Renault’s EV business Ampere has announced a battery strategy integrating Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) technology with existing Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) batteries used by the French group.
This move aims to address market volatility and evolving technologies effectively.
Ampere is working with suppliers LG Energy Solution and CATL to establish a European value chain, ensuring competitive LFP technology for vehicles made in Europe amid geopolitical tensions and threat of a trade war between China and the West.
These partners will supply LFP batteries for various Renault and Alpine models, meeting battery needs until 2030.
Ampere and LG Energy Solution are developing Cell-to-Pack technology, a first for pouch-type batteries, enhancing vehicle range by integrating more cells and reducing battery costs. This integration is expected to cut battery costs by around 20% from 2026.
Ampere’s battery partners include AESC Envision in France for NCM batteries, CATL in Hungary for LFP technology, LGES in Poland for both NCM and LFP batteries, and Verkor in France for NCM technology. Batteries are assembled at Ampere ElectriCity in France.
Advances in LFP technology and the European value chain development have made LFP a viable alternative to NCM. LFP is less energy-intensive and cheaper, suitable for small and midsize cars, crucial for affordable electric vehicles in Europe.
The first models with LFP technology are expected in early 2026.
