Refreshed Renault Megane gets new batteries, more range and an EV Car Grant discount
The new electric Renault Megane E-Tech is priced from £28,245 after a £3,750 Electric Car Grant (ECG), with orders opening on 1st October.
The refreshed Megane was unveiled back in June with a tweaked design, improved range and faster charging, plus it now offers more connected technology and a streamlined two-version line-up with the Techno and Esprit Alpine trim levels as the only options.
Battery, Range and Charging
Both trim levels get the new 67 kWh LFP battery, and this is the interesting part, because no longer do you need to charge the Megane up to 80% on a domestic AC charger, because LFP chemistry prefers regular 100% charges, providing the full range of the battery with every home charge, like starting each day with a full tank.
The outgoing model was fitted with a 60 kWh NMC battery and delivered 280 miles of range on the WLPT test cycle, but in this new version an additional 9 kWh delivers up to 306 miles of WLTP range in the Techno trim.
DC Rapid Charging Improvements
DC rapid charging speeds has increased with peak power up from 130 kW to 165 kW meaning a a 15–80% DC rapid charge takes only 24 minutes, which is approximately 25% quicker than before.
AC charging is rated up to 1 kW for those with a three-phase supply, or 7 kW for households on a single-phase supply.
Vehicle-to-load bi-directional charging capability is included, allowing an optional and compatible adapter to charge external electrical devices powered by the cars large, traction battery.
Trim Levels and Prices
The new Megane E-Tech features less choice in trim levels, but has more standard equipment included with both trims offering a high level of technology, comfort and driver assistance included.
Both versions feature the same 12.3-inch digital driver display, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, hands-free parking, heated front seats and steering wheel, a heat pump*, battery pre-conditioning and five levels of regenerative braking including One Pedal driving.
Techno
The Techno trim includes new 19-inch ‘stream’ black diamond cut alloy wheels, a 360° around view 3D camera, driver recognition, driver attention monitoring with camera and a 12-inch openR link multimedia system with Google built-in.
Prices start from £28,245 OTR after the Electric Car Grant.
Esprit Alpine
For £3,000 more, and priced from £31,245 OTR after the grant, the esprit Alpine trim level gets a distinctive styling package, 20-inch ‘speedway’ black diamond cut alloy wheels, front electric seats with driver massage function, Harman Kardon premium audio and active driver assist.
The large wheels knock 8 miles off the range, meaning the certified WLTP estimated range with the larger wheels is 298 miles.
*Heat pumps use less energy to heat the cabin in the winter, translating to more winter range compared to an EV fitted with a resistance heater.
Technology
The Megane comes with Renault’s openR link multimedia system with Google built-in via its 12-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital driver display.
A Google Gemini AI Assistant is now included, albeit a future software update will activate this. However, it enables a natural conversational interaction for vehicle commands, or to simply ask it questions on the move, whether its news, weather, sport or about the destination, for example.
Smart Mode will automatically select the most appropriate driving mode according to the way the car is being driven. Driver recognition will identify a saved user and recall personalised vehicle settings.
A new ventilated Qi2 15W wireless smartphone charger is also standard, albeit its not particularly powerful, but it will prevent the phone from overheating whilst its on the charging pad.
Performance
Performance remains broadly the same from the 220 hp, 300 Nm motor with a limited top speed of 99 mph and a 0-62 mph time taking a respectable - if not swift - 7.6 seconds.
However, handling and road comfort should be assured as the front suspension gets psuedo McPherson structs with multilink suspension at the rear.
Space and Storage
Despite the Megane’s short dimensions for a C-Segment hatchback at 4.2 meters, interior space should be good from the 2,685 wheelbase.
The boot gets a class leading 440 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up, plus a further 32 litres of storage under the boot floor which is ideal for storing the charging cables.
Fold those rear seats flat and the storage increases to 1,332 litres. However, there is no frunk (front compartment) storage under the bonnet.
On Sale
Orders for the new Renault Megane E-Tech electric open on 01 October. However, there is no confirmed delivery dates yet, but given Renault’s lead times are currently around 16 weeks, deliveries should start early next year.
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About the Author
Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more.
You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb
