Renault shoots for EV range record with new Filante concept

The Renault Filante Record 2025 has been created as a “laboratory on wheels” to push the boundaries of energy efficiency in EVs and uses new technology and materials that will trickle down into future production cars.

Fitted with a special 87kWh battery pack and weighing just 1000kg, the Filante Record 2025 has the goal of setting new records for distance travelled on a single charge, with learnings used by Renault to make its EVs as efficient as possible.

Key to breaking records is the Filante’s slippery body. The single-seater’s streamlined shape is inspired by the historic 40 CV des Records, Nervasport des Records and Étoile Filante (‘Shooting Star’) of the 1920s, 1930s and 1950s, all designed to break speed records.

Created in partnership with French racing specialist Ligier, the Filante’s design optimises airflow. Its 5.12m-long body (the same length as a Range Rover) allows for better control of the aerodynamic flow, as does its 1.19m height (lower than a Citroën Ami).

The Filante‘s 87kWh battery pack has been developed by Renault’s EV division, Ampere. It features cells that are integrated directly into the pack without intermediate modules, to optimise space. Cased in a lightweight carbon, it weighs less than 600kg and is just 1.71m wide.

The pack offers the same capacity as that of the Renault Scenic, a blocky two-tonne SUV that can achieve 379 miles from a full charge. 

While the Filante will achieve a much greater range than the Scenic, any learnings from eking out more miles per kilowatt could allow the French brand to fit smaller batteries into its cars while achieving the same range, thus reducing the cost of EVs.

For reference, Citroën CEO Thierry Koskas recently told Autocar that batteries are the biggest barrier to cutting EV prices, accounting for around 40% of a car’s overall cost. 

The special battery is also a key reason for the Filante‘s featherweight 1000kg total – another key tenet for achieving efficiency records.

This has been achieved through the use of ultra-light materials for the body, such as carbonfibre and a special high-strength aluminium alloy created through 3D-printing, which minimises waste and enables parts to be created with extreme precision.

The chassis is made from a composite of aluminium, carbon and steel, which is light yet strong enough to keep the Filante safe and stable on track.

Renault also saved weight by fitting the Filante with steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire technologies, which cut down on mechanical components in the car and add a new level of computer precision when braking and turning to further optimise efficiency. Both technologies are edging closer to use in production vehicles.

Elsewhere, the 19in wheels, normally a major source of “aerodynamic interference”, according to Renault, have been designed to minimise the impact on airflow.

These are shod with special Michelin tyres that are said to reduce energy losses from friction.

At the same time, the suspension arms are tucked in to improve airflow.

The Filante is also meant to be a pretty thing, said Sandeep Bhambra, Renault’s director of advanced design, with a look that “seeks to convey an impression of flow and lightness”. 

He added: “We designed this vehicle as a sculpture in motion. Inspired by fighter planes and the speed records of the 19th century, it reflects both performance and timeless elegance.”

This philosophy continues inside, with a tight cockpit that’s inspired by aviation and space travel, said Renault, with “every detail designed to maximise performance, comfort and efficiency”.

Although it still features everyday controls such as cruise control, the push for weight-saving has resulted in the driver’s seat being swapped for a hammock-style stretched canvas arrangement that adapts to the body shape of the driver. This is supported by thin carbon blades.

Renault will begin testing the Filante in the spring, first in wind tunnels and then on track.