Renault unveils fully-electric next generation Megane

Renault has unveiled the next generation Megane, which has been re-born as a fully-electric SUV.

The Megane E-Tech will be the first car to be launched under Renault's plan for 10 new BEVs by 2025.

The model, which is built on the manufacturer’s new electric vehicle CMF-EV platform, will be available with a choice of two batteries: 40kWh for a range of up to 186 miles and 60kWh for up to 292 miles.

The motor delivers is available with either 96kW (130PS) or 160kW (218PS) outputs, providing a 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds.

Megane E-Tech Electric is available with multiple charging solutions and is compatible with all AC charging infrastructure.

It can also be compatible with DC chargers up to 130 kW, which means it can take up to 186 miles of range in 30 minutes.

Renault says the interior dimensions of all-new Megane E-Tech Electric are similar, if not better, than those of the ICE-powered Megane.

The boasts a total volume of 440 litres while the charging cables have their own 22-litre storage area accessible via a removeable boot floor panel.

All upholstery is made out of 100% recycled materials, whicle the cabin features Renault’s OpenR combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and 12-inch central console multimedia screen.

The entry-level features a nine-inch multimedia screen.

The ‘instrument panel’ section of the OpenR screen accommodates four different driver displays according to their priorities: driving layout, navigation layout, zen layout and battery layout.

Megane E-Tech Electric features a new three-part system to increase efficiency: a new heat pump which improves the battery’s coefficient of performance by 30% compared to Zoe with a new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system, an intelligent system for managing energy lost by the batteries and powertrain which reuses it to heat the cockpit.

Predictive charging management uses the route on the vehicle’s navigation system to set the battery at the appropriate temperature as the car nears a planned charging point, making the best use of the charging point’s capabilities for a faster, fuller charge.

Renault says Megane E-Tech Electric is available with 26 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

These include lane keeping assist, rear automatic emergency braking, full auto park, smart rear view mirror, around view monitor 3D, and occupant safe exit, which warns an occupant of an approaching vehicle, motorcycle or cyclist as they open a door.

In July, Renault confirmed the pricing and specification of the new Megane E-Tech hatchback plug-in hybrid, with on-the-road prices starting from £29,495.