Bojan Vrbnjak
Cheap electric cars are still rare. But they do exist. These are models that may be small (and have a short range), but are still capable of covering non-urban distances. It's an example Dacia spring. The cheapest electric vehicle on the market. Now here's his competition: Citroën e-C3.
It is completely new generation of a French small car based on a platform that can also be installed on classic internal combustion engines. The most interesting aspect is the price: 23.300 euros. Therefore, we now compare it with Dacia Spring.
Exterior
Citroën and Spring are mainly intended for the city: e-C3 is just over 4 meters (4,01) long, Dacia and 3,73 meters. They both have slightly elevated position for sitting. The forms are very different: Citroën favors a modern design (descendant of the Oli concept) with a very distinct front end. Form follows function, so the roof is designed parallel to the ground, while the rear is almost vertical to increase the interior volume.
The same goes for Dacia Spring, whose front end is less elaborate, but still doesn't have to mess with LED lights. The lines are even clearer, there is also the classic black plastic protective covering, which is thicker and more visible than the new competing model.
| Model | Length (m) | Width (m) | Height (m) | Spacing (m) |
| Citroen e-C3 | 4,01 | 1,75 | 1,57 | No information |
| Dacia spring | 3,73 | 1,57 | 1,51 | 2,64 |
Interior
They are just like the exterior interiors of Citroën e-C3 and Dacia Spring vehicles similar but different at the same time. Both focus on the point and they don't play with special ones wow effects. Citroën e-C3 in the basic version "you” does not have a touch screen for the infotainment system, but it does smartphone holder, which with a special application becomes a control center for various multimedia functions. In a richer version "Max” is available 10-inch color monitor for the infotainment system. Instrumentation is digital, with simple graphics integrated into the field of vision in front of the driver. The spaciousness is good, and the trunk offers 310 liters room for more than just a backpack.
Dacia spring reminiscent of the brand's previous models with built-in 7-inch screen to the touch, a lot hard plastics and classic analog instruments. Lack of centimeters in length comes at the expense of comfort for rear passengers, but less at the expense of luggage space, which amounts to 270 liters.
| Model | Central monitor | Trunk volume (min/max) |
| Citroen e-C3 | 10,25″ (in “Max” version) | 310 / - |
| Dacia spring | 7" | 270/620 |
Drives and technology
Citroën e-C3 and Dacia Spring are purely electric cars, although the newcomer could (and will in the future) use internal combustion engines due to its platform. But I would be Dacia spring theoretically can also be available with internal combustion engine. A glance at the India, where the model is available as Renault Kwid. However, we're focusing on the battery-powered versions here.
E-C3 drives the engine with power 83 kW (113 HP) powered by a battery LFP with capacity 44 kWh and is said to enable reach 320 km. A range version will also be available in 2025 200 kilometers, but the specifications are not yet known. Maximum charging power with direct current je 100 kW. In the field of technology, they are available automatically emergency braking, cruise control, lane departure warning, reversing camera, wireless charging station for smartphones and speed limit detection.
Dacia spring but it is available with two different ones drive systems: 33 kW (45 HP) with battery 27,4 kWh for reach 230 km ali 48 kW (65 hp) for Extreme, which has the same battery and range 220 km. Charging with direct current is possible with a power of up to 30 kW. More modest technical equipment includes a reversing camera and sensors, an emergency braking function and satellite navigation.
| Model | Motor | Bateria | Range (WLTP) | Max. charging speed |
| Citroen e-C3 | 83 kW (113 HP) | 44 kWh | 320 km | 100 kW direct current |
| Dacia spring | 33 kW (45 HP) 48 kW (65 HP) | 27,4 kWh | 230 km 220 km | 30 kW direct current |
Pricelist
The price of the model e-C3 starts at 23.300 euros for equipment level "you", which is equipped with headlights as standard LED , 17-inch steel rims, suspension Citroen Advanced Comfort, automatic emergency braking, rear parking sensors and manual air conditioning. Version "Max” and it starts at 27.800 EUR and also offers 10,25-inch monitor, 17-inch wheels, two-tone body, roof rack, LED rear lights, seats Citroen Advanced Comfort, reversing camera and much more.
| Model | Price |
| Citroën e-C3 You | 23.300 € |
| Citroën e-C3 Max | 27.800 € |
| Dacia Spring Essential | 22.750 € |
| Dacia Spring Extreme | 24.550 € |
Dacia spring is with a starting price 22.750 euros for the version Essential s 45 BAM, while the price of the version Extreme s 65 BAM starts at 24.550 euros – confirmed as the most affordable electric car in Germany. The basic model is equipped as standard with 14-inch steel rims, manual climate control and an emergency braking system. Extreme also offers parking sensors and a rear camera, 7 inch touch screen, satellite navigation and electrically adjustable rear windows.
