This will be the first 100% ‘Made in Electricity’ model, the new industrial center of the Renault Group and European leader in electric vehicles.
Photo: Renault / Courtesy
the Megan of Renault has been a staple in the range of the French carmaker since the mid-1990s, and the model has taken various forms, from hatchbacks to sedans, vans and even convertibles. However, it is worth noting that it has never been seen like this. Debuting on Monday at the IAA Munich Motor Show, this one Renault Megane E-Tech Electric shows that the future of the nameplate is not just an SUV, it is also an EV.
# IAA21 | Today we had the opportunity to welcome the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, to our stand #MunichMotorShow.
The occasion for @LucaDe_Meo introduce the new Megane E-TECH Electric and reiterate our commitment to #Sustainable mobility made in Europe 🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/epNoVHw0TB– Renault Group (@renaultgroup) September 7, 2021
An example of a safer electric car
The truth is that the underlying specifications of the Megane E-Tech are quite common, but this model presents an interesting innovation that could illustrate a way for safer electric vehicles for brands everywhere. According to Renault, E-Tech has “special access for rescue teams to use” when working to put out an electrical fire.
Born out of an association between the carmaker and French firefighters, Renault says it is possible to put out a battery fire in as little as five minutes compared to the one to three hours it can take with most electric vehicles.
More information available for rescue teams
Electric vehicle battery fires, including thermal leakage incidents due to overload or damaged packages, have been very problematic for emergency workers as the fires burn extremely hot and are difficult to put out with conventional equipment. Even without a fire, the much higher voltage present in lithium-ion battery packs is a safety risk for lifeguards.
Related key features include a QR code on the windshield that emergency workers can scan for quick access to the vehicle’s safety map, including where to safely cut the vehicle, as well as information on where the battery and air bags. Finally, there is a battery disconnect switch located under the rear bench.
Exclusive electric platform from Renault
As for the rest of the vehicle, seated on Renault’s new exclusively electric CMF-EV platform, the shape of the crossover of the Megane E-Tech was inspired by the Morphoz concept from last year. While this production model does not change the way its showcar background, E-Tech Electric features a wide range of sustainable and forward-looking technology, including an interior consisting of 100% recycled upholstery and vehicle charging. on the grid that will allow the Megane to return energy to an owner’s home when useful.
The heart of the cabin is one new Open R infotainment architecture based on Google’s Android Automotive operating system (Similar to the newer Volvo and Polestar models). Top-level models feature a set of 12.3-inch digital indicators, as well as a 12-inch multimedia display, but even the basic models have a 9-inch screen.
Two motors available for the Megane E-Tech Electric
Renault’s Megane E-Tech will be available with two powertrains, including a basic adjustment limited to only 130 horsepower, Or there is one premium option with 215 hp and 221 pound-feet of still modest torque, good for a 0 to 60-time at 7.4 mph.
The model will be offered with 40 kilowatt-hour and 60 kWh battery packs, the first valid for 186 miles of range and the second for more robust 292 miles (certainly calculated in the more lenient WLTP test cycle of Europe). Regardless of the package size you choose, the Megane E-Tech can take advantage of 130 kW fast charging stations, which rest up to 186 miles in 30 minutes.
Renault has not yet detailed when the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric will be available.
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