Publications
Partners
• The Dacia Spring is the same car as the Renault Kwid.
• Renault has electrified the Spring/Kwid line-up in Europe.
• Wheels24 reader Justin Steyn explains why he would want one, and outlines SA's challenges.
• For more motoring stories, go to www.Wheels24.co.za
Earlier in October, Wheels24's Charlen Raymond reported that Renault would be launching an electric version of its Kwid, or better known as the Dacia Spring, in global markets.
Raymond wrote: "While we refer to it as the Renault Kwid, the car is also known as the Dacia Spring. A rebadged Kwid for those who want to separate green apples from red ones. The Kwid Electric will, just like it did back in 2016, aim to give the international carpool something to ponder about as it makes (electric) mobility both affordable and accessible.
"The car will make its debut in Europe first, and Renault says that it will be the lowest-priced EV on the market. Not only that, but the car will be available as both a cargo vehicle and one that different users can share amongst each other to ease e-mobility in the city."
Renault South Africa in the meantime confirmed that the Kwid Electric will not be coming to our market.
We asked our readers if they would consider the Renault Kwid if an electric version of the car was available in SA. Wheels24 reader Justin Steyn says he wouldn't hesitate.
Dacia Spring Electric / Renault Kwid Electric (Renault Media)
Here's what Steyn has to say:
"I would jump at a chance for a car like the Dacia Spring or Kwid electric. VW's e-Up! would be another very attractive candidate.
"The trouble is, our government prioritises local production and the electric imports attract excise duties, sometimes in excess of 40%! Contrast this to countries where electric vehicle buyers actually get a hefty discount on their personal income tax bill, when they buy electric cars.
"Remember the Joule? If any government official had any sense back then, they could have made a rule for government fleets to buy a minimum number of Joules annually. Here in Cape Town, I regularly see cars like Chrysler 300C's, Hyundai models, even Audi Q7's with military or government plates. Clearly, the decision-makers who procure these vehicles are completely disconnected from other realities in South Africa. Or maybe they are connected with the kind of realities Judge Zondo listens to daily?
"Mercedes Benz used to advertise their original SLK with a German slogan translating as 'we make perfection visible'.
"Regrettably, policymakers in our beloved country don't share that SLK ethos, and I won't hold my breath to see a truly affordable electric car in Mzansi, any time soon.
"It will be a pleasant surprise if I'm proven wrong.
Dacia Spring Electric / Renault Kwid Electric (Renault Media)
Disclaimer: Wheels24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of contributors/columnists published on Wheels24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24 or Wheels24.
