Stellantis Electrification Transition Kicks Off With ACC Gigafactory Opening
Plant Plays A Huge Roll Into Electrification Plan In Europe...
Stellantis, in collaboration with TotalEnergies and Mercedes-Benz, celebrated the inauguration of Automotive Cells Company’s (ACC) battery gigafactory in Billy-Berclau Douvrin, France. This facility is the first of three planned gigafactories in Europe and represents a significant step towards increasing battery production capacity in the region.
With an initial production line capacity of 13 gigawatt-hours (GWh), the factory aims to expand its capacity to 40 GWh by 2030. The primary objective is to manufacture high-performance lithium-ion batteries while minimizing the carbon dioxide (Co2) footprint. The first production unit of the gigafactory is expected to be operational before the end of 2023.
This gigafactory is integral to Stellantis’ strategy to boost battery manufacturing capacity to 250 GWh in Europe by 2030. The company aims to provide a wide range of battery technologies to support the electrification of its entire brand portfolio. By securing approximately 400 GWh of capacity by 2030, Stellantis plans to achieve its goals through the establishment of five gigafactories in Europe and North America, in addition to securing supply contracts.
Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in this partnership, emphasizing the company’s commitment to electrify mobility and contribute to the European electrification transition. Tavares also commended the efforts of everyone involved in ACC, highlighting the importance of building a strong coalition to enhance Europe’s competitiveness in the field of sustainable transportation.
Stellantis has 24 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) available in the market, which is expected to double to 47 by the end of 2024 nearly. The company aims to have over 75 BEVs globally and achieve global BEV sales of 5 million by 2030. Stellantis’ electric vehicles, such as the Peugeot e-208 and Fiat 500e, have already gained popularity in France and Europe, ranking among the top sellers in their respective markets.
Recognizing the continuous evolution of battery technologies, Stellantis is actively exploring various options to meet the diverse needs of its customers while ensuring clean, safe, and affordable mobility. The company is investigating promising solutions like Factorial’s solid-state battery technology and Lyten’s lithium-sulfur batteries, potentially enhancing vehicle performance and improving the overall electric vehicle experience.
In addition to battery production, Stellantis, ACC, the Union of Metallurgies Industries, the local state, and the region are collaborating to establish the Battery Training Center of Douvrin. This initiative aims to upskill and reskill Stellantis employees in battery manufacturing through a comprehensive 400-hour course. By 2025, at least 600 employees are expected to join the battery manufacturing plant, bolstering the region’s competitiveness in the growing electrification sector.
As part of its Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, Stellantis has announced ambitious goals, including achieving 100% passenger car BEV sales in Europe and 50% BEV sales in the United States by 2030. The company is also committed to becoming a carbon net-zero corporation, encompassing all emission scopes, by 2038, with only a single-digit percentage of remaining emissions requiring compensation.
