LABORATORY ON WHEELS REDEFINES ELECTRIC EFFICIENCY
Renault Filante Record 2025
This past January, Renault unveiled the Filante Record 2025, an electric demo car engineered to shatter records for energy efficiency and range. Far from a mere concept, this single-seater fuses the brand’s storied heritage with a bold vision for sustainable mobility. Drawing inspiration from legendary record-breakers like the 40 CV des Records (1925-1926), Nervasport des Records (1934), and Étoile Filante (1956), the Filante Record 2025 is a sculpted masterpiece of aerodynamic design and cutting-edge technology.
This sleek machine weighs just 1,000 kg and is powered by an 87 kWh battery – matching the capacity of the Scenic E-Tech electric. Its carbon-fibre body and lightweight alloys optimise every curve for efficiency. At 5.12 meters long, 1.71 meters wide, and 1.19 meters tall, its fighter-jet-inspired form, complete with bespoke 19″ Michelin tyres, minimises drag while maximising range. Innovations like steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems further enhance its futuristic edge, replacing traditional mechanical links with precision electronics.
“This vehicle is a sculpture in motion,” said Sandeep Bhambra, Director of Advanced Design at Renault and Ampere. “Inspired by aeronautics and our record-setting past, it embodies performance and elegance.” Following its debut at the Rétromobile Motor Show in Paris this past February, the Filante Record 2025 will hit the track in the first half of the year to chase new benchmarks in power consumption and distance. Renault’s rolling laboratory signals a commitment to pushing electric innovation, bridging a century of record-breaking ambition with a sustainable future.
VOLVO’S ELECTRIC REVOLUTION
Sweden’s South African Charge
Volvo Car South Africa has cemented its dominance in the nation’s electric vehicle (EV) market, delivering an electrifying performance in 2024. With 539 battery-electric vehicles sold, Volvo outpaced its nearest rival by over 20%, claiming the title of South Africa’s favourite EV manufacturer. The compact EX30 led the charge, selling 406 units to become the country’s best-selling electric vehicle of the year. Priced from R791,900, this crossover blends affordability with Volvo’s signature safety and luxury, earning it a spot as the only EV finalist in the 2025 Car of the Year competition. The XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge followed, with 133 units sold, securing third place among EV nameplates.
This local triumph mirrors Volvo’s global push toward electrification, aiming for 90-100% of sales to be electrified by 2030. The brand’s diverse lineup – spanning battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrids, and mild hybrids – offers something for every driver. “Our success in South Africa reflects the exceptional value and capability of our EVs,” said Markus Cromwell, Commercial Director at Volvo Car SA.
The momentum will only grow in 2025 with the arrival of the EX90, Volvo’s flagship electric SUV. Boasting an invisible safety shield with LiDAR and NVIDIA-powered computing, it’s engineered to be the safest Volvo yet. With 380 kW, 910 Nm, and a 751 km range, the EX90 redefines luxury EV travel. “It’s a game-changer for families seeking sustainable sophistication,” said Felipe Yagi, Head of Marketing. From the EX30 to the EX90, Volvo is driving South Africa – and the world – toward a greener future.
STELLANTIS REVOLUTIONISES DRIVING
STLA AutoDrive
Stellantis has unveiled STLA AutoDrive 1.0, a groundbreaking autonomous driving system that promises to transform the daily commute. Launched in February in Amsterdam, this in-house technology introduces Hands-Free and Eyes-Off (SAE Level 3) functionality at speeds up to 60 km/h, even in darkness or light rain. Designed to ease the burden of stop-and-go traffic, it allows drivers to reclaim time for tasks like reading, emailing, or simply relaxing – making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
“Enhancing how drivers use their time is key,” said Ned Curic, Stellantis’ Chief Engineering and Technology Officer. STLA AutoDrive achieves this with an intuitive activation process: When conditions permit, a button engages the system, letting advanced sensors handle steering, braking, and speed adjustments. Its precision shines through a suite of cameras and radars, backed by an automated sensor-cleaning system for reliability in adverse weather.
Beyond Level 3, STLA AutoDrive offers Level 2 and 2+ capabilities at higher speeds, including Adaptive Cruise Control and lane centring, blending hands-on and hands-off convenience. Built on a scalable, cloud-connected platform, it’s poised for global deployment across Stellantis brands, with over-the-air updates ensuring continuous improvement. Future enhancements could extend Hands-Free operation to 95 km/h and even off-road scenarios.
With safety at its core – drivers must remain belted and ready to intervene – STLA AutoDrive marries cutting-edge autonomy with practicality. It’s a bold step toward smarter, more intuitive driving, redefining comfort for the modern motorist.
