Electric car news
The European automotive market is about to experience a major transformation with the announcement of a strategic partnership between the Stellantis group and the Chinese giant CATL. This collaboration represents a colossal investment of 4.1 billion euros for the construction of a battery factory in Spain, marking a decisive turning point in the democratization of electric vehicles.
A strategic partnership for more affordable batteries
The establishment of this new factory in Zaragoza aims for an ambitious annual production of 50 GWh of LFP cells. This technology, less expensive than traditional NMC batteries, will allow manufacturers to offer electric models at more accessible prices. The commissioning of the plant is scheduled for fin 2026with a gradual ramp-up in production.
LFP (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) batteries have several technical advantages:
- A extended lifespan with over 3000 charge cycles
- And production cost reduced by 30% compared to NMC batteries
- Increased thermal stability guaranteeing better safety
- The absence of critical materials like cobalt and nickel
Impact on the Stellantis range and market prices
This new technology will benefit all Stellantis group brands. The Citroën ë-C3, already equipped with LFP batteries, is only the beginning of a new generation of more affordable electric vehicles. Future Peugeot, Fiat and Opel models will benefit from this technological advance to reduce their production costs.
| Marque | Estimated reduction | Impact on autonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Citroën | -15% | 320-400 km |
| Peugeot | -12% | 350-450 km |
| Fiat | -18% | 300-380 km |
The challenges of local production and competition
The arrival of CATL in Spain raises questions for ACC (Automotive Cell Company), the joint venture between Stellantis, TotalEnergies and Mercedes-Benz. Their factory projects in Germany and Italy, initially planned for the production of NMC batteries, find themselves in a delicate position. The suspension of these projects to consider a transition to LFP technology demonstrates the considerable impact of this new partnership.
The automotive battery sector in Europe is undergoing profound restructuring, with total production capacity estimated at 250 GWh by 2030. This rapid evolution of the market forces traditional players to rethink their strategies and investments to remain competitive in the face of the offensive of Asian manufacturers.
The establishment of this CATL factory in Spain represents a crucial step in the European electrification strategy, promising more accessible electric vehicles while maintaining local production. This initiative could significantly accelerate the transition to electric mobility in Europe.
Written by Alexandra Dujonc
After studying electrical engineering, I worked on research and development projects aimed at improving the charging capacity of electric cars, which I made into my specialty! I put my in-depth knowledge on the subject of electric charging at your disposal.
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