Ampere, the electric vehicle and software-focused arm of Renault Group, has signed a Joint Development Agreement with Basquevolt to accelerate the development and validation of lithium metal-based batteries for next-generation electric vehicles.
The partnership signals a major step toward bringing high-energy-density battery technology closer to commercial deployment.
A Leap Beyond Conventional Lithium-Ion
Basquevolt’s lithium metal battery technology is designed to deliver a significant increase in energy density compared with today’s liquid-electrolyte lithium-ion batteries.
By combining a polymer electrolyte with an advanced anode architecture, the company aims to unlock higher energy density, more compact and lightweight battery packs, improved thermal stability and faster charging capabilities.
These attributes are critical for future EVs, where automakers are under pressure to extend range, reduce charging times, and lower overall vehicle costs.
According to Pablo Fernández, CEO of Basquevolt, entering this next phase with Ampere marks a key milestone in bringing polymer electrolyte technology closer to mass production.
Nicolas Racquet, VP of Vehicle & Powertrain Engineering at Ampere, emphasized that the focus now shifts to validating performance under real-world automotive conditions. The goal: accelerate the transition to next-generation EV batteries that meet evolving customer expectations.
Lower Costs, Lower Energy Use
After more than a year of collaboration, Basquevolt reports promising results. Its lithium metal technology is already demonstrating very high energy density while reducing overall battery pack costs.
Thanks to its polymer electrolyte design, battery cells can be manufactured through a simpler and more efficient production process. This delivers tangible advantages:
– Around 30% lower capital investment per GWh in a conventional gigafactory
– Approximately 30% less energy consumption per kWh produced
If validated at scale, these efficiencies could significantly improve the economics of EV battery production — a crucial factor as Europe ramps up domestic battery manufacturing capacity.
For Ampere, the agreement reinforces its strategy of leveraging strategic partnerships to accelerate innovation while maintaining cost competitiveness. For Basquevolt, it provides a direct pathway toward automotive-grade validation and eventual commercialisation.
