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 is headquartered in France and the French state owns a 15% stake in the company. The company manufacturers across a number of global locations, to include: Romania, Morocco, Türkiye, Spain, South Korea, Argentina and others! Renault has also been involved with motor sport, both, Formula 1 and Formula E. Renault offers both, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) for passenger cars and commercial electric vehicles. The portfolio includes:
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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 30 miles (WLTP). Of course, do keep in mind that the real-world EV range will be lower than the claimed WLTP range, and assuming a 25 mile 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 pence and 10 pence per mile.
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 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 charger and are 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! Moreover, company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK-11%) tax rates for PHEVs.
The hybrid drivetrain also improves the overall efficiency of the electric vehicle (EV). Renault claims a fuel economy up to 234 mpg. 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 0-62 mph in 9.4 seconds, with a top speed of 127 mph. 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.
The PHEV does not qualify for the UK government plug-in car grant (PiCG). Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet. You can lease electric vehicles (EVs) via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!
The Renault Megane PHEV Hatchback (credit: Renault)
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