Renault’s budget brand Dacia has once again captured global attention with the unveiling of the Hipster EV concept — a bold, minimalist, and eco-smart electric vehicle designed for urban life. Positioned below the Dacia Spring, the Hipster EV is a glimpse into the brand’s future of affordable, sustainable mobility. Despite its compact size, the Hipster is designed to seat four adults comfortably and deliver a practical range for city commutes. With production expected by 2026–27, this new concept could redefine what “budget EV” means in Europe.
Specifications Overview
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 3,000 mm |
| Width | 1,550 mm |
| Height | 1,530 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 800 kg |
| Seating Capacity | 4 Adults |
| Boot Space | 70 L (expandable to 500 L) |
| Battery Capacity | Approx. 20 kWh |
| Range | Around 150 km |
| Top Speed | 90 km/h |
| Safety | Dual Airbags, Isofix, Reinforced Chassis |
| Interior Features | Smartphone Dock, Bluetooth Speaker, YouClip Accessory Mounts |
| Expected Price | £13,000 (Approx. ₹13 lakh) |
| Launch Timeline | 2026–2027 (Expected) |
Compact Design with Surprising Space
The Dacia Hipster EV measures just 3,000 mm in length, 1,550 mm in width, and 1,530 mm in height, making it shorter than the Spring EV by nearly 700 mm. Yet, the Hipster manages to fit four adult seats and a cleverly designed cargo area. The boot offers 70 litres of storage, which can expand up to 500 litres when the rear seats are folded down. This impressive space optimization reflects Dacia’s focus on smart engineering rather than luxury excess.
Weighing only 800 kg, the Hipster is around 20 percent lighter than most small EVs in the market. This lower weight not only enhances efficiency but also reduces its carbon footprint significantly — Dacia claims the car’s total lifecycle emissions are nearly half that of a conventional EV.
Exterior Styling: Boxy Yet Modern
The Dacia Hipster EV carries a boxy, minimalist exterior design with an emphasis on practicality. The front fascia sports simple horizontal headlamps, a squared-off front bumper, and a flat hood line that maximizes visibility. The tailgate adopts a two-part design, adding flexibility for tight urban parking spaces.
The concept proudly wears Dacia’s Eco-Smart philosophy, meaning every design choice has a sustainable purpose. The side panels are made from recycled plastics, the protective cladding is produced from Starkle material (which includes recycled polypropylene), and the body panels are finished in a single tone to cut down on paint waste. Instead of traditional handles, the Hipster’s doors feature fabric pull straps, cutting down cost and weight while maintaining functionality.
Even the wheels contribute to efficiency — their aerodynamic design reduces drag and adds to the quirky charm that defines the Hipster’s urban identity. Overall, the exterior blends simplicity with durability, targeting practicality rather than superficial flash.
Minimalist Interior Built Around Function
Inside, the Dacia Hipster EV continues its theme of smart simplicity. The cabin feels futuristic yet cost-effective. It replaces heavy upholstery and bulky panels with mesh-backed seats, visible metal frames, and lightweight trims. The front passengers share a bench-style seat, which optimizes space, while sliding windows replace electric ones to further reduce weight and cost.
In a surprising twist, the Hipster EV does not include a built-in infotainment system. Instead, Dacia has designed a smartphone docking system where the driver’s phone doubles as the digital key, infotainment display, and navigation hub. A portable Bluetooth speaker acts as the audio system, and 11 built-in ‘YouClip’ mounts allow users to attach various accessories such as cup holders, lights, or phone mounts.
Safety, too, is not compromised despite its compact size. The Hipster features dual airbags, Isofix child seat mounts, and a reinforced chassis structure designed to meet European crash standards.
Powertrain and Expected Range
While Dacia has not officially disclosed the powertrain specifications, early information suggests the Hipster will use a 20 kWh battery pack, offering a range of around 150 km on a single charge — ideal for daily urban and suburban driving. Top speed is expected to be around 90 km/h, prioritizing efficiency and safety over outright performance.
Charging times are likely to be competitive, given the small battery capacity, making it convenient for overnight home charging. With its lightweight design and low rolling resistance, the Hipster is engineered to deliver impressive efficiency for city dwellers who drive short distances daily.
Focus on Sustainability and Affordability
The Renault Dacia Hipster EV embodies the company’s long-term strategy of sustainable and affordable mobility. It represents the idea that electric cars can be eco-friendly, functional, and inexpensive. Every material in the Hipster is chosen for its sustainability — from recycled side panels to minimal use of electronic components.
The production version of the Hipster is expected to be priced around £13,000 (approximately ₹13 lakh), making it one of the most affordable EVs on the European market. This aggressive pricing would place it below the Dacia Spring, which currently starts around €17,000 in Europe.
Expected Launch and Market Impact
Although still in concept form, Dacia aims to bring the Hipster to production by 2026 or 2027. When it launches, it will compete with small EVs like the Citroën Ami, Fiat Topolino, and MG Comet EV (in international markets). Its biggest advantage will be its blend of simplicity, affordability, and practicality, which appeals to first-time EV buyers and city commuters alike.
If Dacia can retain most of the concept’s clever cost-saving ideas in the production model, the Hipster could become a breakthrough in the low-cost EV segment. The brand has already proven with the Spring that affordable electric cars can succeed — and the Hipster might take that mission even further.
Final Thoughts
The Renault Dacia Hipster EV is proof that innovation doesn’t need to be expensive. It’s a car designed with purpose — offering sustainability, practicality, and style in a compact package. With its lightweight build, clever space management, and eco-conscious materials, the Hipster redefines what an entry-level EV can be.
Ashish Rai is a professional automotive writer with four years of experience crafting reviews, features, and technical guides. Passionate about vehicles, he translates complex engineering concepts into engaging content. Covering market trends, EV developments, and driving experiences, Ashish delivers insightful, reader-friendly articles that ignite automotive enthusiasm worldwide consistently with integrity.
