Renault previews BEV Megane with Megane eVision

RENAULT has unveiled its latest concept car as the French brand moves towards its goal of halving its 2010 CO2 emissions by 2030 with the production version of the Megane eVision set to be the first model underpinned by the brand’s new modular CMF-EV platform.

Renault says the new concept “makes the most of the new platform” and features one of the thinnest batteries available.

Slated for a UK introduction in 2022, the production version of the Megane eVision will enter the marketplace in the B-segment.

According to Renault Group CEO Luca De Meo, the Megane eVision concept and subsequent production version will “re-invent the classical hatchback in an emotional way” and will offer “the roominess of a C-segment vehicle” thanks to its thin battery and compact powertrain.

“Thanks to our brand-new Alliance platform CMF-EV, we broke the rules of size, use,

design and energy efficiency to imagine the Megane eVision show-car,” he said.

“We fully leveraged the potential of pure electric platform … the Megane eVision is a masterpiece of packaging.

“Megane eVision reinvents Megane, and Renault reinvents Renault.”

The concept car blends a series of current and future styling cues including a new evolution of Renault’s signature hanging daytime running lights and narrow radiator grille stemming from the central badge, while the headlights are contained within said grille.

Compared to the current-generation Megane, the eVision, in concept form at least, appears to take the stance of an SUV rather than a traditional hatchback, standing some 58mm taller (1447mm vs 1505mm).

As for length, the concept car measures in 149mm shorter (4359mm vs 4210mm) than the current-generation Megane and 14mm narrower (1814mm vs 1800mm) with a 31mm-longer wheelbase (2669 vs 2700mm).

The whole package then rolls on 20-inch alloy wheels shod with 245/40 rubber courtesy of Continental.

“The Megane eVision is a dynamic hatchback combining design cues inspired by city cars, SUVs and even coupes,” Renault said in a statement.

“It previews Renault’s future family of electric cars combining character, efficiency and passenger comfort.”

The interior has been designed and arranged with an emphasis on the interactions between man and machine with the star of the show being Renault’s Livingtech ‘technological ecosystem’ – for all intents and purposes a smart interior.

As previously mentioned, the production version of the Megane eVision will be the first Renault to be underpinned by the brand’s new modular CMF-EV platform which has been specifically developed around slimline batteries to maximise interior space and dynamics.

The battery in this particular case is a 60kWh pack powering a front-mounted electric motor with the whole system developing 160kW of power and 300Nm of torque, enough to theoretically launch the car from 0-100km/h in “under eight seconds”.

Renault has not published a claimed or predicted driving range for the Megane eVision but has revealed the battery can be fast charged at up to 130kW (DC).

With the CMF-EV platform set to underpin all of Renault’s future EVs, the physical shape of the chosen batteries can be altered to suit the style of vehicle in question – i.e. as thin as possible for a low centre of gravity in a sports model.

According to Renault, the platform even has the capacity to accommodate a second electric motor – in the rear – to not only up the power stakes but create all-wheel-drive variants.

“This is just the beginning; a whole new generation of innovation-packed electric vehicles is to come,” Mr De Meo said.

Renault currently offers one dedicated EV in Australia – the Kangoo ZE Maxi van – with the Zoe EV hatch axed earlier this year.

Renault Australia has sold 4322 vehicles overall so far this year ending September.