The new Dacia Spring has officially clinched the title of Germany’s cheapest “fully-fledged” electric car, thanks to a new leasing deal that makes it almost absurdly affordable. The base model of this stripped-down urban EV is now available for just €79 ($86) per month on a 24-month / 10,000km (6,214 miles) lease—and yes, that’s with zero downpayment. That adds up to a grand total of €1,896 ($2,063) for a €16,900 ($18,400) EV.

It’s a no-frills price for a no-frills car, but if you’re looking to dip a cautious toe into EV ownership without emptying your wallet, this is as close to free as electric motoring gets.

More: 2024 Dacia Spring EV Gets Duster-Inspired Looks And An Overhauled Interior

This cut-rate deal applies to the entry-level Essential Electric 45 trim of the series, powered by a barely-there 44 hp (33 kW / 45 PS) motor. With that underwhelming output, you won’t be surprised to learn that the Spring goes from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in a glacial 19.1 seconds—no doubt a recipe for frustration on any road outside the city center. Its 26.8 kWh battery, however, manages a respectable WLTP range of 225 km (140 miles), enough for typical urban commuting with maybe a weekend detour,.

According to the company’s official configurator, the bare-bones standard trim keeps things unapologetically basic. You get steel wheels with hub caps, a 7-inch instrument cluster, and a smartphone holder to make up for the absence of a proper infotainment system. There’s also a single USB-C port, manual A/C, electric front windows, rear parking sensors, and the most minimal ADAS setup required by law. This is as stripped-down as EVs get, but that’s precisely the point—Dacia isn’t pretending otherwise.

The leasing offer is valid until December 31, 2024, for vehicles registered in Germany between January and June 2025, and only while stock lasts. In other words, it’s a true first-come, first-served deal—so you’ll want to act fast if you want in.

If outright ownership is more your style, the Dacia Spring starts from €16,900 ($18,355) for the base Essential Electric 45 trim, and tops out at €19,900 ($21,607) for the flagship Extreme Electric 65. This one has the more powerful electric motor producing 64 hp (48 kW / 65 PS) and offers a significantly more generous standard kit.

Since the Spring’s initial release in 2021, Dacia has sold 35,000 units in Germany, tapping into the budget-conscious EV market with surprising success. But competition is heating up.

What About Its Rivals?

Setting aside cheaper heavy quadricycles like the Citroen Ami, the biggest threat to the Dacia Spring comes from Stellantis-backed Leapmotor, and more specifically, its newly introduced T03. Sure, the T03 may have its roots in China, but it’s actually assembled on European soil. This budget EV starts at €18,900 ($20,529), positioning it a solid €2,000 ($2,172) above the entry-level Dacia Spring, which ironically, is actually built in China by Dongfeng-Renault.

Despite the price gap at entry level, the spec and standard equipment of the Leapmotor T03’s sole trim align more closely with Dacia’s mid-tier Spring Expression Electric 65, also priced at €18,900 ($20,529). But even then, the Leapmotor pulls ahead with a stronger 94 hp (70 kW / 95 PS) motor and a longer WLTP range of 265 km (165 miles), leaving the Dacia trailing both in power and range.

All other available “fully-fledged” electric cars in Germany are significantly more expensive. For example, the Citroen e-C3 starts from €23,300 ($25,307), although a cheaper version with a sub-€20k price will arrive next year featuring a less powerful motor and a smaller battery pack.

The Citroen e-C3 made headlines in late 2023 when it became available in France for as little as €54 ($59) per month on a three-year term, with no downpayment. However, the program had specific terms, was heavily subsidized by the French government, and has since been suspended until 2025.

Looking ahead, the much-anticipated Fiat Grande Pandacould come in at a competitive price, but it’s doubtful it will undercut the Dacia Spring. Similarly, Renault’s Twingo EV, slated for a sub-€20k price, remains a distant prospect with an expected 2026 release date. In short, the Spring may be underpowered and unpolished, but for those simply seeking the lowest cost of entry to EV ownership, Dacia’s offering still reigns supreme.