Photo Credit: YouTubeA U.K. couple has turned their latest car purchase into an ongoing test of low-cost electric vehicle ownership.By buying a Dacia Spring instead of briefly reviewing one, they aim to find out whether a budget EV can handle everyday driving in place of a petrol car.Here's what to knowIntroducing their Dacia Spring Extreme 100 in a video on YouTube, they said: "We've finally done it — we've bought a brand-new Dacia Spring EV!" AdvertisementAdvertisementThey plan to monitor the car over time, focusing on charging, range, running costs, and practicality.Much of the video highlights the practical side of getting a first EV on the road, including DVLA registration, insurance issues, and the dealership handover in Lincoln.One of the buyers, Sandra, later said there had been "No issues at all," and after the drive home she described the car as "very responsive."One user said: "Greetings from Germany. We own a Spring Extreme 100 since last week. It's a nice little car."More backgroundIn the U.K., the Dacia Spring has attracted interest largely because it is positioned at the cheaper end of the EV market, where buyers are looking for a more realistic way to move on from petrol or diesel.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe couple is starting with a standard 13-amp home charger rather than a dedicated fast charger.EVs generally do not require oil changes and tend to have fewer engine-related maintenance needs than combustion vehicles, which can help lower ownership costs. In the video, the couple also noted that their older Honda showed an engine-management light, one reason some drivers are eager to move away from aging gas cars.A key question will be how well the Spring's range, space, and charging speed stand up to regular day-to-day use.What can be done?They believe a regular home charger may cover their needs, and they also have the option of public charging through a charging-network card that came with their deal.AdvertisementAdvertisementAfter the first trip back, Sandra said the Dacia Spring had "enough acceleration to feel safe even though it's quite a small car" and was "just a pleasure to drive really."Where can I learn more?Real-world EV ownership usually comes down to the same questions this couple is testing: daily costs, charging routines, and whether a cheaper model can really replace a petrol car. Here are a few stories about other drivers and households weighing those same tradeoffs, from personal running costs to broader energy savings.• A Nissan Leaf owner found daily EV costs stayed low despite persistent myths about charging and range.• On Reddit, EV drivers said switching from gas felt obvious once fuel and maintenance bills dropped.AdvertisementAdvertisement• Across Europe, analysts found EVs and heat pumps together could shield households from volatile energy costs.These personal accounts, alongside the Dacia Spring ownership test, help show how budget-friendly electric driving can hold up in everyday life over time.Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.