Renault has chosen the Monaco Motor Show to present the Megane E-Tech Electric, its first new generation electric model since the Zoe era. It is based on the CMF-Ev platform developed together with allies Mitsubishi and Nissan; for this reason, despite the name, it technically has nothing to do with the Megane that we are used to knowing in the last 26 years. Also from an infotainment point of view, the new 100% electric compact is integrated into the user’s digital ecosystem, just like his smartphone.
The new OpenR Link multimedia platform was created with Google, uses the Android Automotive OS operating system and is inserted in a brand new inverted L-shaped dashboard called OpenR. Each user can connect their Google account to the car, access the Maps navigation, the Play app catalog, the integrated voice assistant and the functions of the My Renault App.
“The new Megane embodies the electric revolution that Renault began ten years ago. It democratizes electric technology, makes it accessible, without compromising on efficiency and driving pleasure. It also conveys emotion, we created it by imagining it as the GTI of electric vehicles ”said Luca de Meo, CEO of the Renault Group.
The Megane E-Tech will be produced in France, in the Douai plant which is located in the heart of ElectriCity, the new industrial center dedicated to the electric sector where the French company wants to make 400,000 vehicles a year. From the design point of view, the new Megane chooses crossover shapes on a compact body (4.21 meters long and 1.50 high) but which thanks to the long wheelbase (2.70 meters) and the reduced overhangs promises a great internal volume. The battery also contributes to this, which is only 11 centimeters thick, weighing 395 kg.
The electric powertrain is completely new, developed within the Alliance and manufactured in Cléon. It is of the wound rotor synchronous type and will be available in two configurations: 130 hp and 250 Nm, 218 hp and 300 Nm. Thus in the faster versions the electric Megane will sprint from 0 to 100 km / h in 7.4 seconds (maximum speed limited to 160 km / h), while regenerative braking can be adjusted to four levels.
The battery pack can have 40 or 60 kWh of capacity, for a WLTP range of 300 or 470 km, and supports AC charging up to 22 kW and continuous charging up to 130 kW. Finally, speaking of technology, the new Megane E-Tech Electric can show off up to 26 driving assistance systems, with level 2 having reached the state of the art. Finally, there is no shortage of goodies such as retractable electric handles, alloy wheels up to 20 inches and recycled materials for the upholstery. The arrival on the market is expected between February and March 2022.
