- Renault's Filante Record 2025 demo car covered a range of 1,008 km on a single charge, showing how efficiency and aerodynamics can extend EV range.
Renault has demonstrated what is possible when electric vehicle efficiency is pushed to its limits. The French carmaker's Filante Record 2025 demo car has completed a certified 1,008 km journey on a single charge, setting a new benchmark for energy consumption in EVs driven at sustained highway speeds.
The race was held at UTAC's test circuit in Morocco on 18 December. Contrary to claims of range achieved at low speeds or under laboratory conditions, Renault maintained an average speed of 102 km/h throughout the effort. The entire distance was covered in 9 hours 52 minutes.
Same battery, dramatically higher range
What makes the achievement unique is the hardware involved. The Filante Record 2025 uses an 87 kWh battery, the same capacity as the production Renault Scenic e-Tech Electric. Despite this, the demo car recorded an energy consumption figure of only 7.8 kWh per 100 km, which is much lower than most road-going EVs.
The battery did not drain completely even after driving more than 1,000 km. Renault confirmed that 11 percent charge remained at the end of the test, theoretically enough to last for 120 km when traveling at speeds above 100 km/h.
weight and airflow
Instead of increasing battery size, Renault focused on reducing losses. The Filante Record 2025 weighs just 1,000 kilograms, a figure made possible through the extensive use of carbon fiber and lightweight aluminum parts, many of which were produced using 3D printing.
Aerodynamics were equally important. Wind tunnel development allowed Renault to reduce the car's drag coefficient from approximately 0.40 to 0.30. Changes included enclosed wheel fairings and smaller air intakes, intended to reduce resistance at high speeds.
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A rolling technology was tested
Beyond efficiency, the Filante Record 2025 also serves as a technology demonstrator. It features steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems, eliminating conventional mechanical linkage. Michelin developed custom low-rolling-resistance tires for the project, while Ligier handled the powertrain, chassis and carbon structure.
Lessons for future EVs
Renault says the project reinforces an important message for the electric age: meaningful gains in real-world range can be achieved through intelligent design, lightweight construction and improved aerodynamics, rather than simply fitting larger batteries. While the Filante Record is not due for 2025 production, its engineering principles are expected to influence future Renault electric vehicles.
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First publication date: 29 Dec 2025, 16:29 PM IST