After nearly two decades of covering the automotive world, one lesson has become painfully clear: buying a new car almost always comes at the “wrong” time. The rapid pace of technological development and stiff competition means that automakers are constantly updating their models, often leaving buyers with a version that’s outdated almost immediately. In the past, a vehicle might only see a major mid-cycle refresh halfway through its lifespan, but today, improvements can arrive annually, and sometimes even sooner. This trend has become particularly evident in the electric vehicle market, where advances in battery, motor, and software technology occur at breakneck speed.
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A prime example is Europe’s most affordable electric car, the Dacia Spring. Even though it received a significant facelift in 2024, Dacia is already preparing a more powerful iteration for the 2026 model year. The improvements are substantial: the base motor, which previously produced a modest 45 hp, now offers 70 hp, while the higher trim sees an increase from 65 hp to a healthy 100 hp. The difference in performance is dramatic. The base model can now accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h in 10.3 seconds, a massive improvement from the previous 26.2 seconds. Meanwhile, the upgraded version with the stronger motor completes the same sprint in 6.9 seconds, down from 14 seconds, giving it far more confidence on highways and suburban roads. Dacia cites up to 20 percent more power and torque between these speeds, which significantly enhances the car’s ability to merge and maintain traffic flow.
These upgraded motors draw energy from a new Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, with a capacity of 24.3 kWh. Notably, this represents Renault’s first use of LFP chemistry in an EV. The battery also supports faster DC charging at 40 kW — up from 30 kW — allowing the vehicle to reach 20-80 percent charge in just 29 minutes, making it even more practical for short trips and urban commuting.
Beyond the powertrain, Dacia has made further refinements to improve driving dynamics. The Spring finally gains an anti-roll bar to enhance cornering stability, while engineers have retuned the shock absorbers and suspension springs. Braking performance has also been upgraded, and subtle tweaks to the bodywork have reduced the drag coefficient from 0.745 to 0.660 on models fitted with 14-inch wheels, boosting efficiency.
Looking ahead, the current China-built Spring will eventually be replaced by a new entry-level EV based on the upcoming Renault Twingo platform. This new A-segment vehicle is expected to debut in 2026, with a projected starting price around €18,000. Early design sketches suggest a compact, boxy, upright hatchback, emphasizing practicality and city-friendly dimensions while continuing Dacia’s mission of making electric mobility accessible to a wider audience.
In short, the rapid evolution of affordable EVs like the Dacia Spring highlights the challenge for buyers: there’s almost always a newer, more capable version just around the corner. From more powerful motors to better batteries and refined suspension, each iteration brings meaningful improvements, making timing one of the trickiest factors in purchasing a new car today.