Dacia is reportedly considering manufacturing its upcoming micro-urban electric model, Hipster, in China, on the same assembly lines currently used for the Dacia Spring, according to Automobile Magazine.
The Hipster, unveiled last October, is positioned between a small car and a microcar and is expected to be priced below €15,000, targeting the most affordable segment of the European EV market. Series production has not yet been officially confirmed.
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The model could be produced in Shiyan, China, where Renault operates a joint venture, eGT New Energy Automotive, together with Nissan and Dongfeng Motor. The Hipster would replace the Spring on Chinese production lines scheduled to shut down.
Measuring around three meters in length, weighing approximately 800 kg and potentially limited to 90 km/h, the model planned for 2027 would sit below the upcoming electric Dacia derived from the Twingo, which is expected to be produced in Slovenia.
Producing the vehicle in China may appear at odds with European industrial policy, particularly the new M1-e category designed to encourage local production of small electric vehicles and discussions around a 70% local content requirement and additional tariffs on Chinese-made EVs. However, according to cited sources, such tariffs may not apply to this specific vehicle category.
The M1-e framework also introduces “super credits,” allowing each small electric vehicle sold to count as 1.3 units toward average CO₂ fleet calculations until 2034. Manufacturing in China could reduce industrial costs by up to 30% compared to Europe, potentially making the project economically viable.
A final decision has not yet been announced. If confirmed, the move would signal a pragmatic approach to balancing competitiveness, regulatory strategy and cost efficiency in Europe’s small EV segment.
Photo: Top Gear
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