Dacia Duster Is Going Electric – Here’s What You Should Know

You may know the Dacia Duster as an affordable, bare bones SUV that was a darling over in Europe, but things are about to get a lot more radical - and we mean literally. Dacia has confirmed that their best seller is going electric in the very near future. While the Duster has captured the hearts of European drivers, the imminent electric version has a lot of potential to turn the affordable EV market upside down, and that could even include the US. Let's flesh out the details below in an easy-going, jargon-free way - just like we are at the coffee shop!

A Tough-Looking Electric SUV That Doesn’t Break the Bank

Let's face it - most of the EVs available today either look futuristic or are priced out of the average consumers reach. Perhaps the new electric Dacia Duster can change that. Dacia is keeping the rugged, functional nature of the Duster, while providing it with an electric power source. The electric Duster is based on the third-gen which is being offered with hybrid EV and fully electric options. The Duster will certainly look bold, blocky, and ready for adventure, which is something the buyers want as utility vehicle without the Tesla price tag. The Duster might become the "everyday EV" that doesn't shout luxury but still drops jaws!

Will It Be Sold in the US? Not Yet—But Don’t Count It Out

At this point in time, Dacia (a brand of Renault) has not formally launched in the US. But here's where it gets interesting: if the electric Duster is a success in Europe and if the US EV market stays thirsty for relatively cheap vehicles, we may see it badged differently under Renault or another alliance brand. There is absolutely a hole in the US EV market for an EV like this- cheap, practical, and ready for urban commutes or weekend trails. So, while it may not be guaranteed for the US market, it’s definitely worth closely following.

What’s Under the Hood—Or Rather, the Floor?

Okay, so we don't have complete specifications yet, but here is what is likely. The electric Duster will be based on Renault's CMF-B EV platform, which can take a good sized battery (around 50-60 kWh is likely). We can expect real-world range to be in the region of 250 miles – plenty for standard uses and some juice still in the batteries for the weekend trips! It's not going to be a rocketship but to be honest that's not the reputation for the Duster. Therefore we can expect decent power, decent torque so you can do a little light off roading, reasonable comfort and space to make your commute comfortable!

Interior Tech? Keep It Simple, Functional, and Cool

Don't expect extravagant curved screens or spaceship-esque controls within the Duster EV. Dacia is good at keeping things simple and cost-effective, so the cabin will likely be simple but practical. You are likely to get the basics such as a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and probably a digital gauge cluster. It is going to have robust materials, maybe recycled, and designed to make you think about camping. You know the type of vehicle where you'd not sweat the little bit of mud you'd track in.

A New Wave of Budget EVs?

If the electric Duster delivers on its commitment, it could reignite the budget EV market. Right now, the median cost of an EV in the US is just above $40k and that is before taxes or options. If Dacia/Renault can launch the SUV below the $30k threshold (as they are looking to achieve in Europe), this could be a game changer for those wanting to go electric, without breaking the bank, and potentially help to accelerate affordable EV launches from larger brands like Ford and Toyota.

Dacia Duster Electric (Expected US-Spec Table)

Final Thoughts 

Definitely. Even if the Duster EV doesn't arrive in the US initially, it indicates another growing swell of affordable electric vehicles that will potentially soon be in the global market. It's tough, utilitarian, and likely one of the most important EVs for the average buyer. If you are tired of hearing about $70K electric trucks or ludicrously luxurious crossovers, this Duster might be just the refreshment we all needed.

Source(Image / Thumbnail): carscoops