Renault formalizes its choice of LFP batteries, less expensive and which help to lower car prices. The brand will also innovate with a world first.
Renault is evolving its battery strategy. In addition to NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt), Ampere, its subsidiary dedicated to electric vehicles, will supply itself with LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate). In a press release, Renault writes: “This decision is an effective and innovative response to market volatility and the evolution of technologies”.
The main advantage of LFP is that it is cheaper, which makes it possible to offer more affordable electric vehicles. LFP, however, has the disadvantage of being less energy dense than NMC, but it is well suited to small cars or compacts with basic autonomy.
To source LFP batteries, the French company called on LG Energy Solution and CATL. It says it worked “hand in hand” with them to “set up an integrated value chain on the European continent, in order to ensure increased competitiveness of LFP technology for its vehicles manufactured in Europe”. CATL has a factory in Hungary, LG in Poland. The contracts run until 2030.
In addition, with LG, Renault (or Ampere) has developed “Cell-to-Pack” technology. The manufacturer emphasizes that this is a “major innovation, a world first for pouch-type batteries”. Cell-to-pack will make it possible to ingest more cells in a given space, improving autonomy with vehicles equipped with LFP chemistry. A way to circumvent the defect of lower energy density.
With these two elements, Renault wants to lower the cost of batteries by around 20%. They will be in place at the beginning of 2026, which seems to be particularly in line with the arrival of the new Twingo, which promises a base price under €20,000. The LFP was almost essential to achieve this. The R5 will also take advantage of this to lower its prices. Renault also announces this for Alpine.
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