Renault Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp

Overview

The Renault Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp was a stylish French compact electric SUV, Renault's big EV splash in Europe. This EV40 trim, with its 130hp motor, was the accessible entry point. Official US pricing was never announced as it wasn't sold stateside, but its European cost positioned it competitively. Think chic design and smart city electrics. If it had landed here, it would've offered a distinct Euro alternative in the compact EV fight. Production ended in 2025, so any US examples would be rare imports.

What's New for 2025?

The 2025 model year marks the swan song for the Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp, as its production run concludes this year. So, instead of a raft of fresh upgrades, 2025 represents the final version of this particular configuration. Throughout its life, Renault focused on refining elements like its Google-based infotainment and overall efficiency. For its concluding year, the EV40 130hp carried forward its established package—a 40 kWh battery and nimble front-wheel-drive performance—making it a solid, though now departing, choice for city-centric EV motoring in its available markets.

Design & Exterior

This Renault is a proper head-turner! The Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp boasts a sharp, almost concept-car-like design with a high waistline and a coupe-ish roofline, giving it a futuristic vibe. You get slick flush door handles and distinctive C-shaped LED daytime running lights that really make it pop. Dimension-wise, it's a tidy package at 165.4 inches long, 69.6 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 59.3 inches tall – perfect for nipping through city streets. The EV40 trim typically featured aerodynamically designed wheels, adding to its sleek, modern aesthetic.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp, and you're greeted by a surprisingly premium and tech-forward cabin, especially for what was an entry-level model in Europe. Renault often incorporated smart, sustainable materials. It’s a comfy five-seater, though rear legroom is better suited for kids or shorter trips. Cargo-wise, you've got a decent 15.5 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a useful 47 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. No frunk, unfortunately! The dash is dominated by a slick L-shaped screen setup running Google's Android Automotive OS, baking in Google Maps and Assistant, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't expect mind-bending speed, but the Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp offers zippy performance ideal for city life. Its single EESM electric motor powers the front wheels, delivering 96 kW (that's about 129 horsepower) and a handy 184 lb-ft of instantly available torque. This translates to a 0-60 mph dash in approximately 9.6 seconds – brisk enough for darting through urban traffic. The driving experience is tuned for comfort and quietness, with light steering making it a doddle to park. Multiple regenerative braking modes allow for an engaging one-pedal driving feel, efficiently capturing energy.

Range, Battery & Charging

The EV40 130hp trim features a 40 kWh usable battery pack, providing a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 161 miles – ample for daily commutes and urban adventures. Its energy consumption is rated at an efficient 4.03 mi/kWh. For home charging, the standard 7.4 kW on-board AC charger can replenish the battery fully in about 5 to 6 hours. On the go, it supports DC fast charging at up to 85 kW, which can take the battery from 10% to 80% in around 30-35 minutes. While it uses a CCS Type 2 port in Europe, a US-spec model would have required a CCS Type 1 or NACS connector.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Although never subjected to NHTSA crash tests due to its absence from the US market, the Renault Megane E-Tech earned a stellar 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP – a strong endorsement. You could expect a solid array of driver-assistance systems. Even this EV40 130hp base model typically included essentials like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition as standard in Europe. More advanced features, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, were generally available on higher trims or as options.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

If the Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp had been sold in the US, Renault would likely have offered a warranty package competitive with other EVs. This typically means a basic vehicle warranty around 3 years/36,000 miles or potentially up to 5 years/60,000 miles. The crucial battery warranty would probably align with the industry norm of 8 years/100,000 miles, with a guarantee against excessive degradation. Powertrain coverage often mirrors the battery terms. Complimentary maintenance is less common for Renaults in a US context. As an EV, its routine maintenance needs would be minimal.