The Renault Scenic E-tech Electric Car Lease is one amazing SUV

One amazing SUV electric car lease-The Renault Scenic 

As reported in the  FT  the EU has spoken and the Commission has begun to notify carmakers that new tariffs will be imposed on Chinese vehicles, amidst concerns of price wars and economic hostility between nations. From July 2024, new tariffs will be applied to Chinese vehicles which are imported, with these being in addition to the existing 10% which is already applied to EVs.

The additional duties / tariffs will vary according to a list which the EU will publish, with extra tariffs of between 17 - 38% being added according to the brand and their response to the Commission.  A bespoke agreement will be made with Tesla.

There are mixed responses, with some countries concerned that this will spark further response from the Chinese Government, which has a far more developed EV economy and industry.

Other countries, like France, have been more supportive of these measures. Indeed it was Renault’s CEO Luca de Meo who warned the EU of Chinese brands overtaking the home brands and winning a global battle. Brands like BYD and SAIC in China are now increasingly seen as a threat to brands like Renault in their EV viability.

But Renault are not letting up on all their all-electric ambitions, launching a swathe of options like the small SUV Megane E-Tech plus the bigger SUV shown here, the Scenic E-Tech. Their smaller, and cheaper, Renault 5 E-Tech  is due to launch in the UK in September 2024.

So far, the innovations and product has proved to be competent and popular with the UK’s personal and business leasing market. Without a doubt, the segment for 4x4 / crossovers / SUVs is the most-popular, with many families now restricted to a one car household.

This often means that buying or leasing a practical and aesthetically-pleasing automotive solution is high on the agenda. The higher driving position, coupled with the high levels of specification are often a winner. And the electric Scenic doesn’t disappoint. Specification includes:

• Techno Long Range - from £40,995 this includes 19” alloys, 12” multimedia system, climate control, rear armrest, heat pump, wireless smartphone charging, rear view camera, adaptive cruise control, electric power tailgate, heated steering wheel, front & rear assist, ambient lighting, keyless entry and LED lights;  

• Esprit Alpine Long Range  - from £43,495 this adds 20” alloys, blind spot warning, emergency lane keeping assist, driver and passenger heated seats and sport seat; and

• Iconic Long Range - from £45,495 this adds 20” Oracle alloys, openR link 12” multimedia, Harmon Kardon audio, panoramic sunroof and around view 3D camera.

In addition, a cheaper standard range Techno was launched, which mirrors the same specification as above but with a smaller battery and range. This is slightly cheaper with a starting price of £37,495.

But there are often questions around charging an electric vehicle in the UK - are there really enough to sustain the demand?

The issue about charging is that much of the conjecture and comments are often made by those who do not drive an EV - which may include most of the mainstream media based on their comments and reflections. To provide confidence in the volume of charge points and the availability, the team at Zap Map have put together a useful analysis of this, which is updated every month.

As you can see below, there are now some 62,536 registered devices in 32,992 locations throughout the UK. This represents a 43% increase on the number of charge points since May 2023!

And to be clear this is for public charge points, so this does not include the number of charge points which an EV customer will install at their home / work (which is carried out in the majority of transactions). What is also quite interesting is the volume of what we would call “ultra-rapid” charge points, which operate at 150kW and beyond. As at May 2024, some 5,191 devices were in place across the UK.

And to help our e-car lease customers, everyone is provided with a free 12-month Premium subscription to the Zap Map app . This isn’t just something we talk about; our business genuinely believes in helping EV leasing customers to transition as seamlessly as possible.

One of the main obstacles to moving into an EV is the charging location / availability, and this app quickly disproves much of that. But don’t just take our word for it, head to the Zap Map facilities to find out more about charging your EV in your locality.

In terms of the car shown, the RENAULT SCENIC E-TECH ELECTRIC ESTATE 160kW Iconic 87kWh Long Range 5dr Auto, this is based on the following configuration:

•  Shadow Grey two-tone metallic paint with a Black Diamond Roof;
•  Fabric - Light grey recycled mesh/light grey fine grain coated cloth with titanium stitching; and 
•  20” Oracle Alloy Wheels.

But how does the new Scenic perform - is it actually a good EV? As noted there are two battery formats being launched, including:   

•  Long Range - this FWD SUV will have an 87 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 7.9 seconds, 106 mph top speeds and 160 kW (or 215hp). Expect a combined winter range of 255 miles with warmer weather allowing for 345 miles - a combined range of 305 miles. On charging, the 22 kW AC max will allow 4 hour and 45 minute 0 – 100% charging times with the 150 kW DC maximum allowing 40 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 545L is available with this car (although with the seats down it can go to nearly 1500L). It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 142 mpg. This EV will have no Bidirectional charging. The car will be able to tow 750kg (Unbraked) and 1100kg (Braked). A heat Pump is standard. To be clear, this is not a 7-seat option; and

•  Comfort Range - few details are available on this option. This EV will have a 60 kWh usable battery which offers 125 kW (or 170hp) and 0 – 62 times of 8.6 seconds plus 93mph top speeds. On charging, the car will have 22 kW AC max and 130 kW DC capabilities.

Build your Scenic EV  on the Renault website and or just get in touch with our team on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected] for a bespoke quotation.

Browse our Renault scenic electric lease deals