By choosing to cap the charging power at 22 kW on its new 100% electric Mégane with the small 40 kWh battery, Renault was clearly not unanimous. Faced with the discontent, the Losange decided to add a new version from the launch.
As soon as it goes on sale, in February 2022, the new electric Mégane E-Tech will be available with two batteries: one of 40 kWh, the other of 60 kWh. A choice that plays both on autonomy and on power, since we go from 130 hp in the first case to 218 hp in the second. But the differences don’t end there. With the small accumulator, this crossover must also be satisfied with a recharge to 7 kW in alternating current. As an option, a “high performance” charger capable of conversing with the 11 and 22 kW public terminals will also be offered. However, initially, the Losange did not plan to offer better. To have a “real” fast charge of up to 130 kW in direct current, the configurator set up for pre-orders requires you to choose the 60 kWh battery for the moment.
TO READ. Our test of the 100% electric Renault Mégane E-Tech
A full version in the catalog
However, it was without counting on criticism from Germany. The 22 kW terminals are in fact an essentially French specificity, linked in particular… to the growth of the first Zoe, which had opted for this type of load. On the other hand, this type of installation is rare across the Rhine. There are mainly more powerful terminals, of the Ionity type. To avoid seeing these precious buyers go elsewhere, Renault has therefore decided to modify its offer.
As the charging power cannot exceed double the capacity of the battery, with a small margin, there is no question of offering 130 kW as on the Mégane E-Tech 40 kWh. But an 85 kW recharge will still be available from launch, including in France. Rather than putting it on the list of options, it will be the subject of a full version. One way to better face its main rival, the Volkswagen ID.3, whose entry-level Pure accepts up to 50 kW as standard. It remains to be seen the additional cost requested compared to the current “standard load” version limited to 7 kW, the prices of which should start around € 34,000.
