Renault’s budget car division Dacia has unveiled the Hipster Concept, an electric mini-car designed to deliver urban mobility at a fraction of the cost of current EVs. Priced under €15,000, the prototype seeks to challenge affordable EV imports from China by simplifying design and functionality.
The Hipster measures 3 meters in length, weighs below 800 kg, has a top speed of 90 km/h, and a range of ~150 km. Its design caters to everyday European driving patterns, especially in urban environments where distances and speeds are moderate.
Cost savings stem from minimalism: manual windows, basic canvas seats, very limited electronics, simple door panels (with straps instead of handles), and possibly one uniform color to reduce painting costs. The goal is to minimize complexity and manufacturing costs.
But regulatory alignment is crucial. Dacia, along with Renault and Stellantis, is advocating for an EU regulatory category for small cars with lighter safety and equipment standards—akin to Japan’s Kei Cars—to make such vehicles feasible. The car may also need to be produced in Europe, per some regulatory signals.
Dacia cites a 63% jump in average car prices between 2001 and 2020 as one reason why European consumers are looking for more affordable EV options. The price pressure, rising energy and living costs, and EV incentives create a strong case for simpler, cheaper models.
Potential drawbacks include limited top speed, shorter range, and fewer comfort or tech features. But for city dwellers, or commuters, the trade-offs may be acceptable. With the regulatory framework in place, mass production could follow, potentially disrupting the market for low-cost EVs.
