Renault’s Ampere unit is deploying a comprehensive strategy to reduce electric vehicle costs, enhance battery performance, and integrate them into sustainable energy grids, positioning EVs for wider global adoption.
This multi-faceted approach centers on cutting battery costs by approximately 20% starting in early 2026. The strategy diversifies battery chemistries, utilizing high-energy NMC cells alongside more cost-effective and robust LFP options, while also exploring future cobalt-free technologies.
Ampere, the electric vehicle division of the Renault Group, is collaborating with key partners like AESC/Envision, CATL, LGES, and Verkor. These partnerships aim to select the most suitable battery chemistry for each vehicle application.
Advanced integration solutions, such as cell-to-pack and cell-to-chassis designs, are being implemented to reduce the number of components and overall manufacturing costs. This drive for efficiency is intended to make electric vehicles more affordable for mass-market segments.
Practical implications for drivers include models like the Renault Megane E-Tech and Renault 5 E-Tech. These vehicles feature battery packs ranging from 40 to 65 kWh, 400-volt architectures, and direct current (DC) charging peaks typically between 100 and 130 kW.
Such charging capabilities allow for a 10% to 80% charge in approximately 15 to 40 minutes, depending on the battery capacity and the charging station’s power output.
Beyond the vehicles, efforts are underway to expand and improve charging infrastructure. Portugal, for example, has significantly increased its public charger network, now boasting thousands of charging points, including hundreds of fast and ultra-fast options.
This growth alleviates range anxiety and facilitates inter-regional travel, although rural areas and secondary roads still present some gaps in coverage. Many mid-segment EV models now support DC charging at 100 to 200 kW, substantially reducing travel times.
The trend towards ultra-fast charging stations (150-350 kW), strategically located along main highway corridors, aims to make long-distance EV travel comparable to internal combustion engine vehicles, with typical stops lasting 20-30 minutes.
Furthermore, smart and bidirectional charging is gaining prominence as renewable energy sources like solar and wind become more prevalent. This technology allows vehicles to charge during periods of excess renewable energy production and discharge power back to the grid (Vehicle-to-Grid or V2G) when demand is high.
Renault, through its Mobilize brand, is actively pursuing initiatives in this area, including V2G solutions in cities like Utrecht and pilot projects in Porto Santo. The Renault 5 E-Tech is set to feature a bidirectional charger, enabling owners to use their car as a mobile battery to reduce home energy costs and support grid stability.
Pilot V2G projects involving fleets, municipalities, and energy operators in Portugal demonstrate the potential for this technology to evolve into a significant commercial feature as legislation and infrastructure advance.
The European Battery Regulation is also shaping the future of battery management, introducing obligations for traceability through a “battery passport,” recycled content requirements, and recovery targets. These regulations ensure greater transparency for consumers and promote a more responsible industry.
Used batteries will have increased opportunities for “second life” applications in stationary energy storage before undergoing recycling, thereby reducing overall costs and the environmental footprint of the EV ecosystem. Renault is reinforcing its commitment to the circular economy for batteries, preparing for these regulatory requirements through enhanced collection, second-life programs, and recycling partnerships.