New Renault Megane eVision Concept Previews Next Year’s Electric Hatchback

With a 26.8 kilowatt-hour battery at its core, Spring Electric is hardly expected to set roads on fire but at a time when affordability is a key factor that determines the fate of EVs for masses, it could well be a hot seller once officially launched.

While the images present the concept version of the Megane eVision, Renault said 95% of the design will remain on the production model.

"Mégane eVision reinvents Mégane, and Renault reinvents Renault". For reference, the Renault City K-ZE (basically the same car) costs from the equivalent of $8,700 in China (after local rebates and tax credits have been applied).

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).

At 4.21 meters (13.81 feet) long, the concept is 120 mm (4.7 inches) shorter than the current-gen Megane.

The company's latest show auto, dubbed the "Megane eVision", incorporates SUV-style large wheels, but with a more compact design. There's some hints of Renault, unsurprisingly, with the basic interior created to avoid unnecessary expense.

Dacia has supplied a maximum range for the Spring of 295 km (183 miles) as per the WLTP City cycle, while on the standard WLTP cycle that drops to 225 km (140 miles). It utilizes the CMF-EV architecture of the Nissan Ariya, which Renault intends to use for its other vehicles in the future.

The electric motor produces 217 HP and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) of torque, powering the front wheels and delivering a 0-62 miles per hour (100 km/h) in under eight seconds. Speaking of wheels, those 20-inch alloys may make it onto the production model because the CMF-EV has been developed for large-diameter wheels, starting with 18 inches.

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.

Under new Chief Executive Luca de Meo, the loss-making company aims to narrow its focus on its most profitable models and edge up prices, as well as make a big push on electric vehicles.

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