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The Renault Megane E-Tech Plug-In Hybrid Hatchback: The Complete Guide For Ireland

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Renault Megane E-Tech Plug-In Hybrid
Price: N/A
Type of electric vehicle: Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body type: Hatchback
Battery size: 9.8 kWh
Electric range (WLTP): 48 km
Tailpipe emissions: 28g (CO2/km)

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The Renault Megane PHEV Hatchback

Groupe Renault (Renault Group/ Renault S.A.), is a leading player in the global automotive sector. The company was established in 1899 and has over the course of its history, manufactured varied vehicles, to include: trucks, tractors, buses and even tanks! Renault has been part of the global Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance since 1999 (previously, Renault-Nissan Alliance). The partnership makes the partnership the 3rd largest automotive group in the world after Volkswagen and Toyota. Renault offers both, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) for passenger cars and commercial electric vehicles. The portfolio includes:

The Renault Megane family hatchback has been available since 1996. The concept version was unveiled in 2011. The hatchback is now in its fourth-generation, which was unveiled in 2015. The small family car received a facelift in 2020, which also included the introduction of the Megane plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

The Renault Megane PHEV is not class-leading, but for those keen on a more affordable entry into electric driving, it is an option worth considering.

Though the Megane electric car EV battery size is limited to 9.8 kWh, the EV is able to deliver a fuel-free zero-tailpipe emission range up to 48 km (WLTP). Of course, do keep in mind that the real-world EV range will be lower than the claimed WLTP range, and assuming a 43 km electric range is more realistic.

However, ample range to take advantage of the lower cost of driving an electric car. Depending on where the EV is charged and the cost of charging, driving an electric car will cost between 5 and 10 cents per km.

Also, the best way to enjoy the smoother and silent pure electric mode, is to make sure that the EV battery is ‘topped-up’ on a regular basis. This also helps with the long-term health and maintenance of the EV battery. The EV has a 3.6 kW onboard AC charger and is not capable of DC charging. This is quite typical of PHEVs, however, many plug-in electric cars offer a 7.4 kW onboard AC charger and capable of rapid charging. The EV can be fully charged in 3 hours.

Like all PHEVs, the pairing of an electric motor with the internal combustion engine (ICE), also helps reduce the tailpipe-emissions for the plug-in electric car. The claimed tailpipe-emissions is up to 28g CO2/km. The lower the emissions, the lower the local air pollution. A win-win for all!

The hybrid drivetrain also improves the overall efficiency of the electric vehicle (EV). Renault claims a fuel economy of 1.2 l/100 km. Of course, real-world fuel economy will be impacted by a number of factors, to include, the use of the e-mode i.e. the more the EV is driven on electric mode, the better the fuel economy.

The performance of the electric hatchback will not set the heart racing, but it does the job! The front-wheel drive Renault plug-in hybrid can achieve 0-100 km/h in 9.4 seconds, with a top speed of 200 km/h. The hybrid drivetrain delivers a maximum power of 160 HP (torque: 205 Nm), sufficient for city and motorway driving.

Do keep in mind that the additional weight of the onboard EV battery does impact the overall performance of the vehicle (EV Kerb weight: 1,599 kg).

The EV does have a host of standard features and technology. However, the boot space has been impacted by the placement of the EV battery, nevertheless, the EV offers a cargo volume up to 250 L and an otherwise spacious interior.

Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!

Gallery

The Renault Megane PHEV Hatchback (credit: Renault)

At A Glance
EV Type:Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body Type:Hatchback
Engines:Petrol-Electric
Available Ireland:No
Variants (2 Options)
Renault Megane Iconic (price N/A)
Renault Megane R.S. Line (price N/A)
EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:Available in one battery size: 9.8 kWh
Charging:DC charging not available. Onboard charger: 3.6 kW AC (0% – 100%: 3 hrs)
Charge Port:Type 2
EV Cable Type:Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:28g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:8 years or 160,000 km
Average Cost Of Residential Charging
Battery net capacity : 8.8 kWh€ 2.10
Battery net capacity : 11.6 kWh€ 2.78
Battery net capacity : 12.0 kWh€ 2.87
Battery net capacity : 13.10 kWh€ 3.14
Battery net capacity : 14.10 kWh€ 3.37
  • Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
  • Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
  • Note 1: SoC: state of charge
Dimensions
Height (mm):1445
Width (mm):1814
Length (mm):4359
Wheelbase (mm):2670
Turning Circle (m):11.2
Boot capacity (L):250
E-TECH Plug-In Hybrid 160 Auto
EV Battery Capacity:9.8 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):48 km
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):N/A
Fuel Consumption (l/100 km):1.2
Charging:DC charging not available. Onboard charger: 3.6 kW AC (0% – 100%: 3 hrs)
Top Speed:200 km/h
0-100 km/h:9.4 seconds
Drive:Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Max Power (HP):160
Torque (Nm):205
Transmission:Automatic
Seats:5
Doors:5
Kerb Weight (kg):1,599
Colours:7
NCAP Safety Rating:Five-Star

The Pros For Electric Cars

 Pros: Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Lower air pollution:One can never overestimate the negative impact of air pollution on the health of individuals, in particular, the vulnerable i.e. the children and the elderly. In Ireland, we have witnessed a significant increase in air pollution over the past decade, and yes, petrol and diesel tailpipe emissions have contributed to the worsening air quality across all our villages, towns and cities. Road transportation, though not the only source of pollutants, is a leading source, contributing up to 30%. Electric vehicles help reduce tailpipe emissions i.e. leading to improved air quality. Pure electric cars have no tailpipe, hence the expression ‘zero-tailpipe emissions’ or ‘zero-emissions’. PHEVs do have tailpipe emissions, given the hybrid nature of the vehicle (ICE and electric), but have far lower emissions than a conventional petrol or diesel car. Moreover, when a PHEV is driven on electric mode, the tailpipe emissions are zero! So bottom-line, both BEVs and PHEVs help improve air quality!
Lower running costs:It is a misconception that electric cars are more expensive than petrol and diesel cars. In fact, when electric cars costs are assessed on a life cycle basis, it is clear that EVs are cheaper to drive per km than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. For a start, charging an EV battery can cost as little as 5 €, and in most cases less than 10 €. However, refuelling a tank of fuel can cost up to 120 € (if not more!). An EV costs between 5 and 10 cents per km to drive, significantly lower compared to the cost of driving a petrol or diesel car.
Lower maintenance costs:This is applicable only for BEVs. Pure electric cars have far fewer moving parts compared to an internal combustion engine (ICE) and therefore there is less that can go wrong i.e. lower maintenance costs.
Lower risk of breakdown:Given the fewer moving parts in an electric car, it is not surprising that EVs have a lower probability for a breakdown compared to petrol or diesel vehicles. Most EV drivers have become astute at ‘topping up’ the EV battery on a regular basis to avoid the risk of being stranded due to an empty EV battery, one of the reasons for seeking breakdown assistance.
Convenience of charging at home:Convenience: an EV can be charged at the convenience of your own home or office (no need to visit a petrol station!). In fact, most EVs are charged overnight at home, when the energy prices are the cheapest!
Lower energy price volatility:EV charging costs have a lower price volatility and lower risk of price inflation, compared to petrol prices (petrol prices continue to negatively impact household finances as fuel prices increase).
Solar panels can significantly reduce charging costs:Residential solar panels can be used to lower the cost of charging. Using residential PV solar, the cost of generating and consuming electricity is nominal, if not free (apart from the upfront costs). Both residential and commercial solar installations (for business premises) are ways to hedge against energy price inflation and achieve ‘well-to-wheel’ zero-tailpipe emissions.
Lower noise pollution:In general, electric cars are silent with an in-built artificial noise generator primarily for pedestrian safety. The lower noise from EVs help improve the quality of our living environment, in particular, those living close to busy roads and thoroughfares.
Instant torque:Yes, electric vehicles (EVs) have better torque performance than internal combustion engines, hence the ‘torqueof the town’! If in doubt, look at a traffic light that has both these types of cars. As the signal changes to green, the electric car will quickly leave behind the diesel and petrol cars. The primary reason for the superior acceleration in electric cars, is that, electric vehicles deliver ‘peak or maximum torque’ instantaneously, producing immediate acceleration.  However, petrol and diesel cars take time to reach maximum or peak torque. In particular, diesel cars are known for being sluggish. Bottom-line, the better torque performance of electric cars, further contributes to the ‘fun factor’ in driving EVs compared to conventional cars.  
Better for the environment:Yes, apart from air pollution, in general, electric vehicles are better for the environment, given the lack of dependence on polluting fossil fuels.

The Cons For Electric Cars

 Cons: Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Retail prices expensive:It is true, in that, EVs are still expensive in regards to the retail price, compared to an equivalent petrol/ diesel car. However, the past few years has witnessed a reduction in the prices for EVs, along with the emergence of many affordable EV models. Moreover, aspiring owners of EVs have been able to take advantage of public grants. In our view, as the EV sector continues to mature with increased manufacturing volumes, consumer will gain from the inevitable price reduction as a result of the increased economies of scale. Moreover, the best way to acquire a car, is usually through a competitive financing plan like a lease, contract hire etc, making the acquisition of an EV affordable for many.
Limited DC charging infrastructure:Though 80% of EV charging is done overnight at home, public EV charging infrastructure remains a focal point for debates and aspiring/ current owners of EVs. In Ireland the public EV charging network is growing (2,000 charging points, mostly in urban areas). However, we agree that rapid DC charging infrastructure still needs to be deployed more widespread, helping EV drivers achieve a 0% – 80% EV battery charge in under 30 minutes.
Limited choice of EVs:There is no doubt that there has been a significant increase in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) that have been introduced over the past three years. However, the number of available pure electric cars are still limited in comparison to petrol and diesel vehicles. As global automotive manufacturers ramp-up the development and production of EVs, we expect the ‘consumer choice’ to widen significantly.
Limited availability of used EVs:Given the relatively nascent nature of the EV sector, it is not surprising that the used electric car market is still very small. We do expect the used EV marketplace to improve significantly in the coming years, giving aspiring EV owners a vast choice at competitive prices.

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Author

Ashvin Suri

Ashvin has been involved with the renewables, energy efficiency and infrastructure sectors since 2006. He is passionate about the transition to a low-carbon economy and electric transportation. Ashvin commenced his career in 1994, working with US investment banks in New York. Post his MBA from the London Business School (1996-1998), he continued to work in investment banking at Flemings (London) and JPMorgan (London). His roles included corporate finance advisory, M&A and capital raising. He has been involved across diverse industry sectors, to include engineering, aerospace, oil & gas, airports and automotive across Asia and Europe. In 2010, he co-founded a solar development platform, for large scale ground and roof solar projects to include, the UK, Italy, Germany and France. He has also advised on various renewable energy (wind and solar) utility scale projects working with global institutional investors and independent power producers (IPP’s) in the renewable energy sector. He has also advised in key international markets like India, to include advising large-scale industrial and automotive group in India. Ashvin has also advised Indian Energy, an IPP backed by Guggenheim (a US$ 165 billion fund). He has also advised a US$ 2 billion, Singapore based group. Ashvin has also worked in the real estate and infrastructure sector, to including working with the Matrix Group (a US$ 4 billion property group in the UK) to launch one of the first few institutional real estate funds for the Indian real estate market. The fund was successfully launched with significant institutional support from the UK/ European markets. He has also advised on water infrastructure, to include advising a Swedish clean technology company in the water sector. He has also been involved with a number of early stage ventures.

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