Dacia Boosts Range & Hybrid Tech to Tackle Chinese EV Invasion

Dacia is doubling down on accessible motoring, not with a full electric push, but with a strategy centered around hybrid and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) powertrains offering ranges exceeding 1,500 kilometers (approximately 932 miles). This move comes as the European automotive market braces for increased competition from Chinese EV manufacturers, and represents a calculated bet on technologies that bridge the gap between traditional combustion engines and full electrification. The Romanian automaker, owned by Renault Group, is focusing on extending the life of internal combustion engines while simultaneously expanding its electric offerings, like the updated Spring model.

The core of Dacia’s strategy involves leveraging LPG technology, a popular fuel source in several European countries, to significantly extend vehicle range and reduce running costs. Sandero, Sandero Stepway, and Jogger models now feature a new, more powerful 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged flex-fuel engine producing 120 horsepower – a 20% increase over the previous 100 horsepower version. Crucially, this engine is designed to run on both petrol and LPG, and for the first time, is paired with an automatic transmission. A smooth six-speed dual-clutch transmission is now available across the range, offering an alternative to the standard six-speed manual. Drivers can also utilize steering wheel-mounted paddles for manual gear changes, a first for Dacia.

Dacia has increased LPG tank capacity to 49.6 liters (from 40 liters) in the Sandero and Sandero Stepway, and to 48.8 liters (from 40 liters) in the Jogger, further extending the range achievable on LPG. This focus on LPG is a direct response to consumer demand in markets where the fuel is readily available and competitively priced. According to Renault Group’s recent technology insights, adapting to local market preferences is key to navigating the evolving automotive landscape.

Hybrid and 4×4 Innovations

Beyond LPG, Dacia is also expanding its hybrid offerings. The Duster and Bigster models will be available with the “G 150 4×4 hybrid” powertrain. This system combines a 1.2-liter 48V mild-hybrid engine producing 140 horsepower with a 31 horsepower electric motor powering the rear wheels, resulting in a combined output of 154 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque from the internal combustion engine, plus 87 Nm from the electric motor. The powertrain utilizes a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a two-speed gearbox for the rear electric motor. This unique setup provides high torque at low speeds and efficient operation at higher speeds, maintaining rear-wheel drive traction up to 140 km/h (approximately 87 mph). The rear electric motor utilizes a 48V 0.84 kWh lithium-ion battery, which is recharged during driving.

Dacia claims the hybrid system allows for all-electric driving in urban environments up to 60% of the time. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 7.1 liters per 100 kilometers (LPG) and 5.9 liters per 100 kilometers (petrol). This represents a significant efficiency gain, particularly for drivers who frequently commute in city centers. The development of this hybrid system reflects a broader trend within Renault Group, as highlighted in Automotive News, which details the company’s use of its Shanghai tech center to accelerate EV and hybrid development.

Electric Spring Receives Updates

While focusing on hybrid and LPG solutions, Dacia hasn’t abandoned its electric ambitions. The Dacia Spring, one of Europe’s most affordable EVs, has been upgraded with a new 24.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery utilizing cell-to-pack technology. Two new power outputs – 70 and 100 horsepower – replace the previous 45 and 65 horsepower options, providing increased power and torque (up to 20%) between 80 and 120 km/h. The Spring maintains a range of 225 kilometers (approximately 140 miles).

The Jogger will also benefit from a new hybrid powertrain sourced from Renault, combining a 1.8-liter four-cylinder petrol engine (109 hp) with two electric motors and a 1.4 kWh battery. Dacia claims the Jogger can operate in fully electric mode up to 80% of the time in urban driving, and always starts in electric mode. This aligns with Renault Group’s broader strategy of increasing the electrification of its entire model range, as noted in InsideEVs, which reports on Dacia’s upcoming city EV.

Competitive Positioning and Future Outlook

Dacia’s approach represents a pragmatic response to the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving automotive market. By offering a range of powertrain options – including LPG, hybrid, and electric – the company aims to cater to a wider range of customer needs, and preferences. This is particularly important in a market where the pace of EV adoption varies significantly across different countries and regions. The focus on affordability remains central to Dacia’s brand identity, and the new powertrains are designed to deliver competitive running costs without compromising on practicality or reliability.

The development of the new Dacia models, particularly the hybrid and 4×4 systems, was accelerated through collaboration with Renault’s ACDC engineering center in Shanghai, China. This highlights the growing importance of international partnerships in the automotive industry, and the ability to leverage expertise from different regions to bring new technologies to market faster. Renault Group’s investment in China, as detailed in their corporate magazine, is a key component of its overall electrification strategy.

Looking ahead, Dacia is expected to continue expanding its electric lineup, with the unveiling of a new city EV in the second quarter of 2026. This model will share its platform with the Renault Twingo but will be priced approximately €2,000 lower, with an expected starting price of around €18,000. The company’s long-term success will depend on its ability to balance affordability with innovation, and to adapt to the changing needs of European consumers. The next steps involve the official launch of these updated models across European markets, and monitoring consumer response to the new powertrain options.