Summary
- CleanTechnica offers daily news updates via email or Google News
- The Renault Megane E-Tech is attractive and successful in sales
- Renault has a long history of innovation and success in car racing
- The Megane E-Tech has sold well in Australia and France
- The car features environmentally friendly production methods and a range of 454 km
Article
The author visited a Renault showroom to check out the Renault Megane E-Tech, after being pleasantly surprised by the Zoe six years ago. The Megane impressed with its attractive mid-range CUV design and a stand full of miniature models showcasing Renault’s 125-year pedigree. The French government owns 15% of Renault, which has a strong history of innovation and racing success. The recent success of the Renault 5 in the French BEV market prompted the visit to the showroom.
Renault’s Megane E-Tech has been performing well in Australia and France, with 266 units sold in Australia in 2024 and over 16,000 units sold in France. The car comes equipped with a type 2 to type 2 charging cable and has a WLTP range of 454 km (282 miles). The dealership reported selling a significant number of Megane EVs to government fleets, with plans to enter the Australian market. The sales rep highlighted the environmentally friendly production methods of Renault, with 70% of the car’s components sourced within 50 km of the assembly plant.
The sales rep at the dealership, with 15 years of experience, mentioned that buyers were trading in a range of vehicles for the Megane E-Tech, including BMWs, Nissan X Trails, and Toyota Camrys. He noted Tesla and BYD as competition, acknowledging their technological advancements. He emphasized the need to educate new EV buyers about range and charging protocols, as well as walking them through the features of the car. The Megane’s servicing costs were reported to be roughly half that of fossil-fueled Renaults.
The interior of the Megane E-Tech features innovative features like steering wheel stalks for indicators and lights, gear selection and wipers, and music selection. The car has a full metal roof, front-wheel drive, and a 60 kWh lithium-ion battery without rare earths in the motor. The sales rep mentioned that Renault plans to run Google IOS by 2026 and that spare parts are readily available in Australia. The cost of the Renault Megane E-Tech in Australia is AU$59,000, including on-roads, making it a competitive option for buyers interested in an EV with a racing pedigree.
The author highlighted the growth of the EV market in Australia and the increasing choices for consumers, with the Renault Megane E-Tech adding to the options available. Overall, the visit to the Renault showroom provided insight into the advancements in EV technology and the efforts of manufacturers like Renault to cater to the growing demand for electric vehicles. The Megane E-Tech stood out for its design, performance, and environmentally friendly production methods, making it a notable contender in the EV market.
Read the full article here
