Ampere, Renault Group’s EV arm, has unveiled a new plan that it says will slash the cost of batteries in its vehicles by 20% from 2026.

Ampere will reduce the cost of batteries in its vehicles by around 20% from the beginning of 2026

The French firm said it would integrate LFP (lithium iron phosphate) technology to complement its existing NCM batteries (nickel cobalt manganese), following progress made in LFP technology over the past few years and the development of the value chain in Europe.

Ampere is working with its suppliers LG Energy Solution and CATL on the new LFP batteries, which will be used in various Renault and Alpine brands from early 2026.

LFP technology is less energy-intensive than NCM and also less expensive, making it a major part of work to create more affordable vehicles to help encourage more drivers into EVs.

Ampere’s teams are also working with LG Energy Solution on the development of ‘Cell-to-Pack’ technology for pouch-type batteries, which improves the range of vehicles and also helps reduce battery costs.

The integration of LFP and Cell-to-Pack technologies will enable Ampere to reduce the cost of batteries in its vehicles by around 20% from the beginning of 2026.

Ampere said its strategic plan would drive major transformations in record time, underpinning its work to “aggressively reduce vehicle costs and democratize electric mobility in Europe” while also delivering “an effective and cutting-edge response to market volatility and change in technologies”.

The complete range of batteries will mean customers “get the best autonomy at the best price, depending on their usage”.

Josep Maria Recasens, chief operating officer of Ampere, said: “In a fast-changing and competitive environment, our battery strategy is proof of the efficiency of Ampere’s open and horizontal approach with best-in-class partners, ensuring smart capital allocation, flexibility and rapid execution. This plan is in line with [the] Ampere roadmap to reduce costs by 40% before the next generation of vehicles.”

Ampere works with four battery partners. AESC located within Ampere ElectriCity hub, in Douai (France), for NCM batteries; CATL for LFP technology via its plant in Hungary; LGES for both NCM and LFP batteries, built in its plant in Poland; and Verkor for NCM technology, from its gigafactory based in Dunkerque (France). Batteries are assembled at Ampere ElectriCity at Douai, France.