Hipster Concept represents Dacia’s approach to essential EV design

Dacia has revealed the Hipster Concept, a compact electric vehicle designed to explore a new approach to affordable and essential mobility. The concept reflects the brand’s effort to create what it describes as a “popular electric car,” focusing on simplicity, practicality, and minimal environmental impact.

The Hipster Concept measures three meters long, 1.55 meters wide, and 1.53 meters high. Despite its small size, Dacia says it accommodates four passengers and provides a variable cargo area ranging from 70 to 500 liters. The model is intended for daily use in urban and suburban environments, with a range sufficient for typical commuting distances. The company notes that most French drivers travel fewer than 40 kilometers per day and that the vehicle’s capacity and recharging needs are aligned with that usage pattern.

Dacia states that the Hipster Concept weighs 20 percent less than the current Spring model, achieved through reduced materials and simplified construction. The company claims this approach could halve the total carbon footprint over the vehicle’s life cycle compared with other electric cars currently available. The design employs recycled materials such as Starkle, used for exterior protection elements, and limits painted surfaces to reduce production complexity.

The exterior design is characterized by a compact, squared form with no front or rear overhangs. The headlights are horizontally aligned, and the tailgate spans the vehicle’s full width, opening in two sections for easier access to the cargo area. The rear lights are integrated behind the tailgate window, eliminating the need for additional glass. The vehicle features a single body color and minimal decorative elements, consistent with Dacia’s cost-focused approach.

Inside, the Hipster Concept emphasizes space efficiency and simplicity. The upright windows and windshield, combined with a glass roof section, maximize light and interior volume. The front seats form a single bench similar to early mass-market vehicles, while the sliding side windows reduce weight and cost. The dashboard includes two airbags, and the interior integrates Dacia’s YouClip system, which allows for modular accessories such as cup holders and lights to be attached at multiple points throughout the cabin.

Connectivity follows Dacia’s Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) concept, where the user’s smartphone functions as the infotainment interface. The phone can serve as both the vehicle’s key and multimedia hub when docked, operating through a Bluetooth-connected speaker system.