power (HP): | 45 |
| Torque (Nm): | 125 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 951 |
| Towing Capacity (Braked/Unbraked)/ (kg): | N/A |
| Colours: | 6 |
| Euro NCAP Safety Rating: | One-Star |
| Spring Electric 65 | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 26.8 kWh |
| Electric Range (WLTP): | 225 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 14.1 – 14.6 |
| Charging: | 30 kW DC Rapid Charging (20%-80%: 45 mins). Onboard AC charger: 7 kW AC (20%-100%: 4 hrs 0 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 125 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 13.7 seconds |
| Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 48 |
| Max Power (HP): | 65 |
| Torque (Nm): | 113 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 974 |
| Towing Capacity (Braked/Unbraked)/ (kg): | N/A |
| Colours: | 6 |
| Euro NCAP Safety Rating: | One-Star |
What Is A Heat Pump In Electric Cars?
| EV Heat Pump: The Basics | |
|---|---|
| What is a heat pump in electric cars? | In conventional internal combustion engine (ICE), petrol and diesel vehicles, the energy (waste heat) generated from the engine (powertrain), is captured to re-use for heating the interior cabin of the vehicle. However, in pure electric cars, the heat generated (waste heat) from the electric drive (electric motor, inverter, on-board AC charger) and the onboard high-voltage EV battery is not as much, as the heat generated in conventional cars, and cannot be re-used on its own to provide sufficient cabin heating (electric cars are more efficient than petrol/ diesel cars). Therefore in EVs, the sources for capturing heat, also includes the outside air i.e. it is a multi-source heat pump system. This captured heat is re-used for the onboard EV battery management and also for heating the cabin interior, increasing the electric car efficiency and reducing the need to draw energy from the onboard EV battery. In general, a lithium-ion EV battery is less energy efficient during colder months (similar to the laptop or smartphone battery). |
| How does a heat pump increase electric range in colder winter months? | Electric cars that do not incorporate an onboard heat pump, rely on the energy of the onboard EV battery for heating the interior cabin of the electric car, further impacting the available e-range. In contrast, EVs with a heat pump, do not rely on the onboard EV battery to heat the cabin. Instead, the heat pump sources heat from multiple sources and releases energy-efficient heating into the cabin. Put another way, an electric car with a heat pump does not place any demand on the onboard EV battery for heating the interior cabin. There is ample real-world evidence to prove that electric cars with a heat pump offer longer electric range in winter months, compared to electric cars that do not incorporate a heat pump. The average improvement in range is between 10% to 20%. |
| How does a heat pump work in an electric car? | Step 1: naturally heated antifreeze is channelled into the heat pump evaporator, where the heat is transferred to the coolant circulating in the unit. The evaporator converts the coolant into gas (evaporation). Step 2: the gas is sucked into a compressor to increase the pressure of the gas. When air is compressed it increases its temperature. The gas temperature is increased to 80° C. Step 3: the compressed gas is transferred to a condenser, where the heat is transferred to water in the condenser. Step 4: the heat is then circulated to the interior cabin, while the gas is converted into liquid form, and is transferred back to the heat pump evaporator via an expansion valve. The cycle is then repeated. |
| Is a heat pump used only for heating? | No. A heat pump can also be used for cooling. As an example, the Audi Q7 EV uses the onboard heat pump for heating and cooling. |
| Does a heat pump come as standard in EVs? | Though some manufacturers offer the heat pump as standard, most offer it as an optional extra. We recommend purchasing the option. |
| Can a heat pump be installed in an electric car post delivery? | Usually it is not possible, given the complexity of installing a heat pump. So always order it at the time of purchase. |
| Are all heat pumps in electric cars the same? | No. There is a difference in technology, approach and efficiency achieved for different manufacturers. As an example, Hyundai and Kia claim to have one of the most efficient heat pumps, given the ability of their technology to dynamically choose the most appropriate heat source at a given moment. Hyundai claims the heat pump incorporated in the all-electric Hyundai Kona can improve the winter electric range up to 18%, significantly higher than the average improvement (10%). |
| Are there any other advantages offered by a heat pump in colder months? | Yes, you can pre-heat the electric vehicle (EV) via your mobile app before you commence your journey. This way you can have a toasty warm interior cabin on a cold winter day! |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
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