Renault’s Dacia reveals low-cost Hipster EV, priced at less than half of Tesla’s Model 3
Renault’s budget brand Dacia has introduced the Hipster Concept, a small all-electric city car designed with affordability in mind. Expected to cost less than €15,000, it would be priced at less than half of Tesla’s entry-level Model 3 RWD. The Tesla standard trim currently sells for about €40,000 in Denmark, Europe’s most affordable market for Tesla.
The Hipster is built for simplicity and cost efficiency. It is shorter and lighter than most city cars on the road today, measuring just three meters in length and weighing under 800 kg. According to Reuters, the electric mini car is expected to reach a top speed of around 90 km/h and cover about 150 km per charge. This would cover the typical city driving, which averages 40 km a day, going by Dacia’s analysis.
To keep production costs low, the prototype features canvas seats, manual windows, minimal electronics, and door straps instead of traditional handles.
Revealed on Monday, October 10, the Hipster could move into production if the European Union approves a new vehicle class for light weight cars. Dacia CEO Katrin Adt, who joined the company from Mercedes-Benz, described the concept as a vision for ‘local, affordable, and everyday mobility.’ She noted that Dacia is ready to take the next step once EU approval is granted.
Other EV industry leaders like Renault and Stellantis have also been urging the EU to create a light vehicle category similar to Japan’s Kei cars. If eventually approved, it will simplify the safety requirements for smaller EVs, helping automakers cut costs and make electric vehicles more accessible.
If greenlit, the Hipster could be built in Europe, also countering the growing wave of low-cost Chinese EVs entering the market. While Tesla continues to dominate higher segments, brands like Dacia are positioning themselves to lead the next phase of affordable, compact electric mobility in Europe.
