Dacia Unveils Hipster EV: A €15,000 Mini-Car Set to Challenge Chinese Rivals

MEUDON, France – In a move that could redefine Europe’s electric vehicle market, Renault’s budget-friendly brand Dacia has introduced the “Hipster Concept,” a compact electric mini-car designed to deliver urban mobility at an unprecedentedly low price — potentially under €15,000 ($17,625).

The prototype, unveiled on Monday, is just 3 metres long and weighs under 800 kg, making it significantly smaller and lighter than most city cars on European roads. For comparison, China’s Leapmotor T03 — currently the shortest mass-market EV in Europe — is still 62 cm longer than the Hipster.

Compact Design Focused on Everyday Needs

The Hipster prioritises simplicity and affordability. Its maximum speed is capped at around 90 km/h (56 mph) and it offers a range of 150 km, well above the average daily driving distance of 40 km in Europe.

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To keep costs low, Dacia has stripped the car to the essentials: canvas seats replace traditional upholstery, manual windows replace electric ones, and even the door handles have been swapped out for fabric straps. The prototype currently comes in a single muted grey-blue tone.

Push for a New Small Car Category in Europe

The debut of the Hipster comes as Renault and fellow carmaker Stellantis push for the European Union to establish a new category for ultra-compact cars, similar to Japan’s Kei cars. This proposed category would ease safety and regulatory requirements for small, urban-focused vehicles, cutting both weight and cost.

Proponents argue that many of the safety and technology features required in larger cars are unnecessary for low-speed, urban-focused vehicles. If approved, this category could pave the way for mass production of affordable EVs like the Hipster — provided they are manufactured in Europe.

A Potential Turning Point for Affordable EVs

The unveiling highlights growing pressure on European automakers to respond to a flood of competitively priced Chinese electric vehicles. With new car prices in Europe having surged 63% between 2001 and 2020, the Hipster offers a glimpse of a more accessible, sustainable future for urban mobility.

Dacia’s vision for a locally built, minimalist electric car could become a game-changer — if European regulators give the green light for a new class of ultra-compact vehicles.