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Dacia Spring vs MINI Electric
Selected trimExpression Electric 70Change trim139 mi · 24 kWh · £11,990
Selected trimLevel 1 · 2019-24Change trim145 mi · 32.6 kWh · £27,900
At a glance
The MINI Electric was replaced by the MINI Cooper in 2024. Compare the Dacia Spring with the MINI Cooper
In this comparison, Dacia Spring leads on charging speed, running costs and city driving, while the MINI Electric leads on family practicality.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Dacia Spring if...
- you need the fastest charging of these options
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 1.7p per mile on off-peak electricity
- you drive in the city - it's compact with an excellent turning circle
Choose the MINI Electric if...
- you need the most family-friendly option with good safety and space
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Dacia Spring leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
Value
Dacia
4.9
MINI
4.8
Too close to call
Motorway Range
Dacia
3.3
MINI
3.6
Too close to call
FamilyMINI
Dacia
2.8
MINI
4.4
ChargingDacia
Dacia
3.5
MINI
2.5
Cost Per MileDacia
Dacia
9.5
MINI
7.5
City DrivingDacia
Dacia
9.7
MINI
8.7
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Dacia Spring
Expression Electric 70
- £15,910 cheaper
- 97 litres more boot space
- 1.0 m tighter turning circle
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | Dacia SpringExpression Electric 70 | MINI ElectricLevel 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £11,990 (better) | £27,900 |
| Official range | 139 miles | 145 miles (better) |
| Boot space | 308 L (better) | 211 L |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 29 min (better) | 31 min |
| 0-62 mph | 12.3 sec | 7.3 sec (better) |
Size Comparison
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Dacia Spring
MINI Electric
Length
Dacia Spring3,701mm-144mm
MINI Electric3,845mm
Width
Dacia Spring1,583mm-144mm
MINI Electric1,727mm
Height
Dacia Spring1,489mm
MINI Electric1,432mm-57mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | Dacia SpringExpression Electric 70 | MINI ElectricLevel 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,701 mm | 3,845 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,583 mm (better) | 1,727 mm |
| Width with mirrors out | 1,767 mm (better) | 1,999 mm |
| Height | 1,489 mm | 1,432 mm |
| Turning circle | 9.6 m (better) | 10.6 m |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 817 mm spare (better) | 673 mm spare |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | Dacia SpringExpression Electric 70 | MINI ElectricLevel 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| ISOFIX child-seat points | Not available | 2 |
| Boot space (seats up) | 308 L (better) | 211 L |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1004 L (better) | 731 L |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 0 kg | 0 kg |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
Dacia Spring
- Uses 124 Wh/km on the WLTP cycle, more efficient than 100% of hatchback EVs we track.
- At 3,701 mm, shorter than 80% of hatchback EVs in our UK catalogue.
- 9.6 m turning circle, tighter than 85% of hatchback EVs in our database.
MINI Electric
Not enough peers to make confident percentile claims.
Full specifications
| Specification |  Dacia Spring Expression Electric 70 |  MINI Electric Level 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3.70m | 3.85m+144mm |
| Width | 1.58m | 1.73m+144mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 1.77m | 2.00m+232mm |
| Height | 1.49m | 1.43m-57mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.42m | 2.50m+72mm |
| Ground Clearance | 146mm | 127mm-19mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 308L (better) | 211L |
| Boot (seats down) | 1004L (better) | 731L |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 9.6m (better) | 10.6m |
| Kerb Weight | 984kg (better) | 1,365kg |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 24kWh | 32.6kWh (better) |
| Range (WLTP) | 139 mi | 145 mi (better) |
| Max DC Charge | 40kW | 50kW (better) |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £11,990 (better) | £27,900 |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Available | 2026+ | 2019–2024 |
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | Dacia SpringExpression Electric 70 | MINI ElectricLevel 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 139 miles | 145 miles (better) |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 95 miles | 121 miles (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 29 min (better) | 31 min |
| Max rapid charge rate | 40 kW | 50 kW (better) |
| Home AC charging | 7 kW | 11 kW (better) |
| Energy consumption | 124 Wh/km | Not available |
| Usable battery capacity | 24 kWh | 28.9 kWh (better) |
| Battery chemistry | LFP | NMC |
| Battery architecture | 400V | 400V |
| Heat pump | Not available | Standard |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | Dacia SpringExpression Electric 70 | MINI ElectricLevel 1 |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 12.3 sec | 7.3 sec (better) |
| Power | 52 kW | 135 kW (better) |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 270 Nm (better) |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests.
Dacia Spring
Expression Electric 70
MINI Electric
Level 1
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
Dacia Spring
All 3 videos
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
New and used prices
Current pricing and recent used-market behaviour.
| Measure | Dacia SpringExpression Electric 70 | MINI ElectricLevel 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Used market price from | £10,999 | £12,287 |
| Average used price | £11,149 | £13,025 |
| Active used listings trackedIndependent UK dealer listings seen in the last 90 days. | 10 listings | 35 listings (better) |
| Recent used-price trend | Down 1.3% over ~6 months | Up 37.5% over ~6 months |
Used prices are indicative figures gathered from independent UK dealer listings and change frequently.
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - Dacia Spring Expression Electric 70
Tested 2025
Adult Occupant49%
Child Occupant56%
Vulnerable Road Users39%
Safety Assist32%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - MINI Electric Level 1
Tested 2014
Adult Occupant79%
Child Occupant73%
Vulnerable Road Users66%
Safety Assist56%
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | Dacia SpringExpression Electric 70 | MINI ElectricLevel 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km (better) | 160,000 km |
What owners say
Aggregated from UK owner forums and communities - the things you only learn after living with the car.
Shared watch-outs for both cars
Owners of every car here flag real-world range. Worth checking on a test drive whichever you choose.
Dacia Spring
Expression Electric 70
Owners love
- Excellent value proposition as the UK's cheapest new car, starting under £13,800 and democratizing EV ownership
- Ideal as a second car or city runabout with tight turning circle under 5 meters and lightweight design under 1,000kg
- Simple, utilitarian design with manual controls (physical key, handbrake, switches) appeals to owners seeking straightforward functionality
Watch out for
- Real-world range significantly trails WLTP estimates; expect 80-100 miles in mixed conditions and as low as 60-80 miles in winter
- Base 45hp model is dangerously underpowered for motorway use with 19-20 second 0-60 times and unsafe acceleration on slip roads
- Poor interior quality with cheap hard plastics, tinny door closures, and sparse cabin materials throughout
Owner tips
- Choose the 65hp or 100hp variant if considering purchase; the base 45hp model lacks sufficient power for safe motorway driving
- Expect realistic range of 4 mi/kWh in real-world conditions and plan around 80 miles in winter, not the 140-186 mile WLTP figures
MINI Electric
Level 1
Owners love
- Owners consistently say it is huge fun to drive, with instant acceleration, sharp handling and the feel of a MINI.
- It is very efficient on local roads, with owners reporting 4 to 6 miles per kWh or more and tiny running costs on an off-peak tariff.
- Servicing is cheap and simple, mostly checks and software updates.
Watch out for
- Range is the big compromise: owners typically report 100 to 140 miles in summer and 60 to 100 in winter, and far less at 70 mph.
- The range estimate is widely described as pessimistic and unreliable.
- It is small inside, with three doors, a small boot and tight rear seats.
Owner tips
- Buy one only if your regular trips are well under 100 miles, with home charging.
- Use one charging scheduler (the car's or the charger's, not both) to avoid conflicts.
Buying options
Get a quote
Dacia Spring
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
MINI Electric
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
Dacia Spring
- £10,9992026Cars2View
- £11,2992026Cars2View
MINI Electric
- £17,8682023Car360View
- £12,5712020Car360View
- £27,9732025Car360View
Frequently asked questions
Is the MINI Electric worth the extra £15,910 over the Dacia Spring?
The MINI Electric costs £15,910 more than the Dacia Spring. For that premium it adds 83 kW more power and a 5.0s quicker 0-62mph time. The Dacia Spring is not just cheaper - it also offers 97 litres more boot space. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the Dacia Spring comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the Dacia Spring or the MINI Electric?
The Dacia Spring is £15,910 cheaper to buy. Running costs are almost identical - about £136 a year either way, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the Dacia Spring comes out roughly £15,990 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the Dacia Spring and MINI Electric like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 95 miles for the Dacia Spring and 121 miles for the MINI Electric - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The MINI Electric goes roughly 26 miles further between charging stops. Both rapid-charge to 80% in a similar time, around 29-31 minutes.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the Dacia Spring or the MINI Electric?
The Dacia Spring is the easier car for tight UK car parks: it is 144 mm narrower than the MINI Electric. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 817 mm of total clearance for the Dacia Spring and about 673 mm of total clearance for the MINI Electric. The Dacia Spring also turns in a 1.0 m tighter circle, which helps with U-turns and multi-storey ramps.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the Dacia Spring or the MINI Electric?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 90% battery health for the Dacia Spring and 84% for the MINI Electric. That gives the Dacia Spring a modest edge in retained real-world range. The Dacia Spring's LFP-type pack tolerates daily 100% charging, while the MINI Electric's NMC-type pack lasts longest kept to about 80% for everyday use. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More MINI Electric comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the Dacia Spring and MINI Electric rank among EVs under £30,000Where the Dacia Spring and MINI Electric rank among EVs under £40,000Where the Dacia Spring and MINI Electric rank among the best small electric carsWhere the Dacia Spring and MINI Electric rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the Dacia Spring and MINI Electric rank among the best city EVsWhere the Dacia Spring and MINI Electric rank among the cheapest EVs to run
If neither is quite right
Explore other verified electric cars that may better suit the priorities this pair does not meet.
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
GuideBuying a Used Dacia Spring (2024 on): Which Motor, the Steering Recall & What to Pay
A used Dacia Spring buyer’s guide: the 45, 65, 70 and 100 versions, the steering-rack recall, the one-star safety rating, battery warranty left, real-world range, what owners report, what to pay against a new one and a printable checklist.
GuideUsed MINI Electric buyer's guide (2020-2024)
Buying a used MINI Electric (Cooper SE): one battery, three trims, realistic range, what owners report, recalls and what to pay in 2026, and how it differs from the new Cooper E.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .