Renault has demonstrated a breakthrough in electric vehicle (EV) technology, successfully completing a 1008km drive at highway speeds without needing to stop for a recharge. The feat, achieved on December 18th at the UTAC test track near Casablanca, Morocco, validates the potential for long-range electric travel under real-world conditions.
The Challenge and the Solution
At the start of 2025, Renault challenged its engineers to create an EV capable of covering 1000km at sustained highway speeds – exceeding 100km/h – without recharging. This was not simply about maximizing battery size; the team was deliberately constrained to using an 87kWh battery pack, the same capacity found in the long-range Scenic E-Tech model.
The key to success was radical optimization for efficiency. Rather than a brute-force approach with a massive battery, Renault focused on weight reduction and aerodynamic performance. The Filante Record 2025 concept car averaged 102km/h while consuming just 7.8kWh per 100km, finishing the run with 11% charge remaining—enough for another 120km of driving.
Engineering Innovations
The design incorporates lessons from Renault’s past experimental vehicles, including the 1925 40CV luxury sedan and the 1954 Étoile Filante gas turbine land speed record car. However, the Filante Record 2025 goes further:
- Aerodynamic Efficiency: Extensive wind tunnel testing led to unconventional solutions, including physically detaching the wheels from the body to minimize drag.
- Lightweight Construction: The chassis utilizes carbon fiber, aluminum alloys, and 3D-printed Scalmalloy components to keep the vehicle weight under 1000kg.
- Streamlined Systems: All-electric steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems further reduce weight and improve packaging.
The minimalist single-seat cockpit features a spherical central display showing critical data such as speed, remaining time, and efficiency metrics.
The Team Behind the Record
The 10-hour run was piloted by a team of Alpine engineers: Constance Léraud-Reyser (chassis engineer), Laurent Hurgon (test driver), and Arthur Ferriere (chassis tuning engineer). Driver changes and technical stops were factored into the overall time, but the car consistently maintained high average speeds.
The Filante Record 2025 demonstrates that long-range EV travel without frequent charging is achievable with intelligent engineering. This opens possibilities for a future where EVs can compete with combustion vehicles in distance and convenience.
The successful run showcases the rapid evolution of EV technology and challenges the perception that long-range electric driving requires massive batteries or inconvenient charging stops. Renault’s approach suggests that optimization, not just capacity, is the key to unlocking the full potential of electric vehicles.
