Mon Dieu: Is Renault involved in the next Batman movie?

Evidently not, for this big blue Batmobile-esque machine is actually a mobile EV laboratory. It is designed to push the boundaries of efficiency in Renault’s battery-electric vehicles. While it might look speedy, reminding of streamliners from last century, this vehicle is all about wind cheating, weight and energy consumption, not speed.

Dubbed the Renault Filante Record 2025, it will showcase new technology and materials that should trickle down into future electric production cars.

Astoundingly, this single seater vehicle has an 87kWh battery pack, yet weighs just 1000kg. The idea is to set a new world record for distance travelled on a single charge. 

Filante’s streamliner body style is said to be super slippery, though no Cd figure is quoted. 

Created in partnership with Ligier, the 5.12m-long body allows for better control of air flow, as does its 1.19m height. It is also slimline at 1.71m wide, less than a Clio.

The special battery pack developed by Renault’s EV division, Ampere, features cells that are integrated directly into the pack without modules, optimising space. Enclosed in carbon, it weighs under 600kg.

The concept of the Filante is to allow Renault to fit smaller batteries into its cars while achieving the same range, thereby reducing EV expense. Batteries are evidently around 40 per cent of an EV’s overall cost.

The Filante’s body consists of carbon fibre and 3D-printed aluminium alloy. Its chassis comprises aluminium, carbon fibre and steel. Further weight savings were made by using steer- and brake-by-wire systems. Special wheels are aero-optimised and run low-rolling resistance Michelin rubber (40 per cent less than normal).

The designer said Filante has a look that suggests it was sculpted by the air itself. It “seeks to convey an impression of flow and lightness”. The shape is inspired by jet fighter planes and also the streamliners of last century. Specifically, the Renault 40 CV ‘des Records’ of 1925 (below). Headlights are similar.

And the same is true inside, the cockpit reflecting aviation and space exploration. Again, components are chosen to maximise efficiency. For example, the driver’s seat is a hammock-style stretched canvas arrangement supported by thin carbon fibre blades.

Renault will show the one-off at the upcoming Rétromobile motor show in Paris before it begins wind tunnel and on-road efficiency testing.