It took quite a while for such an EV pioneer…
For a brand that has pioneered so much in the electrical field, it actually took a long time. But finally there is a real, fully electric family car from Renault: the Megane E-Tech Electric. Of course, they already had the Zoe, but it was of course more sized Clio, where this boy is the size of, well, a Megane. And who, like us, wonders where that accent on that ‘e’ in ‘Mégane’ has suddenly gone: no idea. Foetsie. Maybe it ran on petrol?
Renault Megane E-Tech Electric with two batteries
The Renault Megane E-Tech Electric is based on the new platform of the Renault/Nissan/Mitsubishi alliance, which also includes the Nissan Ariya. The latter is a bit bigger, by the way, but that’s what you have with those modular platforms: you can use them in all directions. The Megane comes with a choice of two battery packs, both of which are 110 millimeters thinner than ever before. That should be good news for the interior space. It also means that you don’t necessarily have to sit as high in the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric as its crossover appearance suggests. Which seems to us good news for the driving experience. The batteries measure 40 kWh (good for a range of 300 kilometres) and 60 kWh (470 kilometres). The electric motor drives the front wheels, quite atypical for an EV. Fast charging is possible up to 130 kW, with which you can ‘refuel’ in a range of 300 kilometers in half an hour. Or, so fair is Renault again, about 200 kilometers of highway driving.
Extremely efficient
There is a choice of two electric motors, one with 130 hp and 250 Nm, and one with 218 hp and 300 Nm. The latter does a 0-1oo in 7.4 seconds. Much attention has been paid to the efficiency of the Megane E-Tech Electric. For example, it has a standard heat pump to preheat the interior and batteries, which makes a huge difference when it’s cold outside. You can also let the batteries cool down while driving, so that fast charging is not hindered by overheating. The wheels are large (18 inches on the base model, 20 inches on the thicker versions), but quite narrow, because that’s better in terms of rolling resistance.
fairground attraction
A large meter screen and a whopper of a touchscreen should bring clarity and ease of use. Fortunately, Renault is a bit off the idea that everything should be in a screen; the climate control has its own physical buttons, for which kudos. Furthermore, the new Megane is again packed with all kinds of safety and auxiliary electronics. He also promises a lot of spectacle in terms of light. He ignites a veritable fair of welcome things with his headlights and the like when you walk up to him. Inside you should also be able to enjoy yourself for hours with the mood lighting, otherwise with the endless connectivity options.
The Renault Megane E-Tech Electric can be ordered from February next year; delivery from spring.
