Renault plans to reintegrate its electric vehicle (EV) division, Ampere, back into its core operations by July 2026. This decision comes after Ampere’s independent run since its establishment in 2023. According to Reuters, Renault’s CEO, François Provost, shared these plans with company unions earlier this week. Notably, the integration will not result in job cuts for the approximately 11,000 employees currently working within Ampere.
Ampere serves as the hub for Renault’s engineering, research, and development related to electric vehicles. The division oversees three factories located in northern France, which manufacture the majority of Renault’s electric models, alongside those for alliance partners Nissan and Mitsubishi.
The decision to fold Ampere back into Renault reflects a strategic shift that has been anticipated since late last year when the division was placed under the oversight of Philippe Brunet, Renault’s chief technology officer. The original aim behind Ampere’s creation was articulated by former CEO Luca de Meo, who envisioned democratizing electric vehicles in Europe by offering them at more accessible price points to achieve price parity with traditional petrol and diesel vehicles.
Renault’s electric vehicle sales have surged significantly, with a 72 percent increase in sales during 2025, totaling 151,939 units. This surge represented 20.2 percent of Renault’s total sales in Europe. Despite this growth, the automotive industry has faced challenges, with many manufacturers experiencing slower-than-expected EV sales.
Initially, Ampere was set to pursue a partial initial public offering (IPO) in the first half of 2024, with Nissan and Mitsubishi invited to acquire minority stakes. However, as demand for EVs did not meet projections and profitability remained elusive for most automakers, including Renault, the IPO plans were abandoned early in 2024. A source informed Reuters that the cancellation of the IPO eliminated the necessity for a separate entity, prompting Renault to streamline its operations.
Since taking the reins in August 2025, François Provost has made several significant changes, including the closure of the Mobilize division, which focused on car sharing, charging networks, and the Duo quadricycle. Additionally, he has bolstered the partnership with Geely, which holds a minority stake in Renault South Korea and provides the platforms for the upcoming Koleos and Filante SUVs. Both companies also share ownership of Horse Powertrain, which manages their internal combustion engine assets.
The strategic realignment indicates Renault’s commitment to adapting to the evolving automotive landscape while maintaining a focus on electric vehicle development. As the company integrates Ampere into its core operations, it aims to leverage its strengths in R&D and manufacturing to enhance its competitive position in the growing EV market.
