Ampere, the electromobility subsidiary of Renault Group, has entered into a strategic agreement with Spanish startup Basquevolt. The goal of the cooperation is the development and future production of advanced lithium-metal batteries with increased energy density. The technology is expected to enable the creation of more competitive, efficient, and cheaper electric vehicles, particularly in the face of challenges from Chinese manufacturers.
Strategic technological partnership
French conglomerate Renault, through its unit Ampere, is joining forces with Spanish startup Basquevolt to develop a new generation of lithium-metal batteries.
Goal: competitiveness with China
The main motivation for the cooperation is to create cheaper and more efficient batteries that will enable the European automotive industry to effectively compete with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers.
Advantages of lithium-metal batteries
The technology being developed promises significantly higher energy density compared to current lithium-ion solutions, which translates to greater range or smaller battery dimensions.
Renault Group is taking a strategic step in the technological race within the electromobility sector. Its subsidiary Ampere, responsible for electric vehicle development, has signed a cooperation agreement with Spanish company Basquevolt. The partnership aims to develop and produce advanced lithium-metal batteries. This technology is seen as the next evolutionary step beyond the currently dominant lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-metal batteries promise to achieve higher energy density, which in practice for an electric car user could mean either a greater range on a single charge, or the use of a lighter and smaller battery pack while maintaining the current range. According to sources, a key strategic goal for Renault is to reduce costs and improve the efficiency of its future models to compete more effectively in the market. Pressure from Chinese manufacturers, who often offer cheaper electric cars, is clearly indicated as the main motivation for this move. Strengthening the European supply chain for advanced electromobility components is crucial for maintaining the continent's competitiveness. Ampere, as a separate entity within Renault's structure, focuses exclusively on electrification and has greater freedom to form such technological alliances. The cooperation with Basquevolt, a company headquartered in the Basque Country, also aligns with broader European ambitions to build technological independence in the battery sector. Since the second decade of the 21st century, the automotive industry has been undergoing a profound transformation towards electrification, driven by both climate regulations and technological progress. The battery market, initially dominated by Asian companies, has become an area of intense investment and strategic ambition for Europe, which aims to create its own competitive battery production ecosystem. Financial details of the agreement or a specific timeline for implementing the technology into mass production have not been disclosed. Basquevolt, founded in 2021, is one of the European startups working on next-generation batteries. Its partnership with a major player like Renault could accelerate the commercialization of its solutions. The success of this venture depends on overcoming engineering challenges related to the durability and safety of lithium-metal batteries, which remain an area of intensive research and development worldwide.