The Renault E-Tech PHEV is a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a 1,598 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery. Produced from 2022 onward, it features direct fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and a dedicated hybrid transmission with multi-mode clutchless operation. System output totals 180 kW (245 PS) and 400 Nm of torque, engineered for zero-emission urban driving and efficient highway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Mégane E-Tech Plug-in and Austral E-Tech Hybrid (PHEV variant), the E-Tech PHEV was engineered for drivers seeking EV-like urban mobility with no range anxiety. Emissions compliance is achieved through three‑way catalytic converters, precise lambda control, and electric-only operation up to 50 km (WLTP), meeting Euro 6d standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the clutchless transmission input shaft bearing, highlighted in Renault Service Bulletin 22H03. This issue stems from marginal lubrication under frequent electric-only start-stop cycles, leading to bearing noise and reduced shift smoothness. In early 2024, Renault updated the bearing material and revised powertrain control software to improve durability.
All production years (2022–2025) meet Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8845).
The Renault E-Tech PHEV is a 1,598 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine paired with dual electric motors and a 19.2 kWh battery, engineered for compact and crossover applications (2022–2025). It combines direct injection with a clutchless multi-mode transmission to deliver zero-emission urban driving and efficient hybrid highway performance. Designed to meet Euro 6d standards, it balances electric range with regulated emissions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 78.0 mm × 83.6 mm | |
| Combined system output | 180 kW (245 PS) | |
| Combined torque | 400 Nm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP6 direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled (dual circuit: engine + power electronics) | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Transmission | Clutchless multi-mode hybrid (2-motor, 4-speed dedicated hybrid gearbox) | |
| Oil type | Renault RN0720 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Battery capacity | 19.2 kWh (lithium-ion, liquid-cooled) | |
| Electric-only range | Up to 50 km (WLTP) |
The E-Tech PHEV enables silent, zero-emission urban driving but requires strict adherence to 20,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals using Renault RN0720 (5W-30) to protect the hybrid transmission input shaft bearing. Frequent electric-only operation with abrupt petrol engine re-engagement accelerates bearing wear due to marginal lubrication during cold starts. The Bosch HDP6 system demands RON 95+ fuel to maintain knock control and injector health. Post-2024 powertrains include updated bearing materials per Renault SIB 22H03; pre-2024 units benefit from revised control calibration during software updates. Battery longevity depends on thermal management—avoid prolonged high-state-of-charge parking in hot climates.
Oil Specs: Requires Renault RN0720 (5W-30) specification (Renault SIB 22H03). Equivalent to ACEA C2/C3 with OEM-specific additives for GPF and hybrid component protection.
Emissions: Euro 6d compliance confirmed for all 2022–2025 builds (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8845).
Power Ratings: Combined output measured under UN ECE R85 and EU Regulation 2017/1151. Full 180 kW requires RON 95+ fuel (Renault TIS Doc. H4F‑A26015).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs H4F‑A24680, ET‑A30112, SIB 22H03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8845)
UN Regulation No. 85 (Engine Power Measurement)
The Renault E-Tech PHEV was developed exclusively for Renault's CMF-EV and CMF-C platforms with transverse mounting and no cross-manufacturer licensing. This powertrain received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced subframes in the Austral and revised cooling ducting in the Mégane E-Tech—and from 2024 the updated control software improved electric-to-petrol transition smoothness, creating minor calibration interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the powertrain code on the hybrid control unit label near the 12V battery (Renault TIS ET‑A24890). The 7th VIN digit indicates powertrain family ('H' for E-Tech PHEV series). All E-Tech PHEV units feature a black engine cover with integrated hybrid badge, dual electric motor housings, and a 19.2 kWh battery pack under the rear seats. Critical differentiation from mild-hybrid E-Tech: PHEV variants have Type 2 charging port on rear quarter panel and larger battery. Service parts require production date verification—input shaft bearings for powertrains before 03/2024 are incompatible with later units due to material redesign (Renault SIB 22H03).
The E-Tech PHEV's primary reliability risk is clutchless transmission input shaft bearing wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent urban electric-only driving with abrupt petrol re-engagement. Renault internal field data (2024) indicated a measurable increase in bearing noise complaints for vehicles with >70% electric-mode usage before 60,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data shows no significant emissions-related failures due to robust GPF integration. Extended high-state-of-charge parking in hot climates accelerates battery degradation, making thermal management critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2022–2025) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2023–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT E-TECH-PHEV.
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