Renault: Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme
Renault, like many well-known car manufacturers, has been involved in the electric vehicle (EV) market for almost a century. In the 1920s and 1930s, their EV production focused on commercial vehicles such as trucks and vans. However, in 1937, Renault designed 35 electric taxis for the Paris World Fair, marking their entry into the passenger EV market. This progress was interrupted by World War II, which nonetheless spurred further study and production of electric cars due to fuel restrictions.
In 1959, Renault released the Henney Kilowatt, intended for the American market, and widely regarded as the first modern electric vehicle. Facing rising pollution levels in the late 1960s and the 1973 gas crisis, Renault invested in developing cleaner cars. The third major step came in the 1990s with the urban concept car, the Zoom, and the production of hundreds of electric Clios. This commitment culminated in 2012 with the launch of four fully-electric and affordable cars.
At The Electric Car Scheme, we currently offer three new Renault models for lease. If your company provides The Electric Car Scheme as an employee benefit, you could save between 30% and 60% on any EV (new or used) by paying from your salary before tax. It works similarly to the Cycle to Work Scheme but for electric cars!
Discover the Renault models available for lease through The Electric Car Scheme and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle. We’ll explore everything from performance and interior design to cutting-edge infotainment, helping you make an informed choice.
Renault’s current position in the market
In 2023, Renault became the second fastest-growing car brand in the UK, with 43,000 sales, capturing a 2.5% share of the retail market and accounting for 72% of electrified sales. Across Europe, Renault sold 978,000 vehicles, making it the third-ranked electric brand.
If you didn’t know, Renault re-launched Dacia in 2004 across Europe and Mediterranean countries. In 2023, the brand's popularity continued with 29,000 Dacias sold in the UK and 658,000 across Europe, highlighting the appeal of this small, affordable car. You can learn more about Dacia’s first electric car, the Dacia Spring, in our blog.
Renault Megane E-Tech
The Megane E-Tech is one of the first in a new generation of electric vehicles built on the CMF-EV platform, dedicated exclusively to EVs. Renault markets it as "the electric car for petrol heads." It is an ideal choice if you are looking for a stylish, electric family hatchback. With a driving range of up to 280 miles and an acceleration of 0-62 mph in 7.5 seconds, it offers impressive performance.
There are several models available: Equilibre Optimum Charge, Techno+ Optimum Charge, Techno Optimum Charge, Evolution Comfort Range, Techno+ Comfort Range, and Iconic Comfort Range. While the battery size, 0-62 mph acceleration, and range are consistent across all models, the specifications differ, which is reflected in the lease prices (as per our quote tool). All models are available for lease from The Electric Car Scheme, with a recommended retail price (RRP) ranging from £33,995 to £38,495.
| Model | Battery Size | 0-62mph | Range | Cost per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equilibre Optimum Charge | 60kWh | 7.5 seconds | 280 miles | £369 |
| Techno+ Optimum Charge | 60kWh | 7.5 seconds | 280 miles | £364 |
| Techno Optimum Charge | 60kWh | 7.5 seconds | 280 miles | £397 |
| Evolution Comfort Range | 60kWh | 7.5 seconds | 280 miles | £442 |
| Techno+ Comfort Range | 60kWh | 7.5 seconds | 280 miles | £452 |
| Iconic Comfort Range | 60kWh | 7.5 seconds | 280 miles | £480 |
What’s the difference between specifications?
Let's explore what each specification offers and see what features you get with each.
Evolution Comfort Range
18” wheels,
Auto-tilting and folding mirrors with puddle lamps,
LED headlights,
Hands-free key card,
Adaptive cruise control with speed limiter,
Rear park assist,
Heated seats and steering wheel,
9” openR link screen and 12.3” driver cluster,
Wireless phone replication (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto),
Arkamys audio system (6 speakers).
Techno Comfort Range
In addition to the features of the Evolution, you get the following:
20” alloy wheels,
12” openR link screen with Google built-in,
Contextual adaptive cruise control,
Rear occupant safe exit,
Intelligent speed assistance,
Front and rear parking assist,
Paddle shifters,
Adaptive LED front and rear fog lights,
Shark fin antenna,
Wireless smartphone charger.
Iconic Comfort Range
In addition to the features mentioned above in the Evolution and Techno, you get the following with the Iconic Comfort:
Hands-free parking,
12 Harman Kardon speakers,
Titanium F1 blade,
360 3D camera,
Smart rear-view mirror.
What’s the Megane E-Tech like to drive?
The greatest selling point of the Megane E-Tech is its exceptional driving comfort. It is well-suited for towns and cities, featuring a 10.4-meter turning circle that makes it easy to manoeuvre. The light steering enhances ease of handling, especially at mini-roundabouts and during U-turns. The car also includes brake energy recovery, which slows the car using the drag of the electric motor. You can adjust this feature using the paddles behind the steering wheel. At maximum braking, you can enjoy one-pedal driving around town, simplifying the driving experience. However, it’s important to note that you still need to use the physical brakes to come to a complete stop.
One downside is that the visibility in the E-Tech isn't the best. While the forward view and door mirrors are good, the rear window is small, limiting rear visibility. The rear windscreen wiper only clears a small semi-circle of the screen, and the larger roof pillars create a blind spot when pulling out of angled junctions. On the positive side, the car is light for an EV, weighing around 1,700 kg. This contributes to a soft suspension, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride.
On the motorway, the Megane E-Tech accelerates quickly from 40 mph, making it easy to merge onto fast-flowing traffic. It is comfortable to drive at 70 mph, with minimal wind and road noise. However, it’s important to note that driving at higher speeds will reduce your estimated range to around 200 miles.
On country lanes, the Megane E-Tech feels natural and balanced when navigating corners, striking a good balance between comfort and precision. The responsive and accurate steering adds to the enjoyment, and you can make it heavier by switching to Sport mode. In Sport mode, the electric motor responds more quickly, although as a front-wheel drive vehicle, the Megane doesn't feel as sharp on twisting roads compared to rear-wheel drive competitors like the Cupra Born or MG 4.
Space inside the Renault Megane E-Tech
The front of the Megane E-Tech offers numerous useful storage areas. There’s a storage box under the armrest and a convenient spot to charge your phone or other devices in front of the armrest. An open storage area by your feet features movable cup holders and a shelf below the infotainment screen houses the wireless phone charger. The glove box is a good size, and the door bins, which are lined with felt, are very spacious, with the capacity to hold a two-litre bottle of water. The driving position is comfortable with plenty of adjustment options, and the square-shaped steering wheel feels good.
In the back, knee room is generous, although headroom can be a bit tight due to Megane’s sloped roofline. One downside is the low-mounted rear seat, which means taller passengers might lack under-thigh support. The back is also too narrow to comfortably fit three adults, partly because of the sloping roofline and the small centre seat. ISOFIX points are on the two outer rear seats and the front passenger seat. Entry-level models lack rear armrests and only higher-specification models come with rear USB sockets.
Boot space in the Megane E-Tech is impressive, with a capacity of 440 litres, surpassing competitors like the VW ID.3 (385 litres), the MG4 (363 litres), and the Cupra Born (385 litres). However, the boot is deep rather than long or wide, making it less ideal for carrying very bulky items. There’s a storage area under the boot floor for keeping charging cables, but there is no front boot, and the Megane doesn’t have an adjustable boot floor. This means that when you fold down the back seats, there’s a lip that heavier items must be lifted over.
Interior and infotainment
As with many EVs, the first thing you notice when getting into the Megane E-Tech is the twin screens. Interestingly, the infotainment screen and the instrument panel are two separate screens, divided by an air vent. The cabin looks and feels luxurious, with a fabric finish on top of the dashboard. In European markets, you can opt for a portrait screen similar to those found in Teslas, but in the UK, only two landscape screens are available.
The infotainment system includes Google Assistant, Google Play for additional apps, and Google Maps. There is also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless phone connectivity. The car features ambient lighting that you can change manually or set to adjust automatically throughout the day. The 12.3-inch instrument display, positioned in front of the driver, offers a wealth of information and allows for customization of the layout and colours.
A particularly user-friendly feature is the lane-keeping assistance, which can be easily switched on and off with a button, rather than navigating through a touchscreen—a convenience appreciated by anyone frustrated with cumbersome interfaces in other EVs.
Lease the Renault Megane from The Electric Car Scheme
The Renault Megane E-Tech is available for lease through The Electric Car Scheme for as low as £369 per month. These calculations are derived from our quote tool and are tailored for 40% tax payers who have chosen a lease term of three years with an annual mileage of 10,000 miles. Opting for this lease would result in monthly savings of £229 on income tax and £11 on national insurance contributions.
Our access to the top leasing companies at The Electric Car Scheme, means you can access the best prices available. You can be confident you have achieved the best price available in addition to the full 30-60% tax savings on the cost of the car through salary sacrifice.
Renault Zoe
The Renault Zoe is a small electric car with a good range, competing against the Mini E and Peugeot e-208. It offers a comfortable interior and is perfect for city driving. The RRP for the Renault Zoe ranges from £29,995 to £31,995. However, with The Electric Car Scheme, you can save thousands by leasing the Zoe with pre-tax payments.
The Zoe comes with a single battery size of 50kWh, which enables it to achieve 0-62 mph in 9.5 seconds and provides a range of 238 miles. The monthly lease cost varies depending on the model you choose, with three options available: Techno R135, Techno R135 Boost Charge, and Iconic R135 Boost.
What is the difference between the Renault Zoe models?
The main difference between the two trim levels, Techno and Iconic, is that the Iconic comes with 17-inch alloy wheels and a 50kW rapid charger as standard. Glacier White is the standard colour for the Iconic, but there are six additional colour options available. Choosing one of the metallic colours can add an extra £600-£700 to the cost.
Looking at the performance metrics, there is no difference between the two trims in terms of battery size, 0-62 mph speed, or range. However, the cost of leasing per month gradually increases for the Iconic trim.
| Model | Battery Size | 0-62mph | Range | Cost per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Techno R135 | 50kWh | 9.5 seconds | 238 miles | £444 |
| Techno R135 Boost Charge | 50kWh | 9.5 seconds | 238 miles | £464 |
| Iconic R135 Boost | 50kWh | 9.5 seconds | 238 miles | £477 |
What is the Zoe like to drive?
The compact Renault Zoe is perfectly suited for city driving. Its excellent forward visibility, immediate responsiveness, and sharp turning circle give you the confidence to navigate even the smallest gaps in traffic. Acceleration is smooth and effortless, as it is in most electric cars, and while the brakes may initially feel a bit sharp, you quickly adapt to the regenerative braking for a seamless driving experience.
While the rear view is somewhat limited due to large pillars and a narrow rear window, Renault’s Easy Park Assist comes standard, steering the car into tight bays for you. Parking sensors and a rearview camera are also standard, providing additional ease and confidence when parking. The Zoe also features blind spot warning and slow-speed pedestrian warning, both invaluable for city driving.
With the powerful 135hp motor now standard, the Zoe excels at motorway speeds, feeling solid and stable, unlike many small cars in this class. Overtaking is smooth, and while it may lose some power above 70 mph, it remains efficient for most driving needs. Cruise control, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning are all standard, making longer trips more relaxing. Although there is some wind noise at higher speeds and rear seat comfort may be less ideal for taller adults on extended journeys, the front seats are comfortable for short trips.
On country lanes, the Zoe’s low-mounted battery pack provides a planted feel around corners. The responsive steering and impressive low-speed acceleration make it fun to drive. It handles corners well with minimal lean, offering a balanced mix of handling and comfort. While the Peugeot e-208 and Mini Electric may be sportier, the Zoe’s combination of performance and comfort makes it appealing to a broad range of drivers.
Space inside the Renault Zoe
The Renault Zoe features large windows, giving the cabin a spacious feel. Paired with the upright driving position, it makes for a comfortable car to drive and sit in. The steering wheel is adjustable for both reach and rake, as expected. While storage space inside the cabin is somewhat limited, you get decently sized door bins and two cupholders for the front seats. There is also a useful storage space above the glovebox with non-slip material, ideal for keeping your phone secure. The centre console includes a storage shelf offering wireless charging, two USB ports, and a 12-volt socket for your devices.
In the back, there is enough room to comfortably accommodate two adults or three children. Two USB ports are provided to keep devices charged. A significant advantage of this car is that the rear doors open wide, making it easy to fit ISOFIX brackets if needed. The Renault Zoe offers 338 litres of boot space, which surpasses competitors like the Mini Electric with its 211 litres. The boot lip is low, and the load area is wide and flat, perfect for lifting heavy objects in and out. There are also baggage hooks for shopping and space for charging cables under the boot floor, which is very handy. With the seats folded down, this space expands to 1,225 litres, which is impressive for a small car. However, the floor will not be completely flat, so you may need to push heavier items with a bit more force.
Interior and infotainment
The Renault Zoe used to be available in three different trims: Play, Techno, and Iconic. However, the Play trim was dropped in 2022. Despite a few hard plastics, the interior feels premium, and the Zoe comes with a good amount of standard equipment. The 9.3-inch infotainment screen is now available across both remaining models, whereas it was previously optional. It’s easy to use and has clear graphics, which is always a positive. However, changing settings while on the move can be fiddly due to the lack of physical shortcut buttons. Navigation comes standard, and you can configure the screen to display data in two separate windows if you wish. Additionally, the Renault Zoe supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is also a 10.0-inch driver display, which can be controlled via the steering wheel buttons to show sat-nav information, battery levels, and other important driver information.
Lease the Renault Zoe through EV salary sacrifice
You can lease the Renault Zoe from The Electric Car Scheme and save £284 in income tax savings and £14 per month in national insurance savings. You will have to pay a small amount in BiK tax which is a tax levied on company benefits given to an employee. This means instead of paying the monthly gross cost of £711 for the Renault Zoe, you will pay £444!
You have the option to add everything you need into one bundle. You can get the full tax savings on maintenance, breakdown cover, comprehensive car insurance and a home charge point - keeping your Net Zero journey hassle-free.
Renault Scenic E-Tech
The Renault Scenic E-Tech was first previewed as a concept in 2022 and started to hit UK roads in 2024. Renault has reinvented this car for "life and living, designed to ensure the comfort and wellbeing of your whole family." It is available in four specifications: Techno Comfort Range, Techno Long Range, Esprit Alpine Long Range, and Iconic Long Range. The Scenic E-Tech can achieve up to 220 hp, 379 miles of range, and has a boot capacity of 545 litres. It was even voted Car of the Year 2024 at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland.
With an RRP range of £37,495 to £45,495, you could save hundreds by paying for the lease through The Electric Car Scheme, allowing you to use your gross salary and save on income tax and national insurance. For example, if you were to lease the Techno Comfort Range from The Electric Car Scheme as a 40% taxpayer, you would pay £405 per month.
What are the differences between the Scenic E-Tech models?
In the Techno models, you get all the standard equipment, covering multimedia and security features. It is available with two different battery sizes: 60kWh and 87kWh, with the larger battery designated for the long-range model. The Techno models come with 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and ambient lighting.
The Esprit Alpine and Iconic models are both available with the larger battery. The Esprit Alpine model features 20-inch alloy wheels, sports front seats, and blue interior highlights along the storage compartments and trim finishers. The Iconic trim adds a panoramic glass roof, park assist, a massaging driver’s seat, and an upgraded Harman Kardon sound system.
| Model | Battery Size | 0-62mph | Range | Cost per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Techno Comfort Range | 60kWh | 8.6 seconds | 260 miles | £405 |
| Techno Long Range | 87kWh | 7.9 seconds | 379 miles | £415 |
| Esprit Alpine Long Range | 87kWh | 7.9 seconds | 372 miles | £444 |
| Iconic Long Range | 87kWh | 7.9 seconds | 369 miles | £472 |
Here’s what you get with each specification:
Techno
The Techno gives you all the essential features, with a starting price of between £37,495 and £40,995.
19” streamline diamond cut alloy wheels,
OpenR link 12” multimedia system, with Google built-in,
Heated seats and heated steering wheel,
Ingenious rear armrest,
Electric tailgate,
Heat pump.
Esprit Alpine
The Esprit is dubbed as having a “sporty look and emotional”. Here’s what a starting price of £43,495 will get you.
20” speedway diamond cut alloy wheels,
Sport seats with blue stitching,
Steering wheel with blue/white/red stitching,
Specific dashboard and blue decorative parts.
Iconic
Top of the range iconic has a (predictable) tagline of “top-end tech and design” and has a starting price of 345,495.
20” oracle diamond cut alloy wheels,
Harman Kardon premium audio,
Surround 3D camera,
Smart rear-view mirror,
Electric driver seat with massage function.
What’s the Scenic E-Tech like to drive?
The Renault Scenic truly shines in town driving. The electric motors are quiet and responsive, providing a serene driving experience enhanced by relaxing sounds through the speakers. It handles large bumps comfortably, though smaller road imperfections can cause some unease. One of the standout features of urban driving is the inclusion of front and rear parking sensors as standard, which makes reversing into a bay much easier. Opt for the top-spec Iconic models, and you’ll benefit from a 360-degree parking camera and a hands-free parking system, further simplifying manoeuvring in tight spaces.
At higher speeds, the Renault Scenic maintains a comfortable ride over bumps. Although the seats could offer better support for long journeys, the car compensates with other features. Adaptive cruise control comes standard, allowing the vehicle to maintain a set speed and adjust for turns or roundabouts. The blind spot warning system, also standard across all models, is particularly useful given the chunky rear pillars.
Out on country roads, the Renault Scenic continues to handle bumps well and minimises body lean in corners, suggesting potential for some fun driving. While the steering can feel inconsistent, the overall stability and comfort on winding roads are commendable. For those who prioritise a smooth and responsive driving experience, the Scenic remains a solid choice. Overall, the Renault Scenic E-Tech is designed to offer a comfortable, practical, and enjoyable driving experience, particularly in urban settings where its strengths are most apparent.
Space inside the Renault Scenic E-Tech
The Renault Scenic E-Tech offers ample space to accommodate the whole family. The door bins are a good size, albeit a bit narrow, and the centre console provides a large storage area. There is a single cupholder with a divider that can create a second cupholder if needed. Behind the armrest, you'll find a useful space with two USB-C sockets, though these can be tricky to reach if the armrest is in place. The armrest itself has a substantial amount of space underneath it.
You will be able to find a comfortable seating position thanks to the numerous adjustments available. In the back, there is plenty of legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers, and seating three across is easy. Rear storage includes door bins and pockets on the back of the front seats. For those needing to accommodate a child seat, the Scenic offers enough room, and the doors open wide for easy installation.
One of the coolest things about the Scenic, is the SolarBay - an innovative glass panoramic roof which darkens and lightens on demand. You can control it using a button or with voice control.
It has four opacity options, so you can customise it how you like! Even when the roof is opaque, you can still enjoy natural light.
The boot of the Scenic E-Tech is generously sized compared to competitors, holding up to 545 litres. This is only surpassed by the Skoda Enyaq, which can hold 585 litres, and the Tesla Model Y, with its massive 854-litre capacity. Folding down the rear seats increases the Scenic's storage capacity to 1,670 litres, though this results in a non-flat loading surface, making it more challenging to load heavier items.
Interior and infotainment in the Scenic E-Tech
Inside the Scenic E-Tech, the infotainment system is easy and quick to use. The twin-screen setup for the instrument panel and infotainment is conveniently positioned on the main dashboard. Additionally, physical climate control buttons are provided, which are very useful and save you from having to navigate through the screen to adjust the climate settings.
Lease the Renault Scenic E-Tech from The Electric Car Scheme
Salary sacrifice allows you to save between 30-60% on the price of an electric car of your choice (like the Scenic). You simply agree to have a portion of your pre-tax salary deducted each month to cover the car cost. Choose the car you want, add on any extras and drive away saving thousands of pounds.
You could save hundreds each month if your employer offers The Electric Car Scheme as an employee benefit. The Electric Car Scheme works similarly to the Cycle to Work scheme but with electric cars, meaning your EV cost is deducted each month from your salary before tax. This means instead of paying the monthly gross cost of £629, you would pay £405 per month. Visit our quote tool to see how much you could save!
Coming soon: The Electric Renault 5 E-Tech
The production version of the all-electric Renault 5 E-Tech debuted at the 2024 Geneva International Motor Show. Designed to attract classic Renault enthusiasts across Europe and the UK, it is positioned as an alternative to the MG4, BYD Dolphin, and Mini Electric.
Initially revealed as a concept in 2021, the Renault 5 retains much of its original styling. With a compact length of 3.92 meters and lower mileage, it is ideal for city driving. The Renault 5 incorporates technology from the Renault Clio and Captur and is built on the AmpR Small platform, specifically designed for electric vehicles.
Specifications and performance
The electric Renault 5 will be offered with two battery options: 40kWh and 52kWh, with a maximum range of up to 248 miles. The 40kWh battery provides a range of 186 miles on a single charge, while the 52kWh battery achieves the full 248 miles. Both batteries can charge from 15% to 80% in just 30 minutes using a DC fast charger.
Priced at under £25,000, the Renault 5 is an affordable entry into the EV market. All models come standard with 18-inch wheels and front-wheel drive, with three power outputs available: 95hp (entry-level), capable of 0-62mph in 12 seconds; 123hp (mid-range), achieving the sprint in 9 seconds; and a top-of-the-line 150hp motor, which reaches 0-62mph in 7 seconds.
What’s the Renault 5 like inside?
The interior of the Renault 5 has a retro vibe, setting it apart from other cars on the market. This includes denim-like coverings and bright, customisable colours. The seats are made from recycled plastic bottles, adding an eco-friendly touch.
You can further personalise the interior of the Renault 5 by selecting different designs for the gear selector ends, which can be easily swapped without any tools, making customisation both fun and effortless. The car comes standard with a 10.0-inch infotainment screen and a 7.0-inch driver display, with the option to upgrade to a 10.0-inch unit on other models. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included as standard, making the connection seamless.
When will it be released?
In the UK, the Renault 5 is expected to hit the market in early 2025. Renault executives have hinted at a long lifespan for the model, potentially lasting up to 15 years, with annual updates instead of occasional major facelifts. This approach follows the example of models like the Fiat 500, which maintained a consistent design for many years before receiving a significant update. With a strong initial design, there is less need for drastic changes and more focus on continuous improvement.
As soon as our lease providers start offering the Electric Renault 5 E-Tech, we will start salary sacrificing it - meaning it will be available to lease from The Electric Car Scheme. Stay tuned!
Each person wants to make choices to achieve a net zero future. People are limited by information, access, price and complexity - this is slowing down progress globally. The pace of achieving net zero is a huge problem because each tonne of carbon emissions contributes to climate change for centuries. Salary sacrifice allows employees to save 30-60% on any electric car by reducing their salary in exchange for an electric car as a benefit. This makes electric cars an affordable option for everyone.
Last updated: 16/08/2024
