Electric car Renault Megane E-Tech: Only one drive system left

Sometimes the automotive world turns faster than many may realize: the Renault Megane E-Tech has only been on the market for around three years and yet is already one of the older models among the brand's electric cars. After sales figures collapsed last year, Renault is now streamlining its range and finally rectifying a few oddities with which the car once started out.

Base hardly in demand

The idea of equipping the car with a small battery at the base was not fundamentally wrong. After all, not every driving profile really requires a long range – rather the opposite is true. Incidentally, this reduces the CO₂ footprint in production. However, Renault's decision to charge the base model exclusively with alternating current, and with a maximum of 7.4 kW single-phase, was an offer that hardly anyone wanted. Part of the experiment was ended after a few months, and the basic model could also be charged using direct current from the fall of 2022. However, the overwhelming majority of customers opted for the 60 kWh version instead of the 40 kWh version.

This is why the 40 kWh version is now being removed from the range, as is the 96 kW electric motor. All that remains is a drive configuration that combines 160 kW engine power, 300 Nm torque and 60 kWh energy content in the battery. This is enough for a standard sprint of 7.4 seconds, a top speed of 160 km/h and a range in the WLTP of between 452 and 461 km, depending on the version. Renault specifies consumption in the cycle at 15.1 to 15.4 kWh/100 km.

Expensive option for 22 kW AC charging

A heat pump and a bidirectional charger are always fitted as standard. The maximum DC charging power is 130 kW. Renault quotes a time of 32 minutes for charging from 15(!) to 80 percent, which is not record-breaking. Some competitors do it a few minutes faster. At 1000 euros, Renault pays dearly for the option of charging with 22 kW alternating current instead of 11 kW. At least this option is available. In addition, the Megane E-Tech now also supports Plug&Charge: once activated, all you have to do is connect the charging station and the car, and charging is then carried out without the aid of a charging card or app. A new feature in the Megane E-Tech is the option of one-pedal driving, which can even be retrofitted to all models produced from March 2024 onwards.

Renault offers the Megane E-Tech in three equipment lines: the base model "Techno" from 40,900 euros, the mid-range version "Esprit Alpine" from 42,900 euros and the top model "Iconic" from 44,900 euros. At first glance, these prices are quite self-confident for a 4.2 m long electric car. The slightly larger VW ID.3 is offered for considerably less money. However, Renault is already equipping the Megane E-Tech quite extensively at the base. Will the calculation work out in the end? The upcoming registration figures will show that.

(mfz)