Stellantis and CATL Plan Cheaper EV Batteries

We’ve covered exciting developments in lower cost EV technology recently. In October, we looked at Nissan’s point of view regarding making your average EV more affordable in relation to a burgeoning – and perhaps surprising to some – development of perfectly adequate Chinese electric vehicle imports; while the industry looked to open up to a brand new Asian market, China has hit back with their own more affordable electric vehicles, which will inevitably prove to be rivals to the traditional automotive manufacturers in the western world.

Cheaper EV Batteries = Cheaper EVs

While your average car manufacturer wants sales, they are successful businesses – and the price that they offer such vehicles at, is set at a careful balancing point – but one that can tip dramatically as technology moves forward and cheaper rivals pique interest from cash-strapped buyers.

A Change In Thought?

Further developments to Nissan’s new train of thought has been the announcement that Stellantis are considering joining up with China’s CATL to build a large vehicle battery plant in Europe, which would very likely significantly decrease the cost of manufacturers using their technology to power their electric vehicles.

It’s also a significant connection between the giant that is Stellantis and Chinese manufacturing, as Stellantis has also bought into Chinese EV manufacturer Leapmotor, to the tune of 1.6 billion dollars.

So far, we have an initial agreement announced between Stellantis and CATL that marks the approach towards a factory producing lithium iron phosphate batteries.

If it goes ahead, then the venture with be split equally in half between the manufacturers.

Lithium Iron Phosphate EV Batteries

There is some significance in a decision to produce lithium iron phosphate batteries, as such LFP (lithium ferrophosphate) devices are cheaper to produce than nickel manganese cobalt batteries, in part due to being less powerful than the latter.

Inevitably, an attempt to bring battery costs down will also have some impact on the driveability of the vehicles that use such batteries.

Although having said that, battery technology is getting significantly better as time progresses.

Citroen e-C3 EV

The ongoing thought process for trying to find significantly lower priced electric vehicles will benefit more budget-friendly models like the Citroen e-C3 which already promises a range of around 199 miles with a 0-62mph of 11 seconds with a top speed of 84mph.

Certainly not tech specs to get over excited about, but in the real world most people simply want to get from A to B with ease, with the added comfort of knowing their vehicle is future-proofed.

Add to that the knowledge that a battery replacement could now be even easier and cheaper and the peace-of-mind in owning such a vehicle increases.

The Citroen e-C3 is designed for everyday driving in urban and suburban environments – just what most people want.

The Times They Are EV A-Changin’ 

The reality is that there originally appeared to have been a significant push away from the boring electric vehicles that we first saw, changing the views of potential customers.

Whilst that is all well and good, times have changed again: We now have a global economic crisis, along with ever more robust legislation towards removing combustion engines from our roads.

Now, it appears that manufacturers have finally recognised this and are more than happy to provide cheaper electric vehicles that we can all afford. Maybe less exciting once again, but surely vehicles that will sell. 

Looking for the latest in electric car tech? Head over to smart-motoring.com/electric-cars to dive deep into all things EV. From groundbreaking new models to the latest in battery innovations, we’ve got everything you need to stay ahead of the curve. Check it out and keep your EV knowledge fully charged!