Record Attempt Conducted in Morocco

After nearly a year of intensive development and validation in wind tunnels, Renault carried out the official record attempt on December 18 at the UTAC test track in Morocco. The test had originally been scheduled for October in France, but adverse weather conditions forced Renault to postpone and relocate the attempt.

Morocco provided stable environmental conditions that allowed Renault engineers to maintain consistent speeds and closely monitor energy consumption, ensuring the validity and credibility of the result.

Renault Sets a New Electric Vehicle Range Record

Compared to the first prototype, the final version of the Filante Record features major aerodynamic refinements. Most notably, aerodynamic wheel covers mounted directly onto the wheels significantly improved airflow management. While the original drag coefficient stood at 0.40 Cd, Renault’s engineers targeted a figure closer to 0.30 Cd, a dramatic improvement for an electric vehicle.

This evolution underlines the importance of wheel aerodynamics. Without fairings, airflow impacts the upper section of a rotating tire at a relative speed equivalent to twice the vehicle’s forward velocity, dramatically increasing drag. By addressing this often-overlooked factor, Renault achieved substantial efficiency gains.

The central structure of the vehicle—characterized by a Formula 1-style driving position and a cockpit inspired by fighter jet canopies—remained largely unchanged. However, air intake openings were minimized to further reduce aerodynamic resistance. Renault also partnered with Michelin to develop custom low-rolling-resistance tires, specifically tailored for the Filante Record project.

A Concept Car Weighing Just 1,000 Kilograms

Efficiency was not achieved through aerodynamics alone. The Renault Filante Record integrates steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems, eliminating traditional mechanical linkages. These technologies provide greater freedom in chassis design while delivering meaningful weight savings. The steer-by-wire system itself had previously been validated in industry testing, notably by Lexus.

To push weight reduction even further, Renault relied on carbon fiber, aluminum alloys, and Scalmalloy, an advanced high-strength material produced using 3D printing technology.

As a result, the total vehicle weight was limited to just 1,000 kilograms, an exceptional figure for an electric car. Of this, 600 kilograms account for the 87 kWh battery, which is notably the same battery used in the production Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric, currently sold through Renault dealerships.