Renault Opens UK Orders for New Scenic, Megane EVs
The headline news is under the floor. Both cars have been facelifted for the new model year with new battery packs that bring more range and, in the Megane's case, a major upgrade to charging speed.
THE MEGANE: NEW BATTERY, FULL GRANT
The updated Megane E-Tech swaps its old 60 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery for a new 67 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) pack. The result is a WLTP range of up to 493 km — 306 miles — a solid jump over the outgoing car.
Peak DC fast charging rises from 130 kW to 165 kW, and Renault quotes a 15-to-80 per cent charge in just 24 minutes, roughly a quarter quicker than before. On a long motorway run, that is the difference between a short coffee stop and a long one.
The LFP chemistry matters beyond the numbers. The more sustainable battery production and reduced use of rare-earth metals helped the Megane qualify for the top band of the UK's Electric Car Grant — £3,750 instead of the £1,500 it previously received. That one change wipes more than £2,000 off the effective price.
In the UK the updated Megane E-Tech is offered in Techno and Esprit Alpine trims, starting at £28,245 with the grant included.
THE SCENIC: NEARLY 400 MILES OF RANGE
The bigger Scenic E-Tech gets an 89 kWh battery in its 220 Long Range version, pushing WLTP range to 642 km — 399 miles — putting it among the longest-range electric family SUVs on sale. A smaller 67 kWh LFP battery version is expected to join the range later.
Peak DC charging stays at 150 kW, but Renault has reworked the charging curve: the 15-to-80 per cent time drops from 37 minutes to 28, which should make rapid charging noticeably less of a chore on longer trips.
UK buyers can choose from Techno, Techno Esprit Alpine and Iconic Esprit Alpine trims, with the entry-level Techno starting at £33,245 after the £3,750 grant is applied.
THE GRANT EFFECT
The timing is no accident. Both Renaults now qualify for the top £3,750 band of the Electric Car Grant, joining a 17-model list that includes the BMW iX1 and iX2, the Fiat 500e, the Ford Puma Gen-E and Renault's own R4 and R5.
For the Megane, the grant makes it one of the cheapest electric family hatchbacks in the UK. The Volkswagen ID 3 starts at £31,080 with only a £1,500 grant behind it, and the Vauxhall Astra Electric is £28,495 on the same terms. The Scenic, at £33,245, sits well below the Tesla Model Y (from £41,990) and undercuts Chinese rivals like the Geely EX5 (from £31,990).
Renault opened orders for the revised Scenic in France in September, followed by the Scenic and Megane in Germany later that month. The UK launch completes the trio of big European markets.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR BUYERS
If you are shopping for an electric family car, the grant maths now matters as much as the brochure figures. The Megane's step up to the full £3,750 grant turns it from a good-value EV into one of the cheapest ways into electric family motoring — and with 306 miles of range and 24-minute fast charging, the car behind the price tag has genuinely improved too.
For those who need more space, the Scenic's near-400-mile range removes the biggest objection to going electric: range anxiety. At £33,245 after the grant, it undercuts most long-range rivals by thousands, making it one of the strongest value propositions in the electric SUV market right now.
Both cars are available to order now.
Full specs and prices for the Megane: https://drivepedia.site/car/renault-megane-e-tech-2024
FAQ
How much is the new Renault Megane E-Tech in the UK? Prices start at £28,245, including the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant.
What is the range of the updated Megane E-Tech? Up to 306 miles (493 km) on the WLTP cycle, thanks to a new 67 kWh LFP battery.
How fast does the new Megane E-Tech charge? Peak DC charging is 165 kW, giving a 15-to-80 per cent charge in 24 minutes.
How much is the updated Renault Scenic E-Tech? From £33,245 in the UK after the £3,750 grant, in entry-level Techno trim.
What is the Scenic E-Tech's range? Up to 399 miles (642 km) WLTP in 220 Long Range form, from its new 89 kWh battery.
Which cars qualify for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant? Seventeen models currently qualify for the top band, including the Scenic E-Tech, Megane E-Tech, BMW iX1, Fiat 500e and Ford Puma Gen-E.