With the age of production electric vehicles still in its relative infancy, it’s not surprising to see new records being claimed on a fairly regular basis. The latest company putting its EV on the world record podium is Renault, which is claiming the world record for the longest distance traveled in 24 hours by a production EV.
The record-breaking drive took place on June 1, 2012, on the speed ring at the Aubevoye technical centre (CTA) in Normandy with two of the French automaker’s ZOE electric vehicles setting out at 4:00 pm local time. Over the next 24 hours, fifteen drivers took turns at the respective wheels, recharging the vehicles as necessary.
When the clock ticked over to 4:00 pm on June 2, one vehicle had traveled 1,506 km (935.78 miles), while the other completed 363 laps of the speed ring to achieve a total distance of 1,618 km (1,005.37 miles), bettering the previous record of 1,280 km (795.35 miles) by some 25 percent. An official was on hand and Guinness Book of Records homologation is pending.
Over the 24 hour period, the ZOE setting the new record was fast charged 18 times. Fast charging allows the vehicle to regain 80 percent on its battery capacity in under 30 minutes and makes use of Renault’s patented Caméléon charger that is compatible with any power socket up to 43 kW.
Source: Renault
Saw one of these in the local dealer but we need a Hybrid!
Most of us shouldn't have a problem with 100 km between charges, besides if they have quickdropped depleted batteries in less than a minute that would be much more conveying (as they do with Taxis in Tokyo, all day and night long).
It'll be a while before we have the proper infrastructure though, with charging stations all over the place.
Weight reduction would have done bugger all anyway - weight only plays a part when you accellerate - they only have to do that once every 89km.
Rather than the glass half empty approach of the nay sayers, I see this as being an advance. There would not be many people who commute more than 89km to and from work every day. Conceivably you could drive in, plug in then drive home - even if your shift at work only lasted 30 minutes. Or, as an idea on a standard 8 hour workday, one charger could charge 16 cars. Sounds like a good way to share the cost of an office charger.
EV's aren't the answer to everybodies prayers, but they could answer the needs of many.