IAA Munich 2021: Renault Reveals The Megane E-Tech

At the IAA Mobility Show in Munich, Renault has revealed a new EV and it's the Megane E-Tech. Renault will manufacture the all-new electric car in France at the company's Douai factory, located in the heart of ElectriCity, Europe's leading EV hub. The Megane E-Tech Electric pays homage to the company's heritage, through its design and versatility. It's still very much a Megane but now incorporates some more technological elements (rear micro-optical LED lights, OpenR screen) as well as others that draw heavily on the world of high-tech and hi-fi design (vents grilles, laser engraving on lower door protection grates decorations).

The all-new Megane E-Tech Electric can do a 0 to 100 kmph sprint in just 7.4 seconds.

With the extended wheelbase (2700 mm for a total length of 4210 mm) and reduced overhang offered by the new CMF-EV modular platform, Megane E-Tech Electric displays unprecedented proportions that have given designers the opportunity to design a powerful hatch with a mastered footprint. The battery is thinner than ever (only 110 mm) meaning designers could refine the external proportions while also boosting the car's interior roominess vs. footprint ratio and lowering the centre of gravity for a more fun and exciting driving experience.

Design elements and specific features give a sense of robustness: large 20-inch wheels, protective strips on the lower side and wheel arches, high beltline. The dropping line of the roof, wide tracks, and flush door handles (as standard) feel more like a coupé. The contained height, the spaciousness, and boot volume are reminiscent of traditional hatchback models.

Full-LED lighting in the front and back of the All-new Megane E-Tech Electric has been finely laser cut to express its modernity. The car features a brand-new lighting signature with 'electrifying' patterns that cross over to the central logo for heightened excitement. In the front, day lamps appear to extend beyond the projectors and continue their path up to the side air vents on the shield. In the rear, numerous laser-cut micro-optic fibres laid in criss-crossing lines create an intriguing 3D-like shimmer effect: overlapping lines appear to vibrate as if they were alive. In addition to the very elegant indicators, the brake lights are displayed in two clear lines, much like a 'pause' sign.

Each version of the All-new Megane E-Tech Electric incorporates flush door handles. When the driver or front passenger approaches to open a door, or when the vehicle is unlocked, the handles hidden in the body are automatically and electronically pushed out. They pop back into place after two minutes of remaining stationary, when the car begins to move forward, or when the doors are locked.

The Megane E-Tech embodies the full range of on-board technology built into Renault's new generation of electric vehicles. First seen on the TreZor (2016), SYMBIOZ (2017), and MORPHOZ (2019) concept cars, the brand-new OpenR single-screen combines - in an upside-down 'L' - the digital instrument panel and central console multimedia screen. This is the first time such technology will be standard issue for such cars and has been made possible thanks to many long years of work from the Renault Design, Product and Engineering teams. It also houses the central air vents, in keeping with the flush finish of the car's interior.

The OpenR screen is a 12.3-inch unit and incorporates state-of-the-art technology for a smooth and immersive experience.

The OpenR screen is made using reinforced glass for a more robust finish that is pleasing to touch and to look at. Screen brightness and light reflectiveness have both been optimised to ensure good visibility even in full sunlight; enhanced by the anti-reflection coat. The traditional dashboard sun guard has therefore been removed as no longer necessary, saving space and making the final look more streamline and modern.

The OpenR screen is a 12.3-inch unit and incorporates state-of-the-art technology for a smooth and immersive experience. In particular the latest-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with multiple display capabilities, advanced connectivity with USB-C ports, and essential technology for on-board safety and ADAS (e.g., 3D Around View Monitor). As for on-board software, the new OpenR Link system with Google built-in, for an intuitive and optimized connected experience.

The OpenR Link system is powered by Android Automotive OS which is based on Android OS, the same operating system used to run more than 75% of smartphones around the world*. Developed by Google, the software is open source, scalable, and always up to date.

Simple and intuitive, OpenR Link integrates all the functions that can be found in a smartphone or tablet, making the All-new Mégane E-TECH Electric an intuitive experience as it is fully integrated into the digital ecosystem of its user. It can also be used like a tablet, with either a single finger (short tap, long tap, scroll), multiple fingers (pinch, zoom, etc.), or by using the voice recognition software. It receives and displays notifications and allows you to easily navigate between its different spaces (Home/Navigation, Music, Phone, Applications, Vehicle) all thanks to the menu bar at the top of the screen.

The engine on the Megane E-Tech Electric is brand new. Developed within the Alliance, it is utilised by the various partners with little to no modifications. Made at two different sites: in Japan for Nissan; and in the Cleon factory in France for Renault.

The Megane E-Tech Electric pays homage to the company's heritage, through its design and versatility.

Known more specifically as the electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM), it has been consistently used by Renault Group and the Alliance for the past ten years and will continue to serve the brand in the future. It boasts better power output compared to permanent magnet motors and doesn't require rare earth metals, thereby reducing the environmental impact and cost of large-scale production.

Thanks to its optimised design, the engine is compact and only weighs 145 kg (clutch included), that is 10% less than the engine currently used on ZOE, despite a marked increase in both power and torque. The Megane E-Tech will get a 129 bhp and 250 Nm unit or a 215 bhp/300 Nm version.

It takes the All-new Megane E-Tech Electric can do a 0 to 100 kmph sprint in just 7.4 seconds.

The 40-kWh battery is made of 8 modules of 24 cells each, distributed over a single layer. The 60-kWh battery consists of 12 modules of 24 cells each, spread over two layers. In both cases, the battery's dimensions remain unchanged, including the record height of 110 mm. They come with an 8-year guarantee. In this interval, they will be replaced free of charge if they deteriorate to less than 70% of their nominal capacity.