Summary
French batteries for electric vehicles in full expansion
The production of “made in France” batteries for electric cars from brands such as Peugeot, Opel, and Mercedes-Benz has gained new momentum. Although the launch was delayed by a few months, the first cells are now available on the market, marking a turning point for the European automotive industry.
A European issue
The production of electric batteries is a crucial issue for the European Union, as currently, the majority of these batteries come from China. This situation has prompted the EU to impose customs duties on vehicles produced in China, including batteries, in addition to offering ecological bonuses based on the place of production.
Automotive Cell Company: French pioneer of batteries
The startup ACC, or Automotive Cell Company, emerged from the collaboration between Stellantis, TotalEnergies, and Mercedes as a joint venture, each entity sharing the same share. Since its founding in 2020, ACC has launched its first production plant in Douvrin, France. This site now produces cells intended for the Peugeot E-3008 and Opel Grandland, the first of their kind “Long Range”.
Ambitious goals for the future
Currently expanding, ACC aims to produce 2,000 battery packs by the end of 2024. By 2025, it plans to equip 150,000 vehicles, a target that will increase to 250,000 in 2026 and up to 2.5 million in 2030. These objectives align with the ban on selling thermal cars in Europe from 2035, which should boost the demand for batteries.
Challenges and improvements in production
ACC has invested in three production blocks, with the first operational producing NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) chemistry batteries. However, the company still faces challenges, including a high rate of production rejection. Fortunately, this rate has been improved, reaching 98% of marketable NMC cells, according to Matthieu Hubert, the company’s general secretary.
A pause in European expansion for technical adjustments
To improve its production, ACC has temporarily suspended its plant projects in Germany and Italy. These sites could soon produce LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) cells, which are less expensive to manufacture thanks to their adoption by the Stellantis group and soon Mercedes.
