Batteries: Renault bets on this new technology to lower the price of its electric cars

Ampere, a subsidiary of Renault, is partnering with the company Basquevolt to work on lithium metal-based battery technology, which promises better energy density.

One of the objectives set by the new CEO of the Renault group, François Provost, is to continue reducing production costs, which should lead to lower selling prices. Among the various strategies, innovations, especially regarding batteries, are key as they continue to contribute significantly to the price of electric models. After finally moving to LFP, the manufacturer is now looking at another type of battery: lithium metal.

To achieve this, Ampere, Renault’s subsidiary dedicated to electric vehicles and software, has signed a joint development agreement with Basquevolt to accelerate the development and validation of lithium metal-based batteries. According to Ampere, the technology developed by the Spanish company Basquevolt, which aims to become a European leader in solid-state batteries, represents a major advancement in terms of energy density compared to current lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes.

Ampere explains, “By combining the benefits of polymer electrolyte with an advanced anode, this technology offers the possibility to design compact and lightweight battery packs, with superior thermal stability and fast recharge capacities, key assets for the next generation of electric vehicles.”

The goal is to achieve very high energy density while reducing the costs of battery packs. Thanks to its polymer electrolyte, the cells can be produced through a simpler and more efficient manufacturing process. This competitive advantage will result in about 30% less capital investment per GWh in a conventional gigafactory and 30% less energy per kWh produced for future electric vehicles.

By partnering, both parties aim to accelerate this development and test these batteries, which according to Ampere are intended for “next-generation electric vehicles.” However, the manufacturer has not disclosed any further details about the timeline.