Renault unveils innovative batteries aimed at lowering electric vehicle costs

Renault has intensified its electric vehicle developments since the Renaulution in 2021, introducing models like the Mégane and Scénic E-Tech. The creation of Ampère, a dedicated subsidiary for electric cars, will oversee upcoming models, including a production version of the Twingo Legend. Ampère aims to cut battery costs by 20% by 2026 and plans to incorporate cobalt-free chemistries to enhance efficiency and reduce charging time. Innovations like solid-state batteries and advanced production technologies are also in the pipeline.

Since launching its Renaulution strategy in 2021, the French automaker has been actively expanding its lineup of electric vehicles. This includes popular models such as the Mégane and Scénic E-Tech, as well as the recently unveiled R5 and the R4, which were showcased at the Paris Motor Show.

Technological Innovations

The company aims to further enhance its electric vehicle offerings. In late 2022, they unveiled Ampère, a dedicated subsidiary focused on electric vehicle development, tasked with bringing the Renault Twingo Legend concept to production. Ampère will oversee all design aspects, including battery development for the brand’s electric vehicles.

In July, Renault set a target to cut battery costs for its electric models by 20% by 2026. This ambitious goal is already making headway, as revealed by a recent press release from Ampère. The strategy involves reducing the reliance on NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) technology, known for its high energy density but also higher costs, favoring the more affordable LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) batteries.

While transitioning to LFP batteries has proven challenging for competitors like Stellantis, Renault is making significant strides. Ampère plans to introduce electric vehicles equipped with LFP batteries as early as 2026.

Looking ahead, Ampère has ambitious plans, including the integration of innovative cobalt-free battery chemistries starting in 2028. These new batteries aim to combine the benefits of both NMC and LFP technologies, offering low costs, enhanced safety, and impressive energy density.

Further Reductions in Costs

This new battery solution is expected to significantly decrease charging times, aiming for a recharge duration of under 15 minutes. Such advancements will alleviate concerns for drivers wary of prolonged waits at charging stations and enable the company to remain competitive against Chinese manufacturers.

Ampère is also developing solid-state batteries, anticipated to debut by 2030. These will utilize “a cobalt-free cathode and a Lithium Metal anode,” according to the company.

In addition, the manufacturer is exploring CTP (cell-to-pack) and CTC (cell-to-chassis) technologies, which integrate battery cells directly within the pack and chassis respectively. This innovation could reduce production costs, which currently see the battery component accounting for about 40% of an electric vehicle’s total cost. However, it does raise concerns regarding diagnostics and potential replacements following minor accidents, increasing the likelihood of scrappage.

Cell-to-pack technology is expected to be implemented by 2026, while the cell-to-chassis approach may follow shortly thereafter. Ampère has set its sights on a 40% cost reduction by 2028, potentially leading to improved financial performance. Despite a downturn in electric vehicle sales that is affecting many European automakers, the recent quarterly results for Ampère remain promising overall.

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