Stellantis in Talks to Adopt BYD's LFP Battery Technology

According to Gasgoo Auto, Stellantis is planning to launch a simplified version of the Citroën ë-C3 with a 200-kilometer range, aiming to price it below €20,000. French media reports indicate that this variant will likely use BYD's cells, featuring a battery pack capacity of 30-35 kWh and a WLTP range of approximately 200-250 kilometers.

The report highlights BYD's competitive advantage stemming from its vertically integrated supply chain, including in-house cell production and lithium mining operations, along with economies of scale that significantly surpass Stellantis' current LFP battery suppliers.

source: BYD

Previously, Stellantis' CMP Smart Car platform introduced affordable electric vehicles including the Citroën ë-C3 and Fiat Grande Panda, equipped with SVOLT's LFP batteries featuring 44 kWh capacity and roughly 320 kilometers of WLTP range.

The involved parties have not yet commented on these reports. 

"LFP batteries will remain viable for entry-level and economic vehicles for the next 15-20 years," stated BYD Group Executive Vice President and Chief Scientist Lian Yubo at an industry conference last September. He emphasized that LFP batteries will continue to dominate the power market due to their economic efficiency, safety features, and material controllability.

Recent data from the China Automotive Power Battery Industry Innovation Alliance reveals that China's power battery installations reached 548.4 GWh in 2024, marking a 41.5% year-on-year increase. Within this: 

• NCM batteries: 139.0 GWh (25.3% share), up 10.2% YoY

• LFP batteries: 409.0 GWh (74.6% share), up 56.7% YoY

This data clearly demonstrates LFP batteries' dominant position in China, with growth rates significantly outpacing NCM batteries and suggesting an approaching "80-20" market split. 

source: Stellantis

In international markets, LFP batteries are gaining momentum. Major automakers including Stellantis, GM, Hyundai, Volkswagen, and Renault Group have announced plans to adopt LFP technology. Notably, Renault Group placed a 39 GWh LFP battery procurement order last July.

This shift in downstream strategy has prompted global battery manufacturers to pivot toward LFP technology:

• LG Energy Solution has signed LFP cathode material supply agreements with multiple Chinese manufacturers

• Samsung SDI unveiled LFP batteries optimized for commercial EVs at a 2024 industry exhibition

• SK On has completed LFP battery development and plans to begin production in 2026

The broader perspective suggests LFP batteries' continued dominance, driven by economic and safety advantages, with future growth supported by both EV and energy storage applications. Chinese battery manufacturers, with their extensive technical experience, supply chain capabilities, and cost control expertise, are positioned to remain the primary global suppliers of LFP batteries.