How does a latest-generation C-segment electric car - such as Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric - behave over medium and long distances, i.e. in conditions that in the past were met with a good turbodiesel? The ANSA Motori test, spread over a total of over 1,000 km, tried to give an answer to this doubt that is central in consolidating the relationship of satisfaction between the customer and the battery-powered model. Comfortable despite its compact size, silent (for the excellent filtering of vibrations and aerodynamic hisses) and easy to handle, Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric - it must be said immediately - is a car that surprises for its qualities, considering that it is an electric model.
Qualities that make you want to accumulate kilometers and even long trips, despite a range that is not exceptional as it ranges from 420 km on open roads or in the city (provided that traffic is fluid) to 250-260 km on the highway.
In this context, the electric C segment of the Lozenge highlights not only the ability to regenerate the charge very effectively through braking and deceleration (it can happen to travel a short route and find yourself with a greater autonomy than the start) and also the possibility of taking advantage of the valuable advice of the Google Planner trip planning system.
Perfectly integrated into Google Maps navigation, the system provides - once you have entered a destination - the total mileage and arrival time without taking into account the recharges. Then, by clicking on 'stop for refills' on the screen, a list of charging stations appears with the dwell time required for each refueling.
Recall that Mégane E-Tech Electric uses a 60 kWh battery pack and that it is approved for a consumption (mixed Wltp) of 16.1 kWh/100 km. The real ones, however, range from 21-22 kWh per 100 km, in unfavorable traffic and traffic situations, to 15 kWh that can be recorded in optimal conditions and with the electrical consumption of accessories and on-board services at a minimum.
As you can imagine, parking times are strongly influenced by the type of socket or column: a 2.3 kW domestic system fully charges Mégane E-Tech Electric in 30.3 hours, time that drops to 18 hours with a 3 kW socket and to 9.15 hours with a 7.4 kW Wallbox and 32 Ampere.
If you switch to public columns, the 11 kW ones take 18 hours and the 22 kW ones drop to 9.15 hours. Finally, DC fast charging points allow you to go from 15% to 80% in just 35 minutes.
Look at the photos Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric
To optimize charging and thus to make the battery as efficient as possible, Mégane E-Tech Electric is equipped with a cell preconditioning system that is managed by computer. When a charging station is selected in the navigation system to be reached as a stop, the battery temperature is automatically raised to the right level so that its absorption capacity is optimal.
Mégane E-Tech Electric's new CMF-EV platform houses the 160 kW (220 hp) compact electric motor at the front, making it one of the few 'all ahead' electric cars on the market. Optimised weight distribution, an elongated wheelbase, a fully flat floor and a low centre of gravity increase agility and make journeys pleasant both in the front seats and on the rear bench.
Thanks to the presence of a sophisticated electric power steering, characterized by a reduction ratio lowered to 12 (ie the lowest value on the market) this car of the Lozenge is also appreciated for a much more agile and direct steering.
With a torque of 300 Nm, delivered almost instantaneously, Mégane E-Tech Electric can accelerate from 0 to 100 in 7.4 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 160 km / so as not to penalize consumption excessively. (ANSA).
