The Renault Megane E-Tech Electric is a
battery electric-powered
small family car
The C-segment is the 3rd category of the European segments for passenger cars and is described as "medium cars". It is equivalent to the Euro NCAP "small family car" size class, and the compact car category in the United States.
In 2011, the C- ...
produced by the French car manufacturer
Renault
Groupe Renault ( , , , also known as the Renault Group in English; legally Renault S.A.) is a French multinational automobile manufacturer established in 1899. The company produces a range of cars and vans, and in the past has manufactured ...
since 2022. Using the
Megane nameplate, the vehicle is the first Renault model based on a dedicated electric vehicle platform called the
CMF-EV. It is similar in size to the
Captur, but the dedicated electric vehicle platform allows for a longer wheelbase and larger interior size.
History
The production version was revealed at the 2021
IAA in
Munich
Munich ( ; german: München ; bar, Minga ) is the capital and most populous city of the States of Germany, German state of Bavaria. With a population of 1,558,395 inhabitants as of 31 July 2020, it is the List of cities in Germany by popu ...
in September 2021, while sales in Europe started in February 2022.
It was previewed by a near-production prototype in June 2021.
Megane eVision
The Renault Megane eVision is a
concept car
A concept car (also known as a concept vehicle, show vehicle or prototype) is a car made to showcase new styling and/or new technology. They are often exhibited at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or ...
that was revealed in October 2020, previewing the Megane E-Tech Electric.
Design
Two prototypes were initially presented, with Renault chief-executive-officer
Luca de Meo
Luca de Meo (born 13 June 1967) is an Italian automotive executive who is currently the CEO of Renault.
Early life and education
Born in Milan in 1967 to parents originating from Locorotondo, de Meo received a degree in Business Administration fro ...
choosing the one with the "sporty" design and the company's design chief commenting on the car's aerodynamics.
Motor journalists found that the car had a high seating position which limited headroom for rear passengers, although the front was considered more spacious.
Top Gear magazine
''Top Gear'' is a British automobile magazine, owned by BBC Worldwide, and published under contract by Immediate Media Company. It is named after the BBC's ''Top Gear'' television show. It was first published in October 1993 and is published m ...
called the car "normal" and "conventionally desirable" when contrasting it to other "pioneer" electric cars.
''
Which?
''Which?'' is a United Kingdom brand name that promotes informed consumer choice in the purchase of goods and services by testing products, highlighting inferior products or services, raising awareness of consumer rights and offering independen ...
'' felt that the car's small windows limited the amount the driver can see out the back, but praised the temperature controls for not distracting drivers from looking at the road ahead. The car has been noted for having proportions that make its size hard to judge in photographs, being slightly shorter than many other family hatchbacks.
The car received a five-star rating from
Euro NCAP.
File:Renault Megane E-Tech IAA 2021 1X7A0083.jpg, Rear view
File:Renault Megane E-Tech IAA 2021 1X7A0085.jpg, Interior
Powertrain
The Megane E-Tech is available with two different batteries (40 kW-hr or 60 kW-hr) and two different traction motors with outputs of and of torque, respectively.
[ The battery is tall, and is guaranteed to retain 70% of its nominal capacity for 8 years.][ Anticipated range is , depending on the original capacity, based on the WLTP cycle.][
The 60 kWh battery that is compatible with fast-charging rates of up to 130 kW, allowing it to reclaim of range in 30 minutes. The electric motor produces and of torque, powering the front wheels and delivering a claimed zero to acceleration in under eight seconds.] It will also be equipped with 26 advanced driver-assistance systems
An advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) is any of a groups of electronic technologies that assist drivers in driving and parking functions. Through a safe human-machine interface, ADAS increase car and road safety. ADAS uses automated technol ...
for its Level 2 semi-autonomous
In developmental psychology and morality, moral, political, and bioethics, bioethical philosophy, autonomy, from , ''autonomos'', from αὐτο- ''auto-'' "self" and νόμος ''nomos'', "law", hence when combined understood to mean "one who g ...
driving capabilities.[https://paultan.org/2021/09/06/renault-megane-e-tech-electric-up-to-470-km-range-android-automotive-os-26-driver-assist-functions/ ] The batteries have been placed in the car in a manner intended to insulate occupants from tyre noise.
References
External links
Official website
(United Kingdom)
{{Renault
Megane E-Tech Electric
Cars introduced in 2021
Compact cars
Hatchbacks
Front-wheel-drive vehicles
Production electric cars
Electric concept cars
Euro NCAP small family cars