In 2020, Dacia introduced its small electric car, the Spring, which became the cheapest electric vehicle on the market, priced under 20,000 euros. However, the electric car market soon became more competitive, with other manufacturers like Leapmotor and BYD launching similar models. In response, Dacia launched an updated version of the Spring in September 2022, produced in Slovenia and priced from 17,900 euros before subsidies. The company is also working on an even more affordable model called the Dacia Hipster, which was first shown as a concept car in October 2025. Details about the production version were revealed in September 2026 by the British automotive magazine Autocar, which reported that the Hipster is expected to begin production in 2027. The Hipster is set to be manufactured in Shiyan, China, at a plant that previously assembled the first-generation Spring until July 2026. According to Autocar, the car will be priced around 9,500 pounds (about 11,000 euros) in the UK, with Dacia aiming for less than 10,000 pounds. The exact price in France has not yet been confirmed. The development of the Hipster will involve teams based in Shiyan, who will be responsible for designing the engine, battery, and chassis. The project has undergone changes in direction, with Denis Le Vot, former CEO of Dacia, initially planning for the Hipster to replace the Spring by the end of 2026. However, the current plan involves producing the second-generation Spring based on the Renault Twingo in Slovenia, while the Hipster will be built in Shiyan. The Dacia Hipster is expected to fall into the category of heavy quadricycles, known as L7e, which means it will have a maximum speed of 90 km/h and a maximum unladen weight of 450 kg, excluding the battery. Its engine power will be limited to 15 kW, equivalent to 20 horsepower. Unlike lighter quadricycles, which can be driven with a license obtained at 14, the Hipster will require a B1 license (for drivers aged 16) or a B license. It will also be restricted from highways and motorways, limiting its use to city and secondary roads, where the Spring can travel on highways. The Hipster concept car measured 3 meters in length, 1.55 meters in width, and 1.53 meters in height. The design is expected to remain close to the concept, with some refinements to elements like the grille, bumpers, and lights. The car’s windows are split into two parts, and the trunk includes a side-hinged door. According to Dacia's design director, David Durand, the project is in development and only needs final approval from management. As the Spring becomes increasingly affordable in France, the challenge for Dacia will be to make the Hipster appealing to customers, particularly in a competitive market.