Renault Scenic E-Tech gets new features and lower prices

The Renault Scenic E-Tech is getting a host of new features designed to make owning and driving it a little bit more enjoyable. These updates add convenience, comfort, and smart technology to one of Renault's most popular electric cars.

The "One Pedal" driving mode is coming to Scenic E-Tech. This new feature allows drivers to speed up, slow down, and even come to a complete stop using only the accelerator. The traditional brake pedal is used for harder braking, with the One Pedal system offering a smoother driving experience. The technology was developed by Ampere, and it helps reduce wear on the brake pads and improves how much energy the car can recover while slowing down. Existing owners with steering-wheel paddles can even get this feature added to their vehicles for free at a Renault service center or through an over-the-air software update.

Charging the Scenic E-Tech electric is also becoming easier. Now, all models come standard with an 11 kW AC two-way charger, compatible with both single-phase (3 kW) and three-phase (11 kW) power sources. By the summer of 2025, an optional 22 kW AC bidirectional fast charger will be available, allowing drivers to add about 80 kilometers of range in just 30 minutes at public charging stations.

The Scenic E-Tech can now act as a mobile power source thanks to a power-to-load (V2L) adapter. Owners can now power devices like coffee machines, barbecues, or even charge electric scooters using the car's battery, which can deliver up to 3.7 kW of power. For owners in France, the vehicle-to-grid (V2G) system, together with bidirectional charging, can send electricity back to the grid, potentially lowering home energy bills.

Renault is introducing a "Plug & Charge" service as well, which will soon work with the Mobilize Charge Pass. This will allow drivers to use compatible DC fast-charging stations without needing a membership card or payment terminal. Simply plugging in the car will initiate charging and payment through the My Renault app, saving valuable time.

There are some improvements happening inside of the Scenic as well. In the Esprit Alpine trim, the front seats now include standard 6-way electric adjustments, in addition to the existing electric lumbar support and heating. The driver's seat also features a massage function. The Iconic version gets two new interior styles with refined textile upholstery, including a standard titanium black option with Alcantara accents and an optional pure cool grey with linden wood accents. The front seats and rear bench have been redesigned for better side support.

Both the Esprit Alpine and Iconic trims now come equipped with a camera integrated into the left-side A-pillar. This camera enables a driver recognition system that automatically adjusts vehicle settings based on the identified driver's profile, including favorite radio stations, media, seat, and mirror positions, and downloaded apps on the openR link system. The system activates every time the car starts, and all data is stored securely within the vehicle. This same camera is used for a new safety feature called "Take a Break!" This app monitors the driver for signs of fatigue, such as yawning, frequent blinking, heavy eyelids, or unusual head movements. If fatigue is detected, the system alerts the driver and suggests taking a break.

The enhancements to Google services and apps include the ability to plan journeys on a smartphone and display them in the car, automatic route recalculation, building highlighting on the map, and the selection of the most energy-efficient route. The system also offers peer-to-peer assistance for finding charging stations and community-based warnings for traffic and road hazards.

Finally, the Scenic E-Tech electric now includes connected maintenance. This feature helps owners stay informed about their vehicle's servicing needs. The system provides a provisional maintenance schedule and log, allows for booking service appointments through the My Renault app, sends alerts for any necessary attention (via email, text, and the app), and even predicts part wear, advising owners when replacements may be needed during their next service visit.

This is a comprehensive update that shows how electric cars can evolve to offer a more intuitive, comfortable, and connected EV experience for families. As technology improves, so do our cars. The final good bit of news is the new pricing - in the UK, the updated Scenic E-Tech starts at just over $41,700 while in France, the cheapest version is priced at $42,150 - that's nearly $2,000 cheaper than it was before.

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