Renault and Verkor partner on EV batteries

Renault Group and European low-carbon battery producer Verkor have cemented a long-term commercial partnership.

Verkor will supply Renault Group with the equivalent of 12GWh high-performance EV batteries annually from its future Verkor Gigafactory in Dunkirk, France, expected to be operational in 2025.

The batteries will be used in Renault Group brands upper segment vehicles, starting from 2025 with the Alpine 100% electric C-Crossover GT to be manufactured in Dieppe, France.

The deal consolidates the strategic partnership started with Renault Group’s acquisition of a stake in Verkor in June 2021.

“The trust that Renault Group has shown in us since the beginning is now materialised in this long-term commercial partnership,” says Verkor co-founder and management board chairman Benoit Lemaignan.

“This is further evidence of the attractiveness and credibility of our project as we raise the necessary funds to build our Gigafactory in Dunkirk. Manufacturing batteries in Europe and controlling the value chain are fundamental to the energy transition.”

Renault Group chief purchasing, partnerships, and public affairs officer François Provost says the partnership allows it to secure a long-term supply of EV batteries and to ensure a reinforced traceability of their elements.

“It is in line with the ambition of the group and its future entity Ampere dedicated to electric vehicles and software, to control the entire electric value chain,” he explains.

“Renault Group is thus continuing to develop in France, at the heart of Europe, a robust electrical ecosystem of technology centres, vehicle, engine, and battery factories.”