Renault revises the Megane E-Tech Electric

In addition to the new ‘Esprit Alpine’ trim level, the new edition of the electric model also features technical upgrades such as one-pedal driving, a bidirectional 11-kW charger and Plug&Charge functionality, Renault reports. However, there are no major changes to the design or drive technology of the compact electric car, which has been available since the end of 2021.

Renault did not initially implement the almost typical one-pedal driving for electric cars, where one can decelerate by taking the foot off the accelerator pad and using braking energy recovery. It makes using the brake pad unnecessary in most cases. Now, however, the Ampere electric division has developed a function where the extent of recuperation can be adjusted using the steering wheel paddle shifters. “It reduces brake-pad wear, uses the harvested energy to extend range and makes the overall driving experience smoother, especially in cities,” Renault says.

Not only the new model year vehicles will receive this feature, but it can also be retrofitted to existing units produced from March 2024, according to Renault. The Renault 5, Scenic E-Tech Electric and Renault 4 will also receive one-pedal driving.

The other technical updates concern charging: a bidirectional 11 kW AC charger will be installed as standard for AC charging in the future. The Renault 5 also uses such a charger, and Renault and The Mobility House are testing the use of bidirectional charging in France. There is no statement about any pilots in the announcement of the Megane update, only that such an onboard charger will be installed and feed back into the grid with a “Mobilize Powerbox Verso bidirectional charging stand and a Mobilize electricity contract.”

The 22 kW AC charger is still available as an option. “When you connect the 11 kW charger to the power-to-object two-way V2L adapter (also available as an option), it supplies as much power as a 220V outlet – meaning that Megane E-Tech electric can use the energy stored in its battery to power a coffee machine or hoover, or charge an electric scooter, for example,” Renault writes. In addition, the Megane E-Tech Electric will in future offer the option of activating charging processes via Plug & Charge as part of the ‘Mobilize Charge Pass’ charging service.

The new ‘Esprit Alpine’ equipment line is positioned between the well-known versions ‘Techno’ and ‘Iconic’ and is intended to offer sporty, elegant highlights. This includes, for example, the exclusive ‘Matte Shadow Grey’ paintwork, 20-inch rims and dark Renault logos at the front and rear. Inside, there are black seats with blue stitching and a badge in the colours of the French national flag, which “points to Alpine’s and Renault’s pride in their French roots and partnership.”

The price list for the revised Megane E-Tech Electric starts at 40,900 euros for the ‘Techno’ trim level in Germany. The new ‘Esprit Alpine’ trim level starts at 42,900 euros, while the top-of-the-range ‘Iconic’ trim level can be ordered from 44,900 euros. In France, the model is priced from 39,500 euros, which, after deduction of the ‘bonus écologique’, results in a retail price starting at 35,000 euros.

However, only the ‘220 Comfort Range’ drive will initially be available in both countries, i.e. the combination of a 60 kWh battery with a 160 kW front-wheel drive. This variant offers a range of up to 461 kilometres according to WLTP. In other countries, too, only the 60 kW battery is currently available. Renault Germany and France state that the Renault Megane E-Tech manufactured in Douai can drive “up to 461 kilometres, depending on the battery size” – which suggests that the small battery with 40 kWh energy content could be added to the programme again at a lower price at a later date. However, upon enquiry by electrive, Renault Germany confirmed that only the 60 kWh battery will be available in the Megane E-Tech Electric.

renault.com (in English), renault.com (in French)