What and how are the three electric models that were presented in Argentina?

Renault made official the arrival to the local market of three 100% electric models: the compact Kwidthe medium Megane and the utility Kangoo; vehicles belonging to the electrified family E-Tech.

The announcement was made on the first day of “Renault E-Tech 100% electric days”the seminar on electrification and future mobility solutions that today closes its day at La Rural de Palermo.

Despite having presented the three models simultaneously, the brand enabled only the Kwid E-Tech reservationswith an initial quota of 50 units now available through the Renault Store, its e-commerce platform. In order to reserve it, interested parties must pay the sum of $ 100.000, although the price will be revealed later. The commercial launch will only be in March 2024.

It is worth noting that those who reserve a Kwid E-Tech will be able to access discounts of 25% on the purchase of chargers and 20% on installation, plus a 6-month membership to use in the Chargebox net charging network, among other benefits.

In this way, Renault will have the Wider electrical range in the region with the intention of continuing its leadership in electromobility in Latin America. Likewise, in Argentina it was the first brand to introduce a 100% electric model: the Kangoo ZE, in 2018, while its partner, Nissan, presented the medium-sized Leaf almost at the same time.

The French automaker has become a pioneer and is at the forefront of electric mobility with more than 12 years of experience in the conception, development, manufacturing and marketing of electric vehicles. It currently has more than 500,000 units with this technology circulating around the world.

The compact that was no longer offered in the country in 2021 returns in electric format. From its launch in 2017 until the end of its cycle, it managed to sell more than 45,000 units.

The Kwid E-Tech is manufactured in China and has a 48 kW motor (equivalent to 65 horsepower) and 113 Nm of torque, associated with a 27 kWh battery that can be charged even in a home socket and allows for autonomy of 298 kilometers in urban cycle (265 km in mixed use).

Charging the battery can be done in three ways: from a domestic outlet it will take about nine hours to fill 15 to 80% of the battery; with a 7.4 kW AC charger it will take three hours; while with a 30 kW direct current charger the time is shortened to 40 minutes.

Battery life can be optimized through the ECO driving mode, which limits power to 33 kW (instead of 48 kW), maximum speed at 100 km/h and allows regenerative braking to be more effective (recovers energy every time the accelerator is released and also when braking).

In terms of performance, to accelerate from 0 to 50 km/h the Kwid E-Tech needs 4.1 seconds, while the maximum speed is 130 km/h.

Since its launch in Europe in mid-2021, it has achieved an excellent level of sales.

With a platform designed to be 100% electric, the CMF-EV of the Alliance, the Megane E-Tech is the first representative of a new design language called “sensual tech”, which combines its electric DNA with an unprecedented interior space and ergonomics completely rethought to benefit the well-being of passengers.

With the engine that produces 220 horsepower (160 kW) and 300 Nm of torque, in addition to the four levels of regenerative braking, the Megane E-Tech can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and achieve a maximum autonomy of 450 kilometers.

The automaker highlights that with just eight minutes of charging from a fast DC charger it is possible for the vehicle to travel 100 kilometers, while 30 minutes will be needed to complete 80%.

In case of recharging with alternating current, the times are extended to seven hours (with a 7.4 kW charger) and 2.15 hours (22 kW charger).

The Megane E-Tech also stands out because all its textile coverings are produced from 100% recycled materials, which can be equivalent to up to 2.2 kilos in total, depending on the version. Various visible (board bottom) and non-visible (panel structure) components are produced with recycled plastics, totaling 27.2 kilos. And the most interesting thing is that at the end of the life cycle, 95% of the vehicle can be recycled.

This is the new electric generation that will replace the well-known Kangoo ZE, which in 2018 marked the milestone of becoming the first 100% electric commercial vehicle in the Argentine market.

It has an improved load capacity of up to 4.3 m3 (19% more than the ZE) and 800 kilos (150 kilos more than the ZE).

It also has an efficient 90 kW motor (equivalent to 120 horsepower, double that of its predecessor) and 245 Nm of torque (previously 225 Nm).

The electric drive is powered by a 45 kWh battery, a 35% greater capacity compared to the Kangoo ZE that allows it to travel up to 300 kilometers (50% above the Kangoo ZE).

Battery recharge times from 15 to 80% can take 5 hours and 1.30 hours (with 7.4 and 22 kW chargers respectively) with alternating current or 30 minutes if using direct current fast chargers.w