CEO Announce Dacia Sandero will have full-electric variant in 2027- Big News
Dacia’s Affordable Electric Revolution: The Electric Sandero and Beyond
Renault-owned Romanian automaker Dacia has always been synonymous with affordability and practicality, and 2024 proved no exception. With an impressive 676,340 vehicles sold globally, Dacia had a stellar year. At the forefront of this success was the Dacia Sandero hatchback, which became Europe’s best-selling car, moving nearly 310,000 units. Now, Dacia is ready to take a bold step into the electric future, aiming to launch a fully electric Sandero by the end of 2027.
This move is not just exciting for Dacia fans but also marks a significant shift in the brand’s strategy, signaling its commitment to providing affordable electric vehicles (EVs). Let’s dive into what makes this upcoming electric Sandero such an intriguing prospect and how Dacia plans to expand its EV lineup.
Why the Electric Sandero Matters
The Sandero’s success lies in its affordability and no-nonsense practicality, making it a favorite for budget-conscious buyers. It’s a car that delivers solid value without compromising on the essentials. Adding an electric variant to the mix is a natural progression as the world shifts toward greener mobility.
Dacia CEO Denis Le Vot confirmed that a pure-electric Sandero is in development. This new model is expected to be one of at least two new EVs the company plans to launch by the end of the decade. The electric Sandero has the potential to build on its gasoline counterpart’s popularity, offering an affordable entry point for buyers transitioning to EVs.
The Challenges Facing Dacia’s EV Plans
Currently, Dacia’s only EV offering is the Spring, a small electric car manufactured in China. While the Spring received a notable update in 2023, its sales in Europe suffered in 2024 due to two major factors:
- Reduced government incentives for EV purchases in many European countries.
- High import duties on electric vehicles made in China.
Despite these challenges, Dacia remains determined to make affordable EVs accessible to a broader audience. The upcoming electric Sandero represents a fresh start for the brand in the EV market, one that could redefine affordable electric mobility.
Where Will the Electric Sandero Be Built?
One big question surrounding the electric Sandero is where it will be manufactured. Dacia’s factory in Romania, which currently produces the gasoline-powered Sandero, is not equipped to handle EV production. Retooling the plant for electric cars would require significant investment, and Dacia has yet to announce such plans.
It’s possible that the electric Sandero could be built in one of Renault’s ElectriCity plants in France:
- The Renault 5 E-Tech is produced at the Douai facility.
- The Renault 4 E-Tech is built in Maubeuge.
Either of these plants could potentially manufacture the electric Sandero alongside Renault’s other EVs.
What to Expect from the Electric Sandero
The electric Sandero will likely be based on the Renault AmpR Small platform (also known as CMF-B EV). This platform, a variant of the one used for the current Sandero, is designed specifically for small electric vehicles. Here’s what we can expect:
- Battery Options: Two battery sizes are expected—40 kWh and 52 kWh—offering a good balance between affordability and range.
- Power Output: The base model will likely produce 95 hp, while a higher-performance variant could deliver up to 150 hp for a more spirited driving experience.
- Range: While official figures are not available yet, these specifications suggest the electric Sandero will have a competitive range for its class.
Design Updates: What Will It Look Like?
Dacia design chief David Durand clarified that the electric Sandero will be a variant of the regular Sandero, not a standalone model. However, it will include unique design elements to distinguish it from its gasoline sibling, such as:
- A closed-off grille for improved aerodynamics.
- Aerodynamic wheels for better efficiency.
- Subtle EV-specific badging.
The electric Sandero will also retain its hatchback design, ensuring practicality remains a priority. A higher-riding Sandero Stepway EV variant is also likely, offering more rugged styling and capability.
Dacia’s Future EV Plans
The electric Sandero is just the beginning. Dacia is also working on another EV, which will most likely be a crossover SUV. Given the success of the Duster, one of Dacia’s most popular models, there’s a strong possibility the company could launch a Duster EV. Alternatively, it could introduce an entirely new electric crossover model.
However, this second EV is expected to arrive after the Sandero EV, which is slated for a reveal in 2026, likely as a close-to-production concept.
Can the Electric Sandero Compete?
The European EV market is becoming increasingly competitive, with Chinese automakers and established brands like Volkswagen vying for dominance. For the electric Sandero to succeed, it will need to deliver on three key fronts:
- Affordability: Staying true to Dacia’s core philosophy of offering great value.
- Range and Performance: Providing practical range and sufficient power to meet the needs of everyday drivers.
- Reliability: Maintaining Dacia’s reputation for durability and ease of maintenance.
If Dacia can replicate the success of the gasoline-powered Sandero while addressing the unique challenges of the EV market, the electric Sandero could become a game-changer in its segment.
The electric Sandero represents a bold step forward for Dacia, blending the brand’s hallmark affordability with the promise of a greener future. As the world increasingly embraces electric mobility, the electric Sandero has the potential to make EVs more accessible to budget-conscious buyers, particularly in Europe.
With a redesigned platform, competitive specifications, and a commitment to practicality, the electric Sandero could become a major player in the EV market. And as Dacia expands its EV lineup, it’s clear that the brand is ready to tackle the challenges of the electric era head-on.
Whether you’re a long-time Dacia fan or simply looking for an affordable EV, the upcoming electric Sandero is one to watch. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to its 2027 launch!
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