Electric Renault Megane E-Tech unveiled in pre-production form

KUALA LUMPUR: First previewed as the Megane eVision concept last year, the pre-production version of the Megane hatchback is here. Dubbed as the Megane E-Tech, the EV underpins the company’s new modular CMF-EV platform developed by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. The same architecture underpins the Nissan Ariya.

Earlier, Renault teased the Mégane E-Tech’s interior and now it unveils the car’s exterior, wrapped in camouflage created by the Renault Design team. However, we can still see its whole shape, vertical front end housing the brand's new logo, pronounced shoulders, and a large rear spoiler. The headlights are extremely slim and carry a wave-like design seen on the concept.

About the Megane E-Tech powertrain, Renault confirms that the EV will employ a 217 PS electric motor paired with a 60-kWh lithium-ion battery, delivering a range of 450 km on a single charge. However, the rumours also suggest a dual-motor version of the EV, just like the Nissan Ariya range-topping model. It delivers a maximum output of 306 PS and has a bigger 87-kWh battery pack.

For charging, the Renault Megane E-Tech will be provided with an 11 KW onboard charger supporting fast charging. The fast charging technology will allow the electric hatchback to be charged at up to 130 kW.

As far as the interior design is concerned, the automaker unveiled an interior shot of the electric hatchback last month. As per that, the EV is likely to have a wide instrument panel, a portrait-oriented touchscreen for the infotainment system, and minimalist design philosophy. 

Currently, Renault has planned to manufacture 30 pre-production units of the electric Megane, to test them on public roads this summer. During road testing, all the models will be wrapped in the same patterned wrap. After testing, the electric hatchback will enter the final production phase to make a debut sometime next year.

Speaking about the company’s clean energy plans, it aims to be the “greenest brand in Europe as of 2030, with 9 out of 10 sold cars being electrified.” It also targets to have the highest percentage of recycled materials used in its vehicles by 2030.

Also read: Renault Arkana E-Tech Hybrid revealed, full details out