Renault Megane E-Tech

JohnC.

Not much in the way of solid info yet, but they’re starting to tease it, with 4 images

https://www.motor1.com/news/505777/renault-megane-e-tech-teasers

Among others stuff, they seem to show a mix of capacitive and real buttons, wireless phone charger, a place marked with some kind of wireless key logo (does it mean you have to put a key there, or one of those emergency things?) and multiple user profiles.

silver_sky

First post long time lurker as of late, but former boardsie from many moons ago. That aside...


They showed the exterior of the concept a while back. It looks interesting and looking forward to seeing more on it.

Size-wise it seems to be closest to the Leaf or maybe a tiny bit smaller than ID3. I'm considering it as a replacement for a Renault Zoe due to needing more room, longer range, and better seats due to bad back.

It's FWD apparently which is a bit disappointing compared to the ID3. Although with the software being developed on Android Automotive that might make up for it. Bad translations from French aside, I don't think Renault's software is too bad.

It's been spotted out and about testing earlier in the year and the shape does resemble the concept fairly closely.
I can't post any links because of low post count, but if you look on motor1 the concept photos and spy shots are there.

I hope it lasts a lot longer than the Fluence, has to have been one of the greatest Flops in automotive history!

I really like the 5 ev, I loved the old Renault 5 !!!

AMKC

Deleted User wrote: »

I hope it lasts a lot longer than the Fluence, has to have been one of the greatest Flops in automotive history!

I really like the 5 ev, I loved the old Renault 5 !!!

The Fluence was actually very successful and it was basically the just saloon version of the Megane.

silver_sky

Renault released some more info and pics of their camo'd preproduction cars. 30 of them out for testing over the summer.

60kWh battery and 450km range. Probably usable as that's what they've done before.

I really like it and the new logo looks great. Less fussy than the chrome or flaking blue chrome diamond.

https://en.media.renaultgroup.com/news/from-megane-evision-to-the-all-new-megane-e-tech-electric-pre-production-cars-going-on-open-roads-e02b-989c5.html

silver_sky

On the road...



I'm seeing talk & rumours on some french sites of a 90kWh (or near) battery option. This would put the 60kWh car shown at roughly similar to the mid-range ID.3. There was also a mention of a 40kWh~ variant. That would give a better option for those looking at the Leaf 40 still.

silver_sky

Renault had another online electric event earlier in the week. They touched on a few more elements on the Mégane but generally it was the overall electric strategy and their factory investments, partnerships etc. The actual stream is about 2 hours plus q&a after but here's a good highlight video.

The Mégane will have an SUV sibling which was shown in silhouette form in one of the slides. Basically it's ID.4 equivalent.

Initial battery size on Mégane is 60kWh usable with WLTP around 450km. They mentioned a focus on efficiency and insulation, along with using heat recovery from battery for the cabin which could be interesting. Plug & Charge was mentioned but not sure if that's only coming with the Renault 5 (H1, 2024) or if it will feature in the Mégane too.

silver_sky

Production model is to be shown at IAA Munich in early September. In the meantime they're out and about testing.

I'm still itching to see a pic of it against a known car to get a grasp on the size.

More - https://www.motor.es/noticias/renault-megane-e-tech-electric-fotos-pruebas-202179636.html

I've just used my VAG dividend to buy some more Renault stock. Renault have product and access to market so I expect the Megane to sell well at good margin followed by model 5 and 4 models shortly afterward. If the Megane is all the car it promises to be it might be my next EV as I have had them as an ICE.

silver_sky

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117668980#Comment_117668980

The stock was doing better but took a tumble after the H1 2020 results. I think the plan that they've laid out is promising and focus is on profitability. It'll be interesting when these models start coming out. Their first half 2021 results are out on Thursday I think?

Price-wise based on their last presentation they're looking to undercut VW by about 5%.

silver_sky

Some spy photos showing interior (wheel badge not updated, so not final interior), on the road, and at a charging stop. Apparently they've been seen travelling and charging with VW ID models. It's probable that Renault is doing some bench mark as they did note they were aiming for lower pricing vs a german competitor.

silver_sky

These are my favourite set though. I think you can get a better impression of it from this angles. Keep in mind that it's ID3-sized. There's a larger sibling on the way later, but Nissan gets first shot at that with the Ariya which is on the same platform.

https://forococheselectricos.com/2021/09/filtrado-renault-megane-e-tech-electric.html

470km WLTP for the 60kW battery.

Seems like a nice lump of a car and on the continent prices are starting at about 33k.

Entry level battery size is 40kw. 87kw battery comes later. 15cm shorter than an ICE Megane.

130KW charging was mentioned in various places and 200km range in 30 minutes.

It will be roughly Renault Captur size exterior but Kadjar interior. It will damage the sales of the ID3 and ID4 and Enyaq which are priced quite high.

unkel

How would that €33k in France translate to here? 40kWh is very small compared to the competition. Depending on the answer to that question it might not damage the sales of ID.3 and ID.4 and Enyaq in the EU at all...

Potential Customers are obviously going to be cross-shopping CUV product from VAG and Renault as they have dealers in the same towns and cities across Europe. The 40kWh battery wlll not steal sales from a 60kWh VAG product but it has the potential to steal sales from the 50kWh version.

WORLD PREMIERE ALL-NEW RENAULT MEGANE E-TECH ELECTRIC – PRESS CONFERENCE 09/06/21 - 8:50 AM (CET) - YouTube

I could see this being my next car.

Google Android OS built in(better than Android Auto)

The chintzy gold front inserts on the bumper are optional.

Gile_na_gile

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117848006#Comment_117848006

Not mad on CUVs, but that is a nice hunk of metal in the mid-tier market. It is largely a replacement of sorts of the LEAF, and will have a 440litre boot (probably includes cable storage) so will not be short of space, plus CCS 130kW. I think the new PHEV/ICE Megane is gorgeous, but this is not bad albeit sitting a bit higher with big front and sidewalls.

updated piece here: https://forococheselectricos.com/2021/09/renault-megane-e-tech-electric-2.html

It actually isn't that high at 1.5metres. It just looks like a CUV due to the wheels at the corners and length of only 4.2 metres. With LG nickel cobalt manganese batteries I expect it to take charge quickly. I'd be interested in the 40kWh 96kW version on 18" alloys without the big screen, 7kW charger but otherwise stacked with extras.

If available in GTLine type trim with Gordini blue metallic paint and brushed steel accents so much the better but I guess they'll be holding that colour combination for sportier models.

80sDiesel

https://youtu.be/Mv7jGcBu5fQ

First look.

It will use air and liquid cooling and will pre-heat the battery if a charging location is programmed in to the navigation system

The lane keep assist seems fairly sophisticated and will allow you to decide if you want to keep left, right or centre in your lane.

...and it still has a heatpump built in for which VW expect you to pay a premium. The heatpump is supposed to be 30% better than in the Zoe.

Configurator is live(without prices) on www.renault.fr

smaller screen fits the dashboard better.

80sDiesel

https://youtu.be/CFf6epurgmA

First review.

Good interior review

https://youtu.be/7uXiV8o22pc

UID0

That review suggests that the 40 kWh version is only available with AC charging (7/22 kW) and the 60kWh has AC/DC charging (up to 130kW). Renault's press release on it says that

"Depending on the version, it can also be compatible with DC charging infrastruture up to 130 kW (combo sockets CCS) charging infrastructures, such as fast charging stations on motorways. With DC 130kW, the All-new Mégane E-TECH Electric recovers up to 300km WLTP in just 30 min."

Hopefully that's not something that is set in stone.

Independent rear suspension and brake discs on the rear.

Heatpump included and Google OS. This is beating the ID3 in a number of key areas and will undercut equivalent VW ID3 for competitive product.

pdpmur

Very high waistline with tiny back-seat windows and a letterbox-sized glass on the hatch, it would seem from the pics and vids.

Has Renault sacrificed practicality for style?

listermint

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117867748#Comment_117867748

No ?

Old diesel

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117858894#Comment_117858894

It looks totally ridiculous by Renault.

I expect them to change that eventually when it hurts them in the sales.

Peugeot made a mess up at the e208s international press launch by providing cars with harsh suspension.

They fixed it by the time the cars came to RHD in response to press criticism.

Hopefully Renault get harsh criticism when the road tests come along for this AC only on the 40 kwh model mess up

listermint

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117869699#Comment_117869699

Doubt it. Who's buying the 40kwh version.

Who !

UID0

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117870362#Comment_117870362

The 40kWh version would be ideal for a lot of people. Most cars travel less than 100km/day on average, well within the range of a 40kWh car. Not having fast charging limits the car to being a second car in a household or having to make longer stops when travelling. While that is acceptable for a city car like the Zoe, the Megane is marketed (and sized) as a family car, and should be capable of intercity travel. Renault are out of step with their competitors by not providing at least 50kW rapid charging. Given the charge rate the 60kWh version can attain, I would think that 75-90kW should be possible in the 40kWh. It's ridiculous that a new car introduced in 2022 will be intentionally so restricted in its capability. Small petrol cars don't get restricted to such an extent that they are nearly unusable for long journeys.

It also limits those who have no home charging. We don't have the infrastructure at the moment, but a new car should last 10-15 years, and at that point we will (hopefully) have some sort of solution in place for people with no home charging. This may involve rapid charging.

It's like they didn't learn from the Fluence.

listermint

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117889400#Comment_117889400

This forum has been a fine example of what range is ideal for most people, yet you have a market that simply is not buying into that fact. As has been shown by sales people are buying cars way above their range to avoid having to think about range anxiety even if it statistically will not impact them.

Unless the sales trends are telling us a different story. I disagree. And I don't see the exclusion of stuff out of base models impacting any sales.

silver_sky

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117889451#Comment_117889451

If they stick to the specs advertised at launch, the 40 is a non-starter. Crippled by 7 or 22kW AC charging only. The 22 only was fine on the ZOE years ago but times have moved on.

I'm interested in the Mégane but wouldn't touch the 40. Really I want the 60kWh with the optional 22kW charging. It comes in handy in more rural areas without DC fast charging, or even some hotels that have 11 or 22kW charging. The 60kWh would also mean that about 90% of my driving would be good from home charging.

listermint

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117889580#Comment_117889580

I think you fit the bracket of most customers . Hence my point the 40 is a non runner anyway so why bother ? Sweep up some lower cost custom perhaps who don't understand charging rates or couldn't care less maybe.

This website mentions 22kw charging for the 40kw version: https://www.motorsport-total.com/auto/news/renault-megane-e-tech-electric-2022-frankreich-vs-id3-21090802

I lived with a 40kwh Zoe. I could live with this...wouldn't like to but could. 160km wltp added in 30 minutes, 80km in 15 minutes and a more pleasant place to sit than a Zoe while waiting. Once fast charging is off the table you come back to finding the most efficient speed to cruise at on rural roads which is probably around 100kmph

7kw AC chargers are cheaper, lighter and compacter and require lighter cables. charging at 7kw doesn't strain a battery, charging even at 22kw can strain a battery so the battery packs can be made simpler and cheaper. I could see Twingo/R4/C4 sized vehicles up to a 30kWh size being marketed as second cars/urban cars. I could see them being attractive to people living in the large metropolitan areas and Conurbations of Europe with excellent inter-city rail and air connectivity.

We will see many sub-optimal product offerings until Manufacturers flesh out their product lines. ID3 is as small as VAG offer on a dedicated electric platform. PSA have nothing smaller or larger than e-CMP platform. Manufacturers will offer whatever they can for the next few years to soak up CO2 credits until they have proper range of cars to offer.

https://www.freenet.de/auto/elektro-autos/kleine-mganebatterie-doch-mit-schnellladeoption-renault-bessert-beim-mgane-nach_8578044_5214248.html

German Text.

The smaller 40kWh version of the Megane E-Tech will have DC charging but only if the 220kw motor is selected.

Renault Mégane E-Tech (2022): Erste Testfahrt | autozeitung.de

85kw optional charging speed for 40kWh model mentioned. Not clear if they are forcing the 220bhp motor option on 40kwh buyers.

This is the car I would want even though I can afford better.

I want a car in the spirit of the Ioniq 28kWh with a little bit more flair and range.

2022 Renault Megane E-Tech Electric Review: Watch out ID3 - YouTube

this seems to be a first review in the flesh in the wild. Maybe they have ignored an embargo.

https://youtu.be/3OUuXuERHx0?t=168

Renault claim the decision to make it front wheel drive saved 100kg in weight. It is about 200kg lighter than an equivalent ID3.

AMKC

It's has got great reviews from both Autocar and Auto Express already.

Can not wait to see loads of these on the roads. I can see it being very popular. What is not to like? It looks great, has better quality that it's direct german competitor, has better tech and drives better than it too. At last Renault have made the Megane what it always should have been from the beginning a class leader.

TitianGerm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118143144#Comment_118143144

How would making it front wheel drive instead of rear wheel drive save 100kg? It's still going to need the same number of motors and cabling?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118143713#Comment_118143713

shorter cooling and cabling pipes/wires. high tension wires aren't light. pipes going from motor to cooling system are heavy.

TitianGerm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118143729#Comment_118143729

Would Renault not run the cables/pipes etc from the front of the battery and VW run them from the rear of the battery to suit their individual set up?

https://www.car-engineer.com/newly-designed-renault-electric-motor/

https://en.media.renault.com/news/cp-megane-82d0-989c5.html

They seem proud of their engineering and innovations and I'm convinced the Megane E tech is well beyond the ID.3. If you put a Tesla badge on it everyone would be raving about it but it is French so will be dismissed as rubbish by the snobs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Bab6CttkEY

listermint

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118143689#Comment_118143689

Rear seat room didn't look superb. Your man looks possibly tall but his feet were squashed in their behind the drivers seat.

Would have liked more boot space also. Seems boots continually getting bloody smaller despite increases in cabin sizes.

Why ! People who buy these need boot space.

AMKC

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118143911#Comment_118143911

The estate will have bigger boot space 😀

Boot is considerably larger than id.3. 55l or 35l depending on where you read. It does however have a high lip.

listermint

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118144015#Comment_118144015

I would have said the class of this was bigger than the ID3. I'd never consider an ID 3 to have a remotely large boot. To me it's between a polo and a golf.

Anyway my point with these supposedly crossovers there's just continually less boot space.

eagerv

Hope the E-Tech is very successful, looks a fine car. However seems strange that they are going against the thinking of Tesla, VW, Hyundai, Kia etc by going FWD in a bespoke electric car platform. Surely the advantages of RWD in an EV outweigh the disadvantages? ie more space, better traction/efficiency and simplicity of drivetrain. (An EV of course needs no heavy drive shaft as in an ICE).

Flinty997

Seems like the advantages of the FWD in terms of packaging also apply to EVs. I've never thought about before tbh.

Looks promising.

Flinty997

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118143906#Comment_118143906

Thankfully, there aren't too many snobs in motoring forums.

Gile_na_gile

Also gets a top review (4/5) in the Irish Times:

https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/renault-megane-e-tech-stylish-family-crossover-will-rattle-its-german-rivals-1.4719490

Certainly back in business. Surprising how low-profile this CUV-inspired hatchback is, which at 1500mm clocking in at 30mm and 45mm lower than the Zoe and the Leaf e+ and more efficient than both of them. Only shortcoming with the design is smaller back seat windows, and almost no visibility out the rear window (hence fitted with smart rear mirror).

TitianGerm

It's saying it'll be here in late 2021? I'll be two years into my PCP on the ID3 then so I'll book a test drive and see how it goes.

I do like the look of it but I was thinking of going one small car and one big one the next time we change.

discostu1

Did I miss the prices of this ?