Renault has given its Megane E-Tech electric a timely price cut, with the updated family hatchback now starting at £28,245 in the UK after qualifying for the Government’s full £3,750 Electric Car Grant.
That puts the Megane firmly into cheaper-EV territory, while the larger Scenic E-Tech also benefits from the maximum grant and starts at £33,245. Renault says both models are available to order in the UK, although the exact specification and grant position should be checked at the point of purchase because the scheme applies only to approved versions.
Renault Megane price and specs
The headline change for the Megane is the battery. The updated car uses a 67kWh LFP battery with a 220hp electric motor, replacing the previous 60kWh NMC setup. Renault quotes up to 306 miles of WLTP range, while maximum DC charging rises to 165kW. A 15-80% rapid charge takes around 24 minutes according to Renault.
The LFP chemistry also means the Megane uses less reliance on nickel and cobalt than the outgoing battery technology. Renault says the new battery uses a cell-to-pack design, with 232 cells packed into the battery structure to make better use of the available space.
The facelift brings more than a battery swap, too. The Megane gets revised exterior styling, updated technology and a simplified range centred on Techno and Esprit Alpine versions. Renault has also added features including driver monitoring and further improvements to its Google-based openR link infotainment system.
Renault Megane interior and practicality
Inside, the Megane keeps its dual-screen layout, with Renault's openR system incorporating Google services. The car also retains a 440-litre boot, which rises to 1,332 litres with the rear seats folded. That gives it the sort of everyday practicality you'd expect from a family hatchback without turning it into a bulky SUV.
There is also a heat pump, heated front seats and a 12-inch multimedia display on the Techno model. Higher-specification versions add equipment such as adaptive cruise control, upgraded seats and a Harman Kardon sound system.
The Megane's 220hp motor is good for a claimed 0-62mph time of around 7.6 seconds on the new model, so there is plenty of performance on paper. This is a first-look piece, though, so I'd wait for independent road tests before making any claims about how the revised car actually drives. Renault's technical changes look promising, particularly the quicker charging, but real-world range will depend heavily on weather, speed and driving conditions.
Renault Scenic price and range
The larger Scenic E-Tech electric also gets a boost. Renault currently lists the entry-level Techno at £33,245 including the £3,750 Electric Car Grant, with a 220hp motor and an 87kWh battery. Renault's UK figures currently give this version a 381-mile WLTP range.
The Scenic remains the more practical choice of the two, with its taller body and family-focused cabin. It is 4.47 metres long and has five seats, while Renault's equipment list includes a 12-inch openR link screen, Google built-in and a two-zone climate control system on the Techno version.
That makes the Scenic particularly interesting for families who want an electric car with more room without moving into the £40,000-plus end of the market.
How the Renault Megane compares with rivals
The Megane's new price changes the conversation. At £28,245, it sits below cars such as the Volkswagen ID.3 and Vauxhall Astra Electric, although exact prices and grant bands can change as manufacturers update their ranges.
The Government's Electric Car Grant currently has two main levels, with a maximum £3,750 discount for Band 1 cars and £1,500 for Band 2. The grant is deducted by the seller rather than claimed separately by the buyer.
For buyers, that distinction matters. The grant isn't simply a permanent £3,750 reduction attached to every electric Renault, and the eligibility list can change as new versions arrive.
Renault Megane verdict
The updated Megane E-Tech looks much more compelling at £28,245. The bigger battery, 306-mile claimed range and 165kW charging make it a much stronger proposition on paper, while the price puts it within reach of buyers who may have previously dismissed electric family cars as too expensive.
I'd pick the Megane for buyers who want a relatively compact EV and don't need SUV-sized practicality. If you regularly carry a family and plenty of luggage, the Scenic's extra space makes its £5,000 premium easier to justify.
The important bit is that Renault has improved the Megane where EV buyers actually notice it, especially battery capacity and charging speed. At this new price, the Megane is one of the electric cars I'd have on the shortlist.