Ampere, Renault's electrical and software business unit, announced on Monday that it would be expanding its range of batteries to include LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) technology, which has a lower energy density but is more affordable than the NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) chemistry currently used by the automaker.

Ampere has signed a five-year contract to source its batteries from LG Energy Solution's production facility in Poland, and has also extended its supplies to LFP from the Hungarian site of the Chinese company CATL, notably for the future Renault Twingo.

"This decision is an effective and innovative response to volatile markets and evolving technologies", explained Ampere in a press release.

The first deliveries are scheduled for 2026.

The entire automotive industry is currently considering how to expand its range of battery chemistries to meet the needs of all market segments, as well as the competition that is emerging from China's ultra-competitive electric vehicles (EVs).

Battery manufacturer Automotive Cells Company (ACC), a joint venture between Stellantis and Mercedes, has suspended its plans for battery gigafactories in Germany and Italy, against a backdrop of slowing demand for EVs and a focus on cheaper technologies than NMC. (Gilles Guillaume reports, edited by Kate Entringer)