Ampere and Basquevolt Sign JDA for Lithium-Metal EV Battery Development

Ampere and Basquevolt announce a joint development agreement to advance lithium-metal battery technology for next-generation EV prototypes. Learn more.

Ampere, the electric vehicle unit of Renault Group, and Spain’s Basquevolt have entered a new phase of cooperation by signing a Joint Development Agreement to accelerate the deployment of lithium-metal battery technology with a polymer electrolyte. The immediate objective is to meet the requirements of Pre-A Sample electric vehicle prototypes, paving the way for next-generation EV platforms.

At the core of the project is a battery architecture combining a lithium-metal anode with a polymer composite electrolyte. This approach is positioned as a step beyond conventional lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes. The partners highlight the potential for higher energy density, more compact and lighter battery packs, improved thermal stability and fast-charging capability — all parameters that directly affect vehicle range and usability.

The agreement builds on more than twelve months of prior collaboration. According to the companies, Basquevolt’s technology has already demonstrated the ability to reach very high energy density while reducing overall battery pack costs. A key argument lies in manufacturing efficiency: thanks to the polymer electrolyte, cell production can be simplified. The companies indicate that this could translate into roughly 30% lower capital expenditure per GWh in a conventional gigafactory and around 30% less energy consumption per kWh produced compared with traditional lithium-ion manufacturing.

For Ampere — established as a dedicated entity focused on intelligent electric vehicles — strategic partnerships are central to accelerating battery innovation. The company is shaping its own battery roadmap and building a European-anchored supply ecosystem. The collaboration with Basquevolt fits into this broader strategy of strengthening technological sovereignty and advancing next-generation chemistries within Renault Group.

Basquevolt positions itself as a European pioneer in solid-state battery development, drawing on research into polymer electrolytes and collaboration with specialized research centers. The company aims to scale its technology toward industrial production volumes, contributing to Europe’s ambitions in the global race for solid-state batteries. Major automotive and technology players worldwide are testing comparable concepts and outlining commercialization timelines later in the decade.

Yet the road to commercialization remains technically demanding. Research institutions and manufacturers continue to point to challenges linked to lithium-metal anode stability and interfacial processes within solid-state systems. In this context, the current development phase focuses on validating performance under automotive conditions — a crucial step before industrial ramp-up.

For Renault Group, which sold 2.337 million vehicles in 2025 and targets carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040 and globally by 2050, progress in advanced battery technologies may prove decisive. As electrification accelerates across markets, the ability to combine performance gains with cost efficiency could shape competitive positioning in the years ahead.