Renault Sets New Long-Distance Record with Electric Filante Record 2025

Renault has achieved a new milestone in electric mobility with its prototype vehicle, the Filante Record 2025, completing an uninterrupted journey of over 1,000 kilometers on a single battery charge. This accomplishment highlights advancements in the efficiency and range capabilities of electric vehicles, reinforcing the progress toward sustainable transportation.

During a recent endurance test on the UTAC test circuit in Morocco, the Filante Record 2025 managed to cover 1,008 kilometers without any charging stops. The only pause during the drive was a brief seven-minute break for a driver change. The vehicle maintained an average speed of 102 km/h throughout the nearly ten-hour duration of the test, consuming just 7.8 kilowatt-hours of energy per 100 kilometers--an efficiency rate that sets a strong benchmark for the industry.

The Filante Record 2025 draws inspiration from Renault's historic record-breaking vehicles, particularly the 40 CV model from the 1920s and the Étoile Filante of 1956. The modern test vehicle features a single-seat configuration, exposed wheels, and a streamlined body designed to minimize air resistance. Measuring 5.12 meters in length, 1.71 meters in width, and only 1.19 meters in height, the car's aerodynamic design is reminiscent of high-performance aircraft, with a cockpit canopy similar to that of a fighter jet.

To further enhance efficiency and reduce weight, Renault utilized lightweight materials such as carbon fiber-reinforced composites and a specialized aluminum alloy in the vehicle's construction. The driver's seat is crafted from sailcloth, contributing to the overall weight-saving measures. The total weight of the Filante Record 2025 is approximately one tonne, with the battery alone accounting for 600 kilograms.

The battery system in the vehicle is based on the 87 kilowatt-hour unit found in Renault's production model, the Scenic E-Tech Electric Long Range. However, the prototype employs a direct cell-to-pack integration method. Instead of organizing battery cells into traditional modules, the cells are incorporated directly into the battery pack, which itself becomes an integral structural component of the vehicle. This design increases the efficiency of space usage and contributes to weight reduction.

At the conclusion of the test, the Filante Record 2025's battery still held an 11 percent charge, theoretically allowing for an additional 120 kilometers of range. Renault has not disclosed specific details about the vehicle's powertrain, but the focus on energy management, aerodynamics, and lightweight engineering demonstrates a comprehensive approach to maximizing electric vehicle range.

The technologies, design principles, and performance data gleaned from this record-setting drive are intended to inform the development of future Renault electric models. By transferring lessons learned from the Filante Record 2025 project to commercial vehicles, the company aims to make significant strides in the everyday usability and efficiency of electric cars.

This achievement comes as electric vehicles continue to gain traction in global markets, with manufacturers competing to improve range, reliability, and sustainability. Renault's effort underscores the potential of electric mobility to meet the demands of long-distance travel, further encouraging the transition away from traditional combustion engines.