2022 – 2023 Electric Cars Electric and Hybrid Cars, SUVs and Pickup Trucks: News, Reviews, Prices and Releases
As a part of the midcycle refreshment, the well-known French multinational automobile manufacturer added a plugin-in hybrid to the Megan lineup. The new model will carry a nameplate Renault Megane E-Tech, and lit will be available in the summer of 2020. The upcoming hybrid will have an electric-only range of 30 miles (50 km), while the top speed will be 85 mph (135 km/h), without the interference of the gasoline powertrain.
Also, the company stated that electric Megan would have an electric range of 40 miles (65 km) in urban environments. It will use energy from a 9.8 kWh battery pack, and alongside the naturally aspired 1.6-liter internal combustion engine connected to two electric motors provide a total output of 160 hp. However, Renault didn0t reveals full specs of the upcoming plug-in hybrid. Still, the company expects emission of 40g/km CO2.
Renault Megane E-Tech Release Date, Price, and Design Changes
2020 Renault Megane E-Tech will go into production after the Capture E-Tech, the company’s plug-in version of the popular subcompact crossover. Moreover, these two models will be very similar and even share the same engine. So, expect to see Megan Plug-In Hybrid before the summer of 2020. However, at the market launch, the hybrid will be available only in the estate version, which will be called Grandtour.
According to the automaker, the hatchback variant will follow soon after the Grandtour. The official prices for these models are still unknown. As for the design, Renault announced that the E-tech would get a facelift. Also, the cabin will be refined and updated with modern technology and more EV-like features. For example, the latest version of the “Easy Link” multimedia system will be available, and an autonomous Level 2 system as well.
Renault Megane E-Tech Competition
Seat Leon Plug-In Hybrid
One of the main European rivals of the forthcoming 2020 Renault Megane E-Tech will be Seat Leon eHybrid. This model offers a 13 kWh battery and an all-electric driving range of around 37 miles (60 km). The Seat eHybrid will be part of the fourth generation of the Leon model, besides the gasoline (TSI), diesel (TDI), and mild-hybrid (eTSI) versions.
Furthermore, the Spanish company, which is part of the Volkswagen Group, invested around €1.1 billion for developing a brand-new hybrid variant of famous Leon. The hybrid will be available in two versions: five-door hatchback and estate (combi). Also, there will be six trim levels available: SE, SE Dynamic, FR, FR Sport, Xcellence, and Xcellence Lux.
Škoda Octavia Plug-In Hybrid
The fourth generation of Škoda Octavia will get the plug-in hybrid version for the first time. It will share the same MQB platform with the Golf, but it will be more comfortable. Škoda Octavia Plug-In Hybrid delivers 105.9 in (2.69 m) of the wheelbase length, which is around 1.96 inches (5 cm) more room for the passengers in the back. However, the Czech automobile manufacturer (also part of the Volkswagen Group) didn’t reveal the liftback weight, which is crucial info regarding the vehicle efficiency.
Kia XCeed
Besides the European competitors, Renault Megane E-Tech Plug-In Hybrid will compete with Korean representatives as well. Kia just announced two new plug-in models for the European market. Currently, the company only sells the Niro as a PHEV. But, the XCeed and Ceed Sportswagon will be added to the lineup as well. Under the hood of both vehicles will be the same combination. It is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gasoline powertrain, matted with an electric motor. The total output is 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque (265 Nm).
Moreover, Kia’s models will be unique for using a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, rejecting the continuously variable transmission trend. On top of that, an 8.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack will provide an all-electric range of 36 miles (57 km). On the other hand, Ceed Sportswagon will go one mile further before the gasoline engine kick in to refresh the battery.
