1. Introduction
a. Briefly introduce the electric vehicle you’re reviewing
The Renault Megane E-Tech Electric is an electric vehicle produced by French automaker Renault since 2022. It is a five-door hatchback for the small family car market segment.
The automaker initially unveiled the production form at the 2021 IAA in Munich in September 2021. Its sales in Europe began in February 2022.
b. Explain the context or significance of the vehicle in the EV market
It is the first Renault model to use the dedicated BEV platform, the CMF-EV, which the larger Nissan Ariya also utilizes. It gained a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.
2. New Features in 2023
The new Renault Megane E-Tech is now equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels, full-LED signature lighting and gold chrome accents. It also offers up to 22 driver-assistance system and safety features.
3. Design and Aesthetics:
a. Exterior design and style
The 2023 Renault Megane E-Tech is a striking-looking electric car, riding quite high in the regular crossover style.
Its black wheel arches and trim at the doors’ bottom give off a rugged look. The arches are glossy instead of matte, which offers more class.
Below are the dimensions and weight details of the 2023 Renault Megane E-Tech:
| Items | Renault Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 220hp |
| Length | 4200 mm | 4200 mm | 4200 mm |
| Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Width with mirrors | 2055 mm | 2055 mm | 2055 mm |
| Height | 1505 mm | 1505 mm | 1505 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2685 mm | 2685 mm | 2685 mm |
| Weight Unladen (EU) | 1588 kg | 1699 kg | 1711 kg |
| Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR) | 2017 kg | 2116 kg | 2158 kg |
| Max. Payload | 504 kg | 492 kg | 522 kg |
| Cargo Volume | 440 L | 440 L | 440 L |
| Cargo Volume Max | 1332 L | 1332 L | 1332 L |
| Cargo Volume Frunk | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Roof Load | 80 kg | 80 kg | 80 kg |
| Tow Hitch Possible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Towing Weight Unbraked | 500 kg | 500 kg | 750 kg |
| Towing Weight Braked | 500 kg | 500 kg | 900 kg |
| Vertical Load Max | 75 kg | 75 kg | 75 kg |
b. Interior design and materials
The interior of the Megane E-Tech is smartly finished and packed with numerous soft-touch materials. It has few hard plastics, but they are concealed.
It has many soft trim, stitches, and fascinating textures covering the surfaces. It also offers various upholsteries such as textile, Alcantara, and faux leather.
c. Build quality and fit and finish
The Renault Megane E-Tech’s interior has excellent build quality. The Techno and Launch Edition trim’s interior materials are recycled plastic bottles, but it looks good. Nonetheless, its stitching has good quality.
The EV’s front window pillars are quite chunky, which may block you while navigating sweeping curves or exiting a corner.
d. Ergonomics and comfort
The Renault Megane E-Tech offers an excellent driving position with many seats and steering wheel configurations. The steering wheel is offset to the driver’s left.
The rear seats support a 60/40 configuration.
e. Cargo space and storage
The EV has multiple head and leg room in the front, with the following storage:
- door bins that can take a large bottle of water
- a fair-sized glovebox
- a small tray below the infotainment system for mobile phones (with wireless phone charging on Techno trim)
- large cubbies in the central armrest and front of it
- one cupholder
- long lower cubby has two movable dividers
4. Performance and Driving Dynamics:
a. Powertrain and battery specifications
| Powertrain | Renault Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 220hp |
| Total Power | 96 kW (131 PS) | 96 kW (131 PS) | 160 kW (218 PS) |
| Total Torque | 250 Nm | 250 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Drive | Front | Front | Front |
| Battery | Renault Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 220hp |
| Nominal Capacity | 43.3 kWh | 65.0 kWh | 65.0 kWh |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion |
| Number of Cells | 192 | 288 | 288 |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V | 400 V |
| Useable Capacity | 40.0 kWh | 60.0 kWh | 60.0 kWh |
| Cathode Material | NCM | NCM | NCM |
| Pack Configuration | 96s2p | 96s3p | 96s3p |
| Nominal Voltage | 352 V | 352 V | 352 V |
b. Acceleration and top speed
| Items | Renault Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 220hp |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.0 sec | 10.5 sec | 7.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 150 km/h | 150 km/h | 160 km/h |
c. Handling and ride quality
The Megane E-Tech’s magnet-free motor uses coils for the rotor and stator. Its electrically excited synchronous machine is the most efficient in most driving types without using rare-earth metals.
Its pulls have no glitches, and it also has a neat-liquid-smooth departure.
d. Braking performance
The brake pedal is completely blended, so it only utilizes the discs once the car reaches maximum regeneration.
Nonetheless, it still feels natural at most road speeds.
e. Regenerative braking
Plus and minus wheel paddles decide the regeneration strength. Level 1 is “sailing” when the driver lifts off. Meanwhile, level 4 is enough regeneration, minimizing the need for the brake pedal application at suburban speed.
5. Range, Charging, and Efficiency:
a. EPA-estimated range and real-world range
| Items | Renault Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 220hp |
| EPA Range | – | – | – |
| EVDB Real Range | 260 km | 380 km | 380 km |
| WLTP Range | TEL: 300 kmTEH: 292 km | TEL: 470 kmTEH: 448 km | TEL: 450 kmTEH: 429 km |
b. Charging options and infrastructure
| Home / Destination | Renault Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 220hp |
| Charge Port | Type 2 | Type 2 | Type 2 |
| Port Location | Right Side – Front | Right Side – Front | Right Side – Front |
| Charge Power | 22 kW AC | 22 kW AC | 22 kW AC |
| Charge Time (0->260 km) | 2h15m | 3h15m | 3h15m |
| Charge Speed | 120 km/h | 110 km/h | 110 km/h |
| Fast Charging | Renault Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 220hp |
| Fastcharge Port | CCS | CCS | CCS |
| FC Port Location | Right Side – Front | Right Side – Front | Right Side – Front |
| Fastcharge Power (max) | 85 kW DC | 129 kW DC | 129 kW DC |
| Fastcharge Time (26->208 km) | 29 min | 30 min | 30 min |
| Fastcharge Speed | 370 km/h | 530 km/h | 530 km/h |
c. Charging times for various charging levels (Level 1, Level 2, DC Fast Charging)
Home and Destination Charging (0 -> 100%)
| Charging PointType 2 (Mennekes – IEC 62196) | Max. Power | Power | TimeRenault Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp | RateRenault Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp | TimeRenault Megane E-Tech EV60 130hp | RateRenault Megane E-Tech EV60 130hp | TimeRenault Megane E-Tech EV60 220hp | RateRenault Megane E-Tech EV60 220hp |
| Wall Plug (2.3 kW) | 230V / 1x10A | 2.3 kW | 20h30m | 13 km/h | 30h45m | 12 km/h | 30h45m | 12 km/h |
| 1-phase 16A (3.7 kW) | 230V / 1x16A | 3.7 kW | 12h45m | 20 km/h | 19h15m | 20 km/h | 19h15m | 20 km/h |
| 1-phase 32A (7.4 kW) | 230V / 1x32A | 7.4 kW | 6h30m | 40 km/h | 9h45m | 39 km/h | 9h45m | 39 km/h |
| 3-phase 16A (11 kW) | 400V / 3x16A | 11 kW | 4h30m | 58 km/h | 6h30m | 58 km/h | 6h30m | 58 km/h |
| 3-phase 32A (22 kW) | 400V / 3x32A | 22 kW † | 2h15m | 110 km/h | 3h15m | 110 km/h | 3h15m | 110 km/h |
† = Limited by on-board charger, vehicle cannot charge faster.
Fast Charging (10 -> 80%)
| Charging PointCombined Charging System (CCS Combo 2) | Max. Power | Avg. Power | TimeRenault Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp | RateRenault Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp | TimeRenault Megane E-Tech EV60 130hp | RateRenault Megane E-Tech EV60 130hp | TimeRenault Megane E-Tech EV60 220hp | RateRenault Megane E-Tech EV60 220hp |
| CCS (50 kW DC) | 50 kW | 40 kW † | 44 min | 240 km/h | – | – | – | – |
| CCS (50 kW DC) | 50 kW | 47 kW † | – | – | 56 min | 280 km/h | 56 min | 280 km/h |
| CCS (100 kW DC) | 85 kW † | 60 kW † | 29 min | 370 km/h | – | – | – | – |
| CCS (150 kW DC) | 85 kW † | 60 kW † | 29 min | 370 km/h | – | – | – | – |
| CCS (150 kW DC) | 129 kW † | 88 kW † | – | – | 30 min | 530 km/h | 30 min | 530 km/h |
d. Energy consumption and efficiency
| EVDB Real Range | Renault Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 220hp |
| Range * | 260 km | 380 km | 380 km |
| Vehicle Consumption * | 154 Wh/km | 158 Wh/km | 158 Wh/km |
| CO2 Emissions | 0 g/km | 0 g/km | 0 g/km |
| Vehicle Fuel Equivalent * | 1.7 l/100km | 1.8 l/100km | 1.8 l/100km |
| WLTP Ratings (TEL) | Renault Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 220hp |
| Range | 300 km | 470 km | 450 km |
| Rated Consumption | 158 Wh/km | 155 Wh/km | 161 Wh/km |
| Vehicle Consumption | 133 Wh/km | 128 Wh/km | 133 Wh/km |
| CO2 Emissions | 0 g/km | 0 g/km | 0 g/km |
| Rated Fuel Equivalent | 1.8 l/100km | 1.7 l/100km | 1.8 l/100km |
| Vehicle Fuel Equivalent | 1.5 l/100km | 1.4 l/100km | 1.5 l/100km |
| WLTP Ratings (TEH) | Renault Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 220hp |
| Range | 292 km | 448 km | 429 km |
| Rated Consumption | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Vehicle Consumption | 137 Wh/km | 134 Wh/km | 140 Wh/km |
| CO2 Emissions | 0 g/km | 0 g/km | 0 g/km |
| Rated Fuel Equivalent | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Vehicle Fuel Equivalent | 1.5 l/100km | 1.5 l/100km | 1.6 l/100km |
TEL = Test Energy Low | TEH = Test Energy High
6. Vehicle Miscellaneous
| Items | Renault Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 220hp |
| Seats | 5 people | 5 people | 5 people |
| Isofix | Yes, 3 seats | Yes, 3 seats | Yes, 3 seats |
| Turning Circle | 10.4 m | 10.4 m | 10.4 m |
| Platform | RNM CMF-EV | RNM CMF-EV | RNM CMF-EV |
| Car Body | SUV | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | JC – Medium | JC – Medium | JC – Medium |
| Roof Rails | No | No | No |
| EV Dedicated Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes |
6. Infotainment and Connectivity:
a. Dashboard and instrument cluster
The cockpit is not just about silicon; it also has hardware switches. In effect, managing the climate and other systems, such as driver assist, is seamless and safe. It has a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 9-inch central touchscreen. The latter is primarily angled towards the driver.
Below that, it has a range of physical climate controls, adding to the effectiveness of the cabin.
b. Infotainment system and features
As mentioned, it is equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 9-inch central touchscreen. It is a little tilted towards the driver, allowing for easy reach. It is based on an Android Automotive OS with a well-organized system menu.
Drivers can also access Play Store and install apps such as music streaming services (i.e., Tidal and Spotify)
Higher trims offer Google services like Google Maps and two additional extra speakers.
c. Smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto)
All models offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring.
e. Over-the-air software updates
The Renault Megane E-Tech also has an over-the-air update (OTA) capability.
7. Safety and Driver Assistance:
a. Driver assistance and safety systems (ADAS)
The 2023 Megane E-Tech has 26 Advance Driver Assistance Systems (ADASs). These systems are divided into driving, parking, and safety.
Key features include:
- semi-autonomous driving
- context-aware adaptive cruise control
- parking assistance
- automatic emergency braking
- lane departure warning
- a blind spot sensor
- ultrasound sensors in the front and rear bumpers
- Active Driver Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
- Lake Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Emergency Lane Keeping Assist (ELKA)
- Rear Automatic Emergency Braking
8. Reliability, Maintenance and Warranty:
a. Reliability and build quality concerns
| Safety Rating (Euro NCAP) | 5-star |
| Rating Year | 2022 |
| Adult Occupant | 85% |
| Child Occupant | 88% |
| Vulnerable Road Users | 65% |
| Safety Assist | 79% |
For more details on the safety rating of this vehicle, visit euroncap.com
b. Maintenance and service requirements
Renault has not yet confirmed any relevant details regarding Megane E-Tech’s service plans. Nonetheless, it would probably offer the same packages as the Zoe.
Owners pay a fixed monthly amount to cover the EV’s first three to four services, depending on their chosen plan.
c. Warranty coverage and options
- five-year/100,000-mile: Defective parts replacement
- eight-year/100,000-mile: Battery pack
- Three-year: Roadside assistance package
d. Insurance costs and considerations
| Insurance group | Warranty | Service interval | Annual CC cost (20%/40%) |
| 26-27 | 5yrs/100,000 miles | TBC | From £148/£296 |
e. Resale value and depreciation
An average ownership period of three years/36,000, the Megane E-Tech’s should maintain approximately 57% of its original value.
9. Comparison to Competitors:
a. Compare the reviewed EV to its key competitors in terms of design, performance, range, and pricing
| Items | Renault Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp | MG ZS EV Standard Range |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.0 sec | 8.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 150 km/h | 175 km/h |
| Electric Range * | 260 km | 265 km |
| Total Power | 96 kW (131 PS) | 130 kW (177 PS) |
| Total Torque | 250 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Drive | Front | Front |
| Battery Nominal Capacity | 43.3 kWh | 51.1 kWh |
| WLTP Range | TEL: 300 kmTEH: 292 km | 320 km |
| Pricing (Germany) | €42,000 | €33,990 |
b. Discuss the unique selling points and drawbacks of the reviewed EV compared to its competitors
The Renault Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp appears inferior than the MG ZS EV Standard Range in almost all the aspects mentioned in the table above. Apart from that, the latter is also more affordable at €33,990 compared to Megane E-Tech’s €42,000 price.
Nonetheless, the Megane E-Tech EV40 offers a wide range of driver and safety assistance features (mentioned above). It also has a high-quality and attractive interior, which compliments its striking exterior.
10. Variants and Pricing:
a. List the available trim levels, options, and pricing
| Markets | Renault Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 130hp | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 220hp |
| United Kingdom | Not Available | Not Available | £36,995 |
| The Netherlands | €38,370 | €43,970 | €42,970 |
| Germany | €42,000 | €47,000 | €46,600 |
b. Discuss the value proposition and whether the vehicle is worth the investment
The Renault Megane E-Tech is worth the investment as it is fun driving with a competitive range between charges.
11. Conclusion:
a. Summarize your overall impressions of the electric vehicle
The 2023 Megane E-Tech is a competitive EV that offers a comfortable and enjoyable cruising experience. It has a decent range and offers many standard kits.
b. Provide a recommendation for potential buyers
The 2023 Renault Megane E-Tech is a good buy for a family car. It has decent range, great acceleration, and platform, which offer an enjoyable driving experience. It also offers a remarkable interior and exterior design.
