Electric Car Breaks Longest Run Record In 24hrs
When we think of electric cars the idea of long run and range doesn’t pop to our minds easily. While most gasoline powered cars get 350 miles from a tank of gasoline, 400 to 450 for exceptionally frugal ones, EV are playing catch up in inventive ways. After all, electric plugs abound. So hearing that an electric car has beaten a log distance timed record can only help to re-establish its relevance.
Renault’s Electric Zoe Goes The Distance. The Renault electric Zoe, part of a range of electric cars the French company has to offer has just broken a record, 994.19 miles in 24 hours. On June 2nd in Aubevoye, Normandie, France, the electric Renault Zoe broke the previous record of 776.71 in a 24 hour run. The electric Zoe was recharged during the run.
The Zoe is a compact car sporting a 65kW, 87 hp electric motor with 162.26 of lb ft of torque. The 93 miles range or 130 in NEDC cycle is achieved with a 22 kWh lithium ion battery pack and with a trio of technology, called the Range OptimiZEr. This combines Renault’s new-generation regenerative braking, a heat pump and Michelin EnergyTM E-V tires.
Renault’s Other EVs. Renault will also introduce three other EVs, all designed with different purposes in mind. The Twizy is an ultra-compact EV designed mostly for urban runs. It sports a 15kW, 20hp motor and a version that requires no license with a 4kW, 5hp motor. The Twizy holds a small 7kWh lithium-ion battery located underneath the front seat which gives it roughly a 60 mile range.
The larger Fluence Z.E. is a small sedan in US terms and mid-size for Europe. It will sell for the same price as its gasoline equivalent and sports a peak power out put of 70kW, about 94 hp at 3,000rpm with a maximum torque of 226Nm, 167 lb ft. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at 22kWh giving the car a range approximately 115 miles.
The Kangoo Z.E. is aimed at light commercial applications, much as the Ford Connect Transit. Powered by a 44kW electric motor giving 166.68 lb ft of torque using a 22kWh lithium-ion battery pack located beneath the cargo floor that doesn’t change the original volume capacity. The range is estimated at 105.63 miles, depending on condition and driving styles.
This is an interesting record for an electric car, usually not associated with range. Although the car recharged several time to achieve this record, it is the beginning of real life test data for endurance within a 24 hour limit time.