Dacia, French carmaker Renault’s budget brand, says the Hipster concept represents the next step in its goal of making electric mobility freely accessible in Europe, with a compact footprint, simplified packaging, basic specs, and a reduced environmental impact compared with larger, heavier EVs.
With Dacia having lofty ambitions for the concept, so much so that it wants to “reinvent the people’s car” for everyday use, we got to spend some time with the Hipster to understand how it intends to build the next Ford Model T.
Size, Space & Cargo
The Hipster concept measures 9.8 ft (3.0 m) long, 5.0 ft (1.53 m) high, and 5.1 ft (1.55 m) wide. It is designed around four full-size seats and a usable cargo area despite the exterior length that can be adjusted from 70-500 liters (2.5-17.7 cu ft).
The Hipster concept also pushes weight reduction to the next level, and is 20% lighter than the Dacia Spring, its current entry-level EV.
The stated target is to halve lifecycle carbon footprint compared with the best current four-seat EVs. The brand intends to get there by using fewer raw materials, reduced manufacturing energy, and lower energy use in operation.
Dacia estimates that the Hipster’s intended daily-use pattern would need just two recharges per week, as 94% of motorists travel less than 25 miles (40 km) per day.
Design & Ingress/Egress
The Hipster is a box on wheels. The squared, upright silhouette has its wheels pushed to the corners with almost no front or rear overhang. It uses a horizontal front-end theme with slim headlamps.
At the rear, the tailgate spans the full vehicle width and opens in two sections for access. Dacia says the rear lights sit behind the tailgate window, avoiding separate lamp glazing. Further clever cost-cutting measures include a single body color with three painted exterior parts, and it replaces a conventional exterior door handle with a strap to reduce complexity.
Cabin layout & Modularity
The cabin follows the cubic exterior theme with vertical glass and a vertical windscreen, maximizing volume for the given surface area. A glazed front roof section is intended to increase cabin light. Sliding side windows are specified to reduce cost and weight.
Dacia says the driver and front passenger seating position matches the Dacia Sandero, its current entry-level combustion model, and rear-seat access is supported by a wide door opening and a front passenger seat that tilts forward. The dashboard integrates two airbags for the driver and passenger.
In the style of the Slate Auto truck, the Hipster’s interior gets 11 anchor points distributed across the dashboard, door panels, and cargo area for accessories such as cup holders, armrests, and lights.
Connectivity
Similar to the Citroen Ami and the U.S.-bound Fiat Topolino, there’s no touchscreen infotainment in the vehicle, as the user’s iPhone or Android-based device docks into the smartphone station on the dash.
Dacia says the owner’s phone can function as a digital key for unlocking and starting, then act as the multimedia and navigation screen. Audio is handled through a portable Bluetooth speaker compatible with YouClip.
Price & Release Date
The Hipster’s production future hinges on the European Union’s proposed new “E Car” or “M1E” category, which has relaxed safety regulations to cut costs, aiming to make cars more affordable. If the category is established in the old continent, the Hipster would be priced below EUR 15,000 (approximately USD 17,500) before government subsidies.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
