MODEL ON TEST: E-TECH ICONIC ESPRIT ALPINE COMFORT RANGE – MILEAGE 2,970

I’ve managed to rack up almost exactly 1,000 miles since the last update, almost exclusively on trips of no more than 100 miles. In other words, well within the Megane’s official, but not entirely realistic, 280-mile range, and comfortably within my, er, comfort zone.

After 2,000 miles in two months, the novelty has well and truly worn off. Following the excitement of a different powertrain, the installation of the Ohme charger and the switch to the Intelligent Octopus Go energy tariff, it all just feels very… normal. Which is probably the biggest compliment I can pay an EV. Granted, this month has been blissfully free of long trips – I avoid venturing too far from my parish once the schools break up – but I barely give the electric side of driving a second thought. I’m running a Megane, not an electric Megane, if you see what I mean.

I say ‘driving’ because I’m fully invested in the other important parts of running an EV: the home charger and the energy tariff. The Ohme Home Pro is excellent, charging at up to 7.4kW and featuring a tethered cable long enough to reach the Megane’s charging point regardless of which way the car is facing. It also syncs beautifully with Intelligent Octopus Go, while the Ohme app tells me precisely what each charge costs and how much we saved.

Intelligent Octopus Go offers a reduced rate of 8p per kWh between 11.30pm and 5.30am, so the savings soon add up if you charge during the off-peak window. On one occasion this month, 39.8kWh of energy cost us just £3.19 rather than £13.71 – a saving of £10.52.A couple of charges like that each week could save around £80 a month. Programme energy-intensive appliances such as the dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer to run during the same window, and the benefit is even greater. As a bonus, if I leave the Megane plugged in and Octopus schedules it to charge outside the usual off-peak window, all the electricity used by the household during that additional charging slot is charged at 8p per kWh.The net result is that the Megane is currently costing 2p per mile in electricity, based on a rate of 8p per kWh and an average efficiency of four miles per kWh. I’m rather happy with that.

That sense of normality shouldn’t be confused with dullness. The biggest surprise is how the Megane drives. It’s no modern interpretation of the brilliant RenaultSport models of old, but it’s genuinely good fun on the lanes of Devon. A 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds gives some indication of its performance, but it’s the immediacy and smoothness of the response that impresses most. It doesn’t offer the same mechanical satisfaction as a petrol- powered car – the soundtrack and gear changes are part of the experience – but the instant acceleration is highly addictive. Overtaking slow-moving motorhomes and tractors has rarely been easier.

The acceleration is only part of it. The steering is accurate and the Megane disguises its considerable weight well through corners. You’re never entirely unaware of the battery pack beneath you, but it carries that weight remarkably well and feels surprisingly agile. Even the ride quality is better than I expected. It’s no electric hot hatch, but neither does it feel like a soulless appliance.

GAVIN BRAITHWAITE-SMITH

WHAT’S HOT: The pace is addictive. Had Ernie driven one, he really would have been the fastest milkman in the West.

WHAT’S NOT: The matte grey paint looks the part, but it seems determined to highlight every speck of dirt and dust.

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FACTS & FIGURES

ARRIVED: 2nd June 2026

PRICE WHEN NEW: £36,995 (Eligible for £1,500 electric car grant)

PRICE AS TESTED: £36,995

ECONOMY: 4.1 miles/per kWh (official WLTP) 4.0 miles/per kWh (on test)

COSTS: None

FAULTS: None