Ampere, the electric vehicle and software division of Renault Group, has signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with Spanish battery developer Basquevolt. The partnership aims to accelerate the development and validation of lithium metal-based batteries for future EVs, with an initial focus on meeting Pre-A Sample prototype requirements.
Highlights
- Ampere and Basquevolt signed a JDA to co-develop lithium metal-based battery technology targeting next-generation electric vehicles.
- Basquevolt’s polymer electrolyte approach could cut gigafactory capital investment by roughly 30% per GWh and reduce energy use by 30% per kWh produced.
- The partnership builds on 12-plus months of prior collaboration, with Basquevolt already demonstrating high energy density results in its cell development program.
Why Lithium Metal Batteries Matter for EVs
Lithium metal-based batteries represent a significant step forward in energy density compared to conventional lithium-ion cells with liquid electrolyte. Basquevolt’s technology pairs a polymer electrolyte with an advanced anode design. As a result, the approach has the potential to deliver compact, lightweight battery packs with improved thermal stability and fast-charging capability.
These attributes are increasingly important as automakers work to extend EV range while reducing pack size and weight. However, bringing solid-state and lithium metal chemistries from the lab to mass production remains a key industry challenge.
Manufacturing Cost Advantages
After more than 12 months of joint work, Basquevolt reports that its technology can achieve very high energy density while also lowering overall battery pack costs. The company’s polymer electrolyte enables a simpler and more efficient cell manufacturing process. Key cost benefits include:
- Approximately 30% lower capital expenditure per GWh in a conventional gigafactory setting
- Roughly 30% less energy consumed per kWh of cell production
These efficiencies could give Basquevolt a meaningful edge as European battery manufacturers scale up to meet growing EV demand.
What Both Companies Are Saying
“Entering this next phase with Ampere marks a major milestone in our mission to bring polymer electrolyte technology closer to the mass market,” said Pablo Fernández, CEO of Basquevolt.
“Together, we are focused on validating performance in real-world automotive conditions and accelerating the transition to next-gen EV batteries that meet the evolving needs of our customers,” added Nicolas Racquet, VP of Vehicle & Powertrain Engineering at Ampere.
Strategic Context
The agreement underscores a broader industry trend of automakers forging partnerships with battery startups to secure access to emerging cell chemistries. For Ampere, the collaboration adds a potential next-generation technology pathway alongside its existing EV lineup under the Renault Group umbrella. Meanwhile, Basquevolt gains a major OEM validation partner as it works to move from development-stage cells toward commercial-scale production.
Basquevolt is backed by investors and partners including the Basque Government, Iberdrola, CIE Automotive, Enagás, InnoEnergy, and energy research center CIC energiGUNE. Additional information is available at www.basquevolt.com and Renault Group.
Sign up for our popular daily email to catch all the latest EV news!
