Stellantis and CATL introduced the signing of a non-binding, strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the native provide of LFP battery cells and modules.
The LFP batteries could be used to energy Stellantis’ electrical automobile manufacturing in Europe, particularly passenger vehicles, crossovers, and SUVs within the B and C segments.
The 2 companions are contemplating the potential of forming a three way partnership with equal contributions (50/50), which implies a brand new battery manufacturing facility funding in Europe.
In response to the press launch, the settlement additionally outlines a long-term collaboration between CATL and Stellantis on two strategic fronts, which embody “constructing a daring expertise roadmap to help Stellantis’ cutting-edge battery electrical autos and figuring out alternatives to additional strengthen the battery worth chain”.
Let’s be aware that Stellantis’ Dare Ahead 2030 strategic plan features a very daring goal of reaching a 100% passenger automobile battery electrical automobile (BEV) gross sales combine in Europe. For reference, in america, the goal for passenger automobile and light-duty truck BEV gross sales combine is 50% inside the identical timeframe (by 2030).
To safe sufficient batteries for mass electrification in Europe, Stellantis already has three battery plant tasks available (one in Germany, one in France, and one in Italy) underneath the Automotive Cells Firm (ACC) battery three way partnership with TotalEnergies/Saft, later joined additionally by Mercedes-Benz. On high of that come agreements with exterior battery suppliers.
A further partnership with CATL and probably a further three way partnership battery gigafactory is perhaps important as a result of CATL will not be solely the world’s largest lithium-ion EV battery producer, but additionally one of many market leaders within the LFP battery chemistry. LFP batteries are thought-about to be among the many most inexpensive ones, which might enable carmakers to cut back prices and pricing.
The not too long ago unveiled all-electric 2024 Citroen e-C3 with a variety of roughly 200 miles (320 km) WLTP and an anticipated value of $24,500 (projection for 2025), to be geared up with a 44-kilowatt-hour LFP battery. A number of further fashions is perhaps constructed on Stellantis’ new Good Automobile Platform, which implies that now’s the time to organize the LFP battery provide chain.
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares mentioned: “This MoU with CATL on LFP battery chemistry is one other ingredient in our long-term technique to guard freedom of mobility for the European center class. CATL is the trade chief on this sector and along with our iconic automobile manufacturers, we’ll convey revolutionary and accessible battery expertise to our clients whereas serving to us obtain our carbon web zero ambition by 2038.”
Robin Zeng, Chairman and Common Supervisor of CATL mentioned: “We’re more than happy to raise our cooperation with Stellantis to a brand new stage. With Stellantis’ time-honored experience in automobile manufacturing and CATL’s superior battery expertise, we imagine the partnership might be a decisive step on each events’ journey in the direction of carbon neutrality targets. We are going to stay devoted to delivering extra aggressive and sustainable options for our companions to advertise international vitality transition.”