Having been among the early carmakers to start electrifying their product line and since 2010, it has sold more than 300,000 electric vehicles in Europe. Renault continues to look ahead to the future of electric vehicles and mobility.
Revealing the next step in the brand’s broadening electrified vision is the Megane eVision, an innovative concept car based on the new modular CMF-EV (Common Module Family – Electric Vehicle) platform. The production version of the Megane eVision, to go on sale in 2020, will be the first Renault vehicle to make use of the new platform.
Highly variable platform
This new platform was specifically designed by the Alliance and has been rigorously tested over 3 million kilometres in France and Japan. It can accommodate a variety of vehicle bodies – from low saloons to larger SUVs – with different modular batteries can be fitted vertically and horizontally.
What will be consistent across all vehicles sitting on the CMF-EV platform is a flat floor, boosting interior practicality and modularity thanks to the lack of an exhaust system or standard transmission, making room for a more versatile cabin.
It is also modular in length with a wheelbase up to 2.77 metres available, offering engineers a vast scope for vehicles with more powerful batteries and longer driving range. The flexibility of the platform is further demonstrated by the ability to accommodate a second rear engine to provide 4-wheel drive capability.
The engine compartment is also more compact when compared with traditional combustion-engined vehicles, enabling an extended wheelbase with wheels pushed further to the edges of the vehicle. This allows a much roomier cabin environment as well as more design opportunities.
Powertrain and battery
The electric motor is one of the most powerful in the Renault range of any fuel type, delivering 160 kW of power (equivalent to 217 bhp) and 300 Nm of torque, to give a claimed acceleration time from 0 – 100 km/h in under 8 seconds.
Slimline battery packs located beneath the floor of the vehicle give a low centre of gravity. An innovative feature is that they are structural and form an integral part of the car, helping to absorb energy in the event of a side collision. They also have a higher energy density, enabling longer driving range and reduced charging times.
The 60 kWh battery pack thickness can be altered in order to best suit the car, meaning particular models can be designed to be perfectly fit for purpose. For example, a compact vehicle can be truly compact, while remaining highly efficient with increased driving range and improved energy efficiency.
Besides an advanced system for managing battery temperature and one of the thinnest batteries on the market, the Megane eVision also has a new ultra-compact powertrain. An optimised water-cooling Energy Recovery System captures the heat of the engine and battery to heat the passenger compartment without using energy from the battery. This ensures the driving range is not impacted by cold weather, maximising all available energy.
LIVINGTECH technological ecosystem
The interior showcases Renault’s LIVINGTECH technological ecosystem, an intuitive and smart interior environment that focuses on interacting with the passengers and catering to their needs and usage. The space within is comparable to a much larger vehicle in spite of the compact hatchback exterior. A slim and sleek LIVINGSCREEN instrument panel forms part of the interior design that combines design and practicality, with striking touches such as illuminated edges.
The 4.21-metre long Megane eVision has a hatchback design which is a modern interpretation and reinvention of the Megane name. It takes inspiration and details from the MORPHOZ concept car with the large wheels, body height and robust design reminiscent of an SUV.
The floating roof is finished in a unique gold colour gradient that starts from the front windscreen pillar, giving an impression of lightness, accentuating the car’s sleek profile. The highly sculpted bonnet features two air inlets, enhancing the illuminated Renault logo, while the 20-inch alloy wheels are finished in the shape of propeller blades.
Renault MORPHOZ – the car that changes shape according to needs! (w/VIDEO)
