Ampere will integrate LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) technology to complement NCM batteries (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) and create a European value chain.

Ampere - Battery strategy

In conjunction with its partner, LG Energy Solution (LGES), Ampere says it is launching cell-to-pack (CTP) technology, for pouch-type batteries. In addition, the EV producer will also introduce LFP batteries alongside the NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) batteries currently used by Renault Group.

Ampere says broadening the offering of battery chemistries and formats will allow it to optimise battery configurations depending on the application. The company claims this will see a 20% reduction in the cost of batteries by 2026.

Ampere notes that this is in response to market volatility and changes in technologies, and that it is working with LGES and CATL to set up an integrated value chain on the European continent. These two partners will provide the LFP batteries that will equip several models of Renault and Alpine brands and will cover battery needs for this technology until 2030.

The company currently works with four battery partners:

  • AESC located within Ampere ElectriCity hub, in Douai (France), for NCM batteries.
  • CATL for LFP technology, from their plant in Hungary
  • LGES for both NCM and LFP batteries, built in their plant in Poland.
  • Verkor for NCM technology, from its gigafactory based in Dunkerque (France)

Batteries are assembled at Ampere ElectriCity (France), in the Assembly Battery Shop of Douai Manufacture.

The development of CTP for pouch-type batteries will allow for the integration of more cells, delivering more on-board energy, in a given space. The company notes that LFP technology is less energy-intensive and less expensive than NCM, and that it is suited to certain applications, such as small and midsize cars. The first models will be equipped with LFP technology from early 2026.

“The work we’ve done with LG Energy Solution has enabled us to localise the entire value chain around LFP technology in Europe, and significantly increase its competitiveness, including with Cell-to-Pack. Innovation in batteries is ongoing, and we are working far upstream – in particular with our Innovation Battery Cell Laboratory to open in Lardy in 2025 – to engage our partners early on with us, on the major transformations to come,” says Philippe Brunet, SVP Powertrain and EV engineering, Ampere.

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