Is this the future of electric cars?

Dacia thinks it has cracked the code for what makes a car popular with its little Hipster EV concept, but that’s up to you.

The Hipster EV is just a concept, but Dacia reckons the blocky little EV will appeal not just because of its cute looks, but due to its simplicity and affordability in the way cult classics such as the Citroen 2CV and Land Rover Defender.

Read More About Renault Duster

• Aussies go nuts for new cult SUV: 2026 Renault Duster to develop a wait list in Australia as demand grows for Suzuki Jimny and Subaru Crosstrek rival grows
• Watch out Hyundai Kona, Haval Jolion, Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Corolla Cross, a new cut-price Euro is headed our way but will the Dacia-sourced tough-looking 2025 Renault Duster small SUV's price be right?
• New cut-price off-roader incoming! New 2026 Renault Duster compact SUV comes with manual gearbox & 4WD option to take on Suzuki Jimny and Subaru Crosstrek

“All those popular cars were super appreciated and they were not expensive,” Durand told Autocar.

“They were super popular; you had a lot on the streets. So for us, it's an example that we should be able to reproduce this mindset, and in these situations, essentials become super cool.”

And by essential Durand is referring to the very basics needed by modern standards in cars. In the case of the Hipster the vehicle has been stripped of what Dacia considers unnecessary in order to reduce weight and cost.

Sliding glass windows have been used instead of power operated ones, exterior door handles are just fabric straps and inside there isn’t a large screen or media system — just a mount for your phone if you need sat nav or music — bluetooth speakers can be optioned. Other options include cupholders, armrests and there’s no key — just an app on your phone to lock and unlock the car and start it. 

Dacia’s Director of Product Performance Patrice Levy-Bentold told Autocar that companies need to consider the ‘less is more’ approach especially when it comes to electric vehicles. 

“We cannot continue with this 'always more' trend, which is why we have to propose a completely different approach, to disrupt again with the vision of what we should bring, and Hipster concept is exactly this," said Levy-Bentold.

"Let's just go back to the essentials: what do we really need on a daily basis?"

"In daily driving, you don't need a 1.5- or two-tonne car with an 80kWh battery capable of doing 0-100kph in four seconds. You don't need this.”

Details of the Hipster’s battery capacity have yet to be announced, nor have many other technical specifications such as motors or output. 

We do know the dimensions which reveal the concept to be three metres long, 1.55m wide and 1.53m tall. We also know the Hipster is a four seater with a 70 litre boot but with the rear row folded opens up to 500 litres.

Dacia is a Romanian car maker and part of the Renault-Nissan alliance. While Dacia as a brand isn’t available in Australia its models are rebadged as Renaults with the latest being the Duster SUV, which arrived here in July, 2025.