Renault unveils EV Megane E-Tech Electric, offers up to 470km range
Renault’s newest electric car is based on the CMF-EV platform jointly developed with Nissan and Mitsubishi, and will offer 40 and 60 kWh variants.
Renault’s all-electric Megane E-Tech. Images: Renault Group
Renault’s Megane was first introduced 25 years ago, and was essentially a major facelift of the Renault 19. The Megane name has adorned myriad body styles and designs, from the controversial Renault Megane II, to the brilliant Megane IV RS Trophy.
The Megane name certainly gained worldwide recognition during its time in rallying, as it was one of the most powerful Group A cars in the WRC. Today though, the Megane E-Tech Electric (Megane E-Tech from here on in) debuts at Munich’s IAA Mobility show, aiming to combine past performance pedigree, with traditional Renault practicality and environmental credentials.
Based upon the Common Module Family - EV (CMF-EV) platform designed by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, The Megan E-Tech will offer a front-mounted electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) which Renault claims does not require rare earth metals in its fabrication.
The engine is compact and impressively weighs 10 percent less than the engine currently used in the ZOE, coming in at 145 kg (clutch included). Two motor variants will be available: a 96 kW (130 hp) with 250 Nm, and 160 kW (218 hp) with 300 Nm. Renault claims a 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 7.4 seconds; presumably that applies to the latter.
Renault has also been refining its battery technology, with the Megane E-Tech receiving either a 40 or 60 kWh pack, with 300 km (186 mi) and 470 km (292 mi) WLTP range respectively. Renault again claims great improvements over previous cell technology, with the lithium-ion NMC batteries by LG Chem using less cobalt and more nickel for greater energy density (20 percent greater than the ZOE), and offering a 40 percent weight reduction.
The Megane E-Tech can charge at up to 130 kW on DC rapid chargers, and up to 22 kW on a three-phase 32A AC charger.
View EV Brief’s full image gallery of the Megane E-Tech Electric
Renault teases Mégane E-Tech Electric ahead of pre-production testing this summer
The Mégane goes all-electric, taking its design cues from the Renault Mégane eVision Concept. This next-generation model will be based on Renault-Nissan’s Common Module Family EV platform (CMF-EV) which debuts underneath the upcoming Nissan Ariya SUV.
Renault’s Mégane has been on sale since 1995, but 2022 marks possibly the most dramatic shift in the French marque’s small car line-up as the Mégane goes all-electric. Taking its design cues from the Renault Mégane eVision Concept, the next-generation model will be based on Renault-Nissan’s Common Module Family EV platform (CMF-EV) which debuts underneath the upcoming Nissan Ariya SUV.
The Mégane E-Tech Electric features a 160kW (217hp) e-motor and a 60kWh battery pack enabling up to 451 km (280 mi) of range on the WLTP cycle.
Pre-production engineering test vehicles will commence testing on public roads in France this summer.
There’s no word from Renault Australia on whether the Mégane E-Tech would make it down under; local importer Ateco Group pulled the Zoe EV from the Australian market in 2020 due to poor sales numbers, shipping delays, lacklustre dealer enthusiasm and limited government support for zero-emissions vehicles.
