Ampere, the electric vehicle division of Renault Group, is making significant strides in battery technology and supply chain management. On one front, the company is bolstering the European supply chain with four different sources of battery cells, including both Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) and Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) chemistries.
On the other, Ampere is introducing LFP batteries with a novel cell-to-pack installation method, which promises to revolutionize the industry.
Enhancing Energy Density and Reducing Costs
The new LFP batteries from Ampere will feature direct cell-to-pack installation, eliminating the traditional modular approach. This innovation not only maintains the external dimensions of the battery but also increases energy density. More importantly, it achieves a cost reduction of approximately 20%, significantly improving the operational margins for Renault’s electric projects.
To appreciate the advancements in cell-to-pack technology, it’s essential to first understand the conventional battery pack installation. Traditionally, a battery pack comprises several modules containing the cells, along with cooling plates and cell management electronics. These modules are indirectly cooled, affecting overall efficiency and weight.
In contrast, cell-to-pack installation places the cells directly into the main battery housing, allowing for direct cooling. This method removes the weight of the modules and maximizes the number of cells within the same battery volume, thus increasing the energy capacity.
Strategic Partnerships and Production Plans
Ampere’s cell-to-pack LFP batteries will be produced by LG Energy Solutions in Poland, with the first installations in production models expected by 2026. These batteries will offer a lower-cost alternative to the NCM chemistry while maintaining high performance. Besides LG, Ampere will also source LFP cells from Catl, produced in Hungary, ensuring a robust and diversified supply chain.
The NCM cells will continue to be manufactured in specialized facilities, including those in Douai and Verkor’s plant in Dunkirk. The initial rollout of LFP batteries in Renault models is anticipated at the beginning of 2026.
Josep Maria Recasens, Ampere’s Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the strategic importance of this development: “In a competitive and rapidly evolving environment, our battery strategy showcases the efficiency of an open and horizontal approach with top industry partners. This ensures smart capital allocation, flexibility, and swift execution. This plan aligns with Ampere’s roadmap to reduce costs by 40% before the next generation of vehicles.”
