Welcome to the Fully Charged Show! About 12 years ago, I traveled to France with Renault to test drive the fabulous Renault Zoe, a pure electric car that boasted an impressive range of 90 miles. It was the first electric car Renault built from the ground up and became immensely popular. Fast forward to today, I’ve had the opportunity to drive the Renault Scenic E-Tech, which has an incredible range of over 300 miles. The advancements in electric vehicles over the past 12 years have been remarkable, and the Scenic E-Tech is a testament to this progress.
A New Challenger in the Electric Vehicle Market
The Renault Scenic E-Tech is considered a strong competitor to the Tesla Model Y. I’ve been driving around to see if it lives up to the hype, and it truly does. Join us live in Canada this September, the South in October, and Australia and London in 2025 to experience the excitement firsthand.
Renault has faced stiff competition from cheaper, smaller electric cars from China, but rather than asking the government to ban imports, they’ve embraced the challenge. The result? The impressive Renault 5 and now, the Scenic E-Tech.
Driving Experience and Features
Driving the Renault Scenic E-Tech for a few hours has been an absolute pleasure. The driver assistance features are helpful without being intrusive. Unlike the annoying lane-keeping assistant in the MG4, the Scenic E-Tech subtly alerts you with gentle vibrations on the steering wheel and a polite reminder if you’re slightly over the speed limit. The car’s performance is not about speed but about a smooth and efficient drive.
With an 87 kWh usable battery, range anxiety is a thing of the past. The Scenic E-Tech comfortably achieves around 3.8 miles per kWh, even in eco mode on a typical British summer day. While it may not match the extraordinary efficiency of the Tesla Model 3, which can achieve 5 miles per kWh, it is still impressive.
Technology and Comfort
The Scenic E-Tech is packed with technology, including Google Maps and a wide array of apps. The car controls are intuitive and user-friendly, with hands-free parking assistance and top-notch cameras. The regen braking paddles and easy-to-use steering wheel controls make the driving experience seamless.
Inside, the car is designed with practicality and comfort in mind. The actual buttons for heating and cooling are a welcome feature, and the storage options are plentiful. The panoramic roof is a clever touch that can keep children entertained for hours.
Space and Convenience
The rear seats are spacious and comfortable, with innovative features like a console between the seats that includes cup holders and USB-C ports. The Scenic E-Tech also offers a unique feature: a pop-out tray for tablets, perfect for long drives with children.
Quiet and Comfortable
One standout feature of the Scenic E-Tech is its quietness. Even at motorway speeds, the cabin remains serene, quieter than a Tesla. The ride is incredibly comfortable, absorbing bumps with ease, and the steering is perfectly balanced.
Comparison with the Tesla Model Y
The Scenic E-Tech compares favorably with the Tesla Model Y in many aspects. It offers a similar range and price but excels in technology and ease of use. The dash in front of the driver provides essential information without being distracting, a significant advantage over Tesla’s minimalist approach. Additionally, the Scenic E-Tech is approximately £5,000 cheaper than the Tesla Model Y in the UK, making it a compelling choice.
Final Thoughts
The Renault Scenic E-Tech is an impressive electric vehicle that stands out in a competitive market. It offers comfort, advanced technology, and practical features, all at a competitive price. If you’re considering an electric car, the Scenic E-Tech should be on your shortlist.
Read Also :BMW iX: The Electric SUV to Watch in 2024 – EV Gear Review
