Stellantis and CATL form joint venture to erect 50 GWh carbon-neutral LFP battery plant in EU
European OEM Stellantis has announced a new joint venture with the world’s largest battery manufacturer CATL, to build a large-scale lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant at one of the former’s existing production sites.
Today’s joint venture announcement between Stellantis and CATL builds upon a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both companies in the fall of 2023. At the time, we reported that the MoU kicked off a broad preliminary joint venture with Chinese EV battery giant CATL that detailed the development and purchasing of LFP batteries that will power the automaker’s small and mid-sized EVs sold in Europe.
As part of the long-term deal, Stellantis – the parent company of Jeep, Fiat, Citreön, Peugeot, and others said it would erect a new gigafactory in Europe to help CATL manufacturer said LPF batteries – a chemistry that is becoming wildly popular in the EV industry as it is cheaper to manufacture and enables OEMs to pass those savings along to consumers in the form of smaller, more affordable models.
Just over a year later, Stellantis and CATL have finalized their proposed joint venture and will pool funds to build a new LFP battery plant in Spain that could reach an annual capacity of 50 GWh.
Stellantis and CATL commit up to €4.1 billion for LFP plant
Stellantis and CATL published the same press release today, confirming the joint venture agreement in which they will invest up to 4.1 billion euros to erect the LFP manufacturing facility at Stellantis’ existing production site in Zaragoza, Spain.
According to the new partners, the new LFP battery plant will be entirely carbon-neutral and erected via an investment plan in several phases. Stellantis chairman John Elkann elaborated:
Stellantis is committed to a decarbonized future, embracing all available advanced battery technologies to bring competitive electric vehicle products to our customers. This important joint venture with our partner CATL will bring innovative battery production to a manufacturing site that is already a leader in clean and renewable energy, helping drive a 360-degree sustainable approach. I want to thank all stakeholders involved in making today’s announcement a reality, including the Spanish authorities for their continued support.
The 50/50 joint venture between Stellantis and CATL aims to start LFP cell production by the end of 2026. It could reach an annual capacity of 50 GWh, “subject to the evolution of the electrical market in Europe and continued support from authorities in Spain and the European Union.”
Stellantis said its partnership with a battery leader like CATL will enable it to implement LFP battery technology in its crossover and SUV BEVs in the B and C segments, which will be durable and affordable with “intermediate ranges.” CATL chairman and CEO Robin Zheng also spoke to the JV with Stellantis:
The joint venture has taken our cooperation with Stellantis to new heights, and I believe our cutting-edge battery technology and outstanding operation knowhow combined with Stellantis’ decades-long experience in running business locally in Zaragoza will ensure a major success story in the industry. CATL’s goal is to make zero-carbon technology accessible across the globe, and we look forward to cooperating with our partners globally through more innovative cooperation models.
When production begins, the Spanish facility will be the third CATL battery plant in Europe, joining existing operations in Germany and Hungary alongside other global footprints in the works. CATL’s LFP batteries will offer Stellantis a dual-chemistry approach since it already sells BEVs with lithium-ion nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) cells. The new facility is also part of the automaker’s plans to become net zero carbon neutral by 2038.
The joint venture transaction is expected to be finalized sometime in 2025.
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Zevtron, ParkMobile, and Athena Partners Strategy Group are together supporting charging site owners and EV drivers affected by Shell Recharge’s shutdown of its EV charger software.
Shell Recharge is discontinuing its Shell Sky software in third-party commercial EV chargers in the US and Canada. It will service third-party commercial fleet EV chargers until April 30; after that, it’s lights out, leaving hundreds of EV charging stations across the US inoperable.
Zevtron, ParkMobile, and Athena Partners Strategy Group is deploying Zevtron’s white-label EV charging software across the former Shell Recharge network to restore full operational capacity to these chargers.
“Shell’s exit has left hundreds of chargers effectively stranded,” said Chris Mckenty, SVP of sales & marketing at Zevtron. “Our goal is to rapidly restore these stations to full functionality while enhancing their capabilities with flexible branding, seamless payment options, and improved management tools.”
ParkMobile will extend its capabilities to process EV charging sessions so users can both park and charge. “Integrating EV charging parking sessions into ParkMobile simplifies access for millions of drivers who already rely on our platform,” said Andy Harman, vice president of sales at ParkMobile.
Athena Partners Strategy Group will work closely with cities, businesses, and property owners to deploy the new solution efficiently. “We see this as a major opportunity to not only restore EV charging infrastructure but also improve it for the long term,” said Nick Stanton, managing partner of Athena Partners Strategy Group.
The partnership says it’s a “turnkey solution to ensure uninterrupted service, enhanced user experience, and improved revenue potential.”
For more information on transitioning Shell Recharge EV chargers to the Zevtron-powered network,
contact Chris Mckenty at cmckenty@zevtron.com
Read more: Shell Recharge exits the US EV charger software market
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Environment
Volkswagen ID.4 breaks into the top 5 best-selling EVs in the US after sales surged in January
The Volkswagen ID.4 was the third best-selling EV in the US last month, trailing only the Tesla Model Y and Model 3. Volkswagen’s electric SUV made a comeback after sales surged over 650% in January.
Volkswagen ID.4 was the third best-selling EV in January
Although ID.4 sales fell by 55% last year after Volkswagen halted production and deliveries in September due to a recall over faulty door handles, the EV made a triumphant return in 2025.
Volkswagen sold 4,979 ID.4’s in the US last month, up 653% from January 2024. To put it in perspective, VW only sold 646 ID.4 models in the fourth quarter and just over 17,000 in 2024. At this rate, ID.4 sales are on pace to reach nearly 60,000 by the end of 2025.
According to Cox Automotive’s latest EV Market Monitor report, the ID.4 was the third best-selling EV in the US last month, behind the Tesla Model Y and Model 3.
The Honda Prologue and Tesla Cybertruck rounded out the top five. Combined, the top five selling EV models accounted for 54% of total sales in the US last month.
| Rank | Model |
| 1. | Tesla Model Y |
| 2. | Tesla Model 3 |
| 3. | Volkswagen ID.4 |
| 4. | Tesla Cybertruck |
| 5. | Honda Prologue |
Over 102,200 electric vehicles were sold in the US in January, up nearly 30% from January 2024. Although sales were down from the record 132,392 sold in December 2024, a drop was expected over typical seasonal trends.
Tesla doesn’t provide a breakdown of US sales, so we will not know exact sales numbers until registration data is released.
Honda’s electric SUV continues to take the market by storm, with 3,744 Prologues sold in January. After delivering the first models last March, the Honda Prologue became the seventh best-selling EV in the US last year, with over 33,000 models sold.
Volkswagen announced the ID.4 was back on sale last month, with the “aim of re-instating the ID.4 to its prior position as one of the best-selling electric vehicles in the US and Canada.” It looks like it’s happening quicker than expected.
The new entry-level 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 RWD Pro model starts at $45,095, while the AWD Pro costs $48,995. Both are powered by an 82 kWh battery. Volkswagen said the 62 kWh battery will be available later this year. The larger battery provides an EPA-estimated range of up to 291 miles.
VW’s base models feature a gloss black grille, black roof rails, and a 12.9″ infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. The AWD version has 20″ wheels, a heated windshield, and a tow hitch.
The ID.4 Pro S RWD starts at $50,195, and the AWD model has a sticker price of $54,095. It gets an added illuminated VW logo at the front and rear, premium LED projector headlights, a panoramic fixed glass roof, power tailgate, and more.
Volkswagen’s range-topping 2025 ID.4 Pro S Plus is only available in AWD and starts at $57,295. The Plus trim features 21-inch wheels, added exterior design elements, heated rear seats, a premium Harman Kardon audio system, and an Area View (an overhead view camera).
Both electric SUVs feature some of the biggest discounts on the market right now. To make room for 2025 models, VW is offering close-out prices on the 2024 ID.4, with leases starting as low as $189 per month. However, the Honda Prologue is hard to pass up, starting at just $209 per month. Ready to check them out for yourself? You can use our links below to find deals on the Volkswagen ID.4 and Honda Prologue in your area today.
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