Stellantis and China's CATL have announced an agreement under which the automotive giant will receive lithium iron phosphate cells from CATL and modules built on them that will go to electric cars destined for the European market. The cells are to be manufactured locally. The two companies are also considering launching a joint venture to produce Li-ion cells. The cooperation is to be long-term.

Stellantis secures access to cheaper cells

The new cells will be used in cars of the B and C segments, both models with lower bodies and crossovers (source). Today it would be, among others, Jeep Avenger, Peugeot E-2008, Opel Astra Electric or Peugeot E-3008. In the future it may be about Little Alfa Romeo Leaving from these or Citroen e-C3 Aircross/SUV, which are expected to debut in 2024 — although it is worth noting here that companies did not provide a date for the start of cooperation, and with a “local source” we are talking about a factory, that is, a perspective of at least two or three years.

LFP cells have lower energy densities than classic Li-ion with nickel-based cathodes, but are cheaper. In addition, already this year CATL plans to gradually replace the classic LFPs with LMFP cells, i.e. lithium iron phosphate doped with manganese. According to the manufacturer's declarations, the cost of their production should be close at a higher energy density (0.21-0.23 kWh/kg for LMFP) and greater resistance to low temperatures.

Stellantis expects to sell exclusively electric cars in the passenger car segment in Europe from 2030 at the latest. In the United States, the share of electricians (passenger cars plus pickups) at the same time is expected to be 50 percent. In the Old Continent, the abandonment of internal combustion engines will occur in most brands in the second half of the decade, the purchase of a new diesel Fiat is expected to be impossible already in 2028.

Source: https://elektrowoz.pl/magazyny-energii/porozumienie-catl-i-koncernu-stellantis-lokalnie-produkowane-ogniwa-lfp-dla-europejskich-aut/