European manufacturers absolutely need to lower the prices of their electric cars, and there is actually one way: use cheaper chemicals but still valid, as Tesla has already done (and not only).
To date, the most widespread chemistry on EV batteries is NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt), considered premium and super reliable, especially with regards to charging speed and resistance to low temperatures. Then Tesla has cleared LFP chemistry (lithium-iron-phosphate), cheaper but more versatile, capable of not deteriorating even with continuous 100% charges (NMCs prefer to be recharged to 80% on a “daily” basis). For the record, the new rear-wheel drive Tesla Model 3 has had LFP batteries for some time, the same goes for the rear-wheel drive Tesla Model Y. The example of Elon Musk’s company is just one of many that we could do, in China there are several producers who have been using LFP batteries for years, a “leap” that Renault should now also make to lower the production costs of its electric cars. The first sodium ion batteries have already appeared in Asia, a technology in which Stellantis has also invested, even more versatile and economical for city cars and small cars.
According to an indiscretion reported by colleagues of Les EchosRenault is about to close an important partnership with AESC Envision for the production of LFP batteries in northern France, news which – if confirmed – could change several balances. We are thinking above all of models such as Renault 5 and Renault Mégane E-Tech, which with LFP batteries could become even more attractive to the public, with NMC batteries that could remain on board the new Scénic E-Tech. The announced Renault 4 E-Tech and Twingo could also be perfect candidates (a new electric Twingo confirmed from 2026). As already mentioned, Ampere – the technical division that deals with electricity for the Renault Group – has not yet confirmed anything, but already last year the company had somehow said that the LFP batteries would have played a key role in the development of its internal strategies. We will continue to monitor this and wait to give you good news.
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