Renault’s Ampere division has signed a development agreement with Basquevolt to accelerate the development and validation of lithium-metal batteries for future electric vehicles.
Lithium-metal batteries represent a major technological leap in energy density compared to current lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes.
The Renault Group claims that Basquevolt has already demonstrated its technology’s ability to achieve a very high energy density while significantly reducing the overall costs of battery packs. The goal of the partnership is therefore to develop and validate ‘pre-A’ sample cells for electric vehicles.
Sampling
A-samples are typically prototypes in an early phase of the development process. They involve initial functional or design models used to evaluate individual components within the overall product at an early stage, even if not all details are finalised.
Pre-A samples thus likely represent even earlier stages of development, far removed from the technology that could later be integrated into vehicles. During the A-sample phase, multiple development approaches are often pursued in parallel to later focus on the most promising concept. Thus, tests with A-samples can often help improve the overall project and refine planning.
“This collaboration underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in driving battery innovation, combining cutting-edge science with scalable engineering and cost efficiency,” claims Renault. “Together, Ampere and Basquevolt aim to pave the way for the commercial deployment of lithium metal-based battery technology in electric vehicles.”
Less energy consumption, lower cost
In the case of Basquevolt, Renault explains that the lithium-metal cells are expected to be produced using a simpler, more efficient manufacturing process thanks to the polymer electrolyte.
This competitive advantage results in approximately 30% lower capital investment per GWh in a conventional gigafactory and a 30% reduction in energy consumption per kWh produced. These are critical factors in establishing cell production.
The technology also promises advantages at the vehicle level. “By combining the advantages of polymer electrolyte with advanced anode, the technology has the potential to enable compact, lightweight battery packs with superior thermal stability and fast-charging capabilities, key attributes for the next generation of electric mobility,” the French company states.
However, these advantages are not quantified in detail. In earlier publications by Basquevolt, multi-layer cells achieving an energy density of 450 Wh/kg were already reported.
Limited lifespan?
However, lithium-metal batteries have so far had a limited lifespan, often lasting only a few dozen charge cycles. This is why this battery type has not yet become commercially viable, despite its advantages in energy density.
The issue lies in the formation of dendrites, which are deposits of metallic lithium on the anode. These typically sharp deposits can damage the battery cell if they grow large enough to pierce the separator film, potentially causing an internal short circuit.
The announcement regarding the newly formed partnership does not specify how Ampere and Basquevolt plan to address this challenge. Recently, the South Korean cell manufacturer Samsung SDI, in collaboration with Columbia University, presented a fluorine-based gel polymer electrolyte that forms a stable interface on the anode surface to suppress dendrite formation.
Solid-state
Basquevolt is an initiative founded in 2022 to research and produce solid-state batteries. The project is supported by the Basque Government and companies such as Iberdrola, CIE Automotive, Enagás, EIT InnoEnergy, and CIC energiGUNE. In addition to research, a 10 GWh production line is also planned.
“Entering this next phase with Ampere marks a major milestone in our mission to bring polymer electrolyte technology closer to the mass market,” says Pablo Fernández, CEO of Basquevolt.
Nicolas Racquet, Vice President of Vehicle & Powertrain Engineering at Ampere, adds: “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.”
