Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 – Electric Car Review

Overview – Renault Megane E-Tech EV60

The Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 is the manufacturer’s newest family hatch model, designed and built exclusively for battery power.

It is one of many upcoming electric cars from various brands, all powered by the same platform.

The Megane is a normal-sized hatch with a purpose-built structure that provides a roomy and well-stocked cabin.

It is slightly shorter than most models, with a low centre of gravity, and has a 110mm thick battery.

The design is more aerodynamic than a typical SUV, although there is a sporty version with widened arches. 

The Renault Megane E-Tech Electric is a stylish electric vehicle that makes a statement with its striking front-end design, sleek roofline, and two-tone color choices.

It has a 160hp or 220hp motor, 60kWh battery, and a 292-mile range.

It has a large boot at 440 litres, but its roofline compromises headroom in the back.  We discuss the Renault Megane UK price separately.

Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 – Energy And Carbon Efficiency

The Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 has impressively low carbon emissions figures, with 79 gCO2/mi (49 gCO2/km).

In comparison, the Ford Mustang Mach-E SR AWD has 108 gCO2/mi (68 gCO2/km), the BMW i7 xDrive60 has 104 gCO2/mi, the Volkswagen ID5 has 92 gCO2/mi, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 has 84 gCO2/mi, and the Jaguar I-Pace EV400 has 112 gCO2/mi.

As such, the Megane E-Tech EV60 is on the low end of the spectrum for carbon emissions of any of these vehicles, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.

EV Engine, Power and Performance

The Megane is powered by a 160hp or 220bhp motor, a 60kWh battery, and DC rapid charging, with a WLTP range of 280 miles.

The car is front-drive only, which gives it a larger boot capacity than the VW ID.3. Performance is lively and the steering is quick, while multi-link suspension provides a smooth and refined ride. 

It can hook up to a 130kW rapid charger for a full charge in about 70 minutes, or a 7.4kW home wall box charger for a full charge in about 9 hours.

It has a light and direct steering and soft-set suspension for a smooth ride, but its pillars and narrow rear window affect visibility. 

Interior Comfort and Cargo Dimensions

The interior is comfortable and spacious, with plenty of storage space and a large twin-screen dashboard.

It runs on the Android Automotive operating system, with CarPlay support for Apple users. The cabin is well-finished and the physical control systems are generous.

The back seat space may be tight for taller passengers. 

The Renault Megane E-Tech Electric has a two-screen dashboard with a 9-inch infotainment screen and 12.3-inch instrument display.

It has ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, and a gear selector mounted on the steering column.

The front of the cabin has useful storage areas, and the rear seat passengers have good knee room but not much headroom or space for their feet.

The boot is large at 440 litres, but has a deep lip and no adjustable boot floor or ‘ski hatch’.

Infotainment, Tech and Connectivity

The infotainment system includes a large twin-screen layout and generous rows of physical controls.

The operating system is skinned in a Renault-specific way, and Apple users can use CarPlay.

The car is also connected to the Renault mothership for analysis of battery and owner behaviour. 

The Megane has Google Assistant, Google Play store, and Google Maps.

It also has wireless phone charging, a little star-marked button on the steering wheel to switch on or off multiple items, and a column stalk for the wipers.

Safety Features

The Megane is equipped with many standard safety features, including airbags, seatbelts, and anti-lock brakes. Additional features may be available depending on the trim level. 

The Megane has a five-star safety rating, 85 per cent adult occupant protection rating, driver drowsiness alert, forward collision alert with emergency braking, cruise control with speed limiter, rear-view camera, rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, and emergency calling.

Warranty Information – Renault Megane E-Tech EV60

The Megane has a three-year warranty with unlimited mileage for the first two years and 100,000 miles for the third year.

The battery is warrantied for eight years and 100,000 miles. An extended warranty is also available for 12 months and 100,000 miles.

Final Thoughts – Renault Megane E-Tech EV60

The Megane is a desirable family hatch that is fun to drive and efficient on its battery.

The range may be a compromise for some, but the interior is comfortable and well-finished, and the performance is lively.

It may be a good choice for those who prefer conventional cars, but want the benefits of an electric vehicle.

Long Term Review Update – 2023

After several months behind the wheel of the Renault Megane E-tech, we now have a comprehensive update to our initial impressions.

What seemed like an attractive newcomer in the electric vehicle market now offers an enriched understanding of its long-term performance and handling, charging capabilities, connectivity issues, and overall durability.

Starting with Performance and Range, the Megane E-tech demonstrates a commendable range that varies based on weather and driving conditions.

While the range dips to around 140 miles in colder climes, it can extend up to 190 miles even in adverse weather conditions on motorways.

The handling and speed are noteworthy, offering a quiet and speedy experience on motorways, making it an ideal EV for both city and long-distance travel.

The Megane E-tech’s Charging Experience is another factor that impresses.

The car proved adaptable to various charging methods and locations. Superchargers, Ionity, and even a hydrogen-powered charging station provided by Toyota—this car has navigated them all.

Rapid en-route charging is possible and lets you make longer trips without significant delays.

One area we encountered challenges was with the car’s Connectivity.

We experienced difficulty connecting the Renault remote-charging app to the car, which was a minor inconvenience and an issue we hope Renault will address in future updates.

Technical Specifications