Renault is reversing course on its standalone electric vehicle (EV) division, Ampere, bringing it back under the core business by July. The move comes after plans for an initial public offering (IPO) failed to materialize amid slowing EV sales growth and profitability challenges across the industry.
Зміст
The Shift in Strategy
Created in 2023 under former CEO Luca de Meo, Ampere was intended to accelerate EV adoption by lowering prices and achieving cost parity with gasoline vehicles. The division housed Renault’s entire EV engineering, research, and development, operating three factories in northern France that also produce models for Nissan and Mitsubishi.
The restructuring follows a shift in leadership; current CEO François Provost has already dismantled another de Meo initiative, the Mobilize division, which focused on car sharing and charging networks. Provost’s move signals a preference for simplification and streamlining operations over independent ventures.
Why This Matters
The decision reflects broader industry trends. While early projections anticipated rapid EV dominance, many automakers have struggled with profitability outside Tesla and Chinese manufacturers. The initial plan to partially float Ampere relied on investments from Nissan and Mitsubishi, but the lack of a viable IPO removed the need for a separate entity.
By the Numbers
Renault’s EV sales saw a substantial 72% increase in 2025, reaching 151,939 units – representing over 20% of its European total. This growth was spurred by the success of the 5 E-Tech model. However, these gains were not enough to justify the complexity of maintaining a fully independent EV division in the current market conditions.
Broader Partnerships
Renault is also deepening its ties with Geely, which holds a stake in Renault South Korea and supplies platforms for upcoming SUVs like the Koleos and Filante. The two companies jointly own Horse Powertrain, a venture housing their internal combustion engine assets.
The reintegration of Ampere suggests a pragmatic shift towards consolidation as automakers adapt to slower-than-expected EV growth. The move underscores the industry’s evolving priorities: simplifying operations and leveraging existing infrastructure rather than pursuing ambitious, yet risky, independent ventures.
