Let's start by clearing up any possible misunderstanding: no, this is not an electric version of the current Mégane.

It is indeed a whole new generation, 100% electric, which will coexist for a few years with the one we know today.

Dedicated platform

Under the fluidly designed bodywork, a bit futuristic, rather successful in our opinion, hides a brand new technical base exclusively designed for the electric transmission. The batteries housed in the floor are an integral part of the structure, batteries which are also the thinnest in current production: 11 cm thick. This allows Renault to offer a car that is lower than its competitors, and therefore more aerodynamic and more economical. But Renault's number one objective is to offer the lightest electric vehicle in its class. In fact, with a minimum weight of 1,600 kg, the French is 200 kg lighter (with a comparable battery) than its closest competitor, the VW ID.3. It must be said that the Mégane is also the most compact in its category, with 4.2 meters long,or 15 cm less than the current Mégane.

Another advantage of lightness: while electric compacts generally have the engine at the rear and are therefore rear-wheel drive (rear-wheel drive), the Renault is an “all front”.

Which, according to the manufacturer, eliminates the need for a number of elements.

In short, between its weight and its front transmission, the Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric is the most “normal” of electric cars.

Promising, but ...

We repeat: this is a prototype that we have tried. For example, we will avoid judging the quality of the finish, which is already promising. However, we can say that the interior environment is pleasant, modern, and that the ergonomics of the controls and the infotainment system are generally good. It should also be noted that if the rear roominess is not as generous as in a Kia EV6 for example, the Mégane has the excuse of being 40 cm shorter. That's less to park in town!

On the road, you can clearly see the lightness of the car, which gives the impression of driving a good gasoline car. Excellent point! Very good rating also for comfort, up to the reputation of the brand, and which contrasts with the usual harshness of the latest electric compacts. Overall, this Mégane is therefore very convincing, frankly pleasant to drive. But beware: our car was having trouble finding its traction. On the wet ground of our test, the immediate arrival of the electric torque made the wheels spin for too long a time before the electronics came to remedy the problem, too brutally. But the engineers promised us: the solution has already been found, and will be applied to production cars. We hope so!

The Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric will therefore officially arrive next spring.

The catalog will include 130 and 218 hp versions, with two battery choices.

One of 40 kWh for 300 km of average WLTP autonomy, the other of 66 kWh for 470 km.

See you soon for more detailed impressions ...

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The Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric 218 hp in a few figures

  • Motor: electric;

    218 hp;

    300 Nm

  • Transmission: to the front wheels

  • Gearbox: auto 1 report

  • L / l / h (mm): 4.210 / 1.780 / 1.500

  • Empty weight (kg): 1.624

  • Boot space (l): 440

  • 0 to 100 km / h (sec.): 7.4

  • Max speed (km / h): 160

  • Batteries (kWh): 66

  • Electric range (km): 470

  • Price (€): NC

  • Car

  • Renault

  • Electric car

  • Automotive