Xavier Martinet, the Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Operations at Dacia, has recently made a bold statement about electric vehicles (EVs). He believes that many EVs are too heavy and therefore bad for the environment. Martinet believes that “if we’re serious about collectively reducing emissions, then excessive weight should not be acceptable”.
In 2021, Dacia launched its first EV, the Spring. This compact crossover is available exclusively in mainland Europe and weighs just 2138 lbs. This is significantly lighter than the GMC Hummer EV, which weighs over four times as much. The Spring is so light because it is powered by a 26.8 kWh battery and comes with a minimum amount of features. As a result, it can only go 140 miles on a single charge and has a top speed of 78 mph.
Despite its limited range and performance, Martinet believes that the Spring is perfect evidence of Dacia’s mindset – don’t add unnecessary weight and power if it won’t be used. The Spring comes with cloth seats and a radio, with a touchscreen being available on higher trim levels. Prices start at under €15,000 ($16,070) after incentives in Germany.
Martinet believes that it is “insanity” to allow manufacturers to produce “two-, three-tonne vehicles that are occupied by one person and which drive just 35 miles a day”. He believes that the Spring is the perfect example of how EVs can be made lighter and more efficient without sacrificing performance.
The Spring has been doing well in Europe, partly due to its low price tag. There are no other 5-seat EVs that are remotely as cheap as the Spring. Dacia reportedly plans on launching a RHD version of the Spring for the UK and Irish markets later this year.
Xavier Martinet’s comments about EVs being too heavy for the environment have sparked a debate about how to make EVs more efficient and environmentally friendly. The Spring is a perfect example of how this can be done without sacrificing performance or features.
FAQ
Q1: Are electric car batteries recyclable?
A1: Yes, electric car batteries are recyclable.
Q2: Are electric car chargers free?
A2: It depends on the charger and the location. Some electric car chargers are free, while others may require a fee.
Q3: Can electric car batteries be rebuilt?
A3: Yes, electric car batteries can be rebuilt with the right tools and knowledge.
