Renault has introduced a major update to its electric hatchback, the Megane E-Tech. The model received an increased battery, faster charging, and a significantly redesigned exterior, which should help the car remain competitive amidst the rapid advance of Chinese brands.
The main technical change is a new traction battery with a capacity of 67 kWh instead of the previous 60 kWh. Thanks to this, the range according to the WLTP cycle has increased from 460 to 500 kilometers.
The increase in capacity did not come without compromises. The new battery turned out to be heavier, adding about 100 kg to the car's weight. The curb weight of the updated Megane E-Tech reached 1772 kg. To accommodate larger batteries, engineers also had to increase the ground clearance by 20 mm.
However, the powertrain remained the same. The electric motor on the front axle develops 220 hp, but Renault re-tuned the suspension and steering to compensate for the increased weight of the car.
An equally important update was the charging system. The maximum DC fast charging power increased from 130 to 165 kW. Now, charging the battery from 15 to 80% can be done in approximately 24 minutes.
In addition, the optional 22 kW charger supports Vehicle-to-Load and Vehicle-to-Grid technologies. This allows the car to be used as an external power source for power tools, household appliances, or even a private home, provided the appropriate infrastructure is available.
The model's exterior has also changed. The front end received a new grille, a lower-positioned Renault logo, and LED daytime running lights in the style of a checkered racing flag. The company directly hints at a connection with the iconic Megane RS, which was previously considered one of Europe's best sports hatchbacks.
The interior retains the signature layout with two 12-inch displays, but the infotainment system has received an updated interface and Gemini artificial intelligence support. A heat pump and battery pre-conditioning system are now standard.