Renault removes the entry-level version of its Megane E-Tech

Bad news for small drivers, with the outright removal of the Renault Megane E-Tech EV40 which allowed the 100% electric compact sedan to offer an attractive entry price.

This is a poor signal at a time when inflation is soaring, both in stores and for manufactured products like automobiles. To such an extent that some manufacturers have found a solution by reducing equipment to lower their car prices. We especially think of the restyled Volkswagen ID.3, which will probably be cheaper than the current model (read our article on the restyled Volkswagen ID.3).

At Renault, the trend is rather towards simplifying the range, especially the least sold versions. The Renault Megane E-Tech electric had already lost the Standard Charge version a few weeks ago; now, the 130 hp motorization simply disappears from the catalog.

Available from €39,000 in Equilibre Boost Charge, it offered a fairly attractive final price after deduction of the bonus, set at €34,000 net. The 130 hp motorization provided quite respectable performance and was enough, after all, for a sedan in this category. It’s true that the 40 kWh battery did not allow for an impressive range, with around 260 km in real conditions, or even 280 km in city? Not extraordinary, but sufficient for certain cars that stick to short daily trips or company fleets.

A price now close to that of a Tesla

In terms of charging, this version allowed up to 22 kW in AC and 85 kW, which was more than enough for a 40 kWh battery capacity.

Now, it will be necessary to count on the Megane E-Tech 100% electric Equilibre EV60 220hp super charge for entry-level, with a pre-bonus price set at €42,000. For comparison, a Tesla Model 3 starts at €44,990, which is 2,990 € more!

Read also: Comparative test Renault Megane E-Tech vs. Volkswagen ID.3