France Starts Making 2M Electric Batteries a Year by 2030

A massive factory in northern France is now producing the country's first homemade electric vehicle batteries, marking a turning point in Europe's push for energy independence. Automotive Cells Company opened its doors in 2024 with an ambitious goal: build 2.5 million batteries annually by 2030 and capture a fifth of the European market.

The company launched just four years ago with a clear mission. France wanted to stop relying on Asian suppliers for the batteries that make electric cars run.

ACC operates four facilities across northern France, including a gigafactory that spans two towns in Pas-de-Calais. The location choice signals France's commitment to reviving its industrial heartland while leading Europe's electric vehicle revolution.

The production ramp-up tells the story of rapid growth. ACC built 2,000 batteries in 2024, plans 150,000 for 2025, and projects 250,000 by 2026. That explosive timeline reflects how seriously French and EU leaders take energy self-sufficiency.

The timing couldn't be more critical. The European Union plans to ban new gas-powered cars by 2035, forcing automakers to speed up their electric transitions.

ACC's batteries will first power Opel and Peugeot vehicles under the Stellantis automotive group. Since batteries make up 40% of an electric car's cost, domestic production could bring prices down and make EVs accessible to more families.

The challenges are real, according to ACC's leadership. Building quality batteries involves complex processes and steep learning curves that even Chinese manufacturers acknowledge.

The Ripple Effect

This French breakthrough reaches far beyond one factory's walls. The country is already building recycling facilities to create a circular battery economy that minimizes waste and maximizes sustainability.

Other European automakers are watching closely. Mercedes-Benz and others are exploring next-generation battery technologies, turning the continent into a hub of innovation rather than just a customer for Asian suppliers.

The shift means more manufacturing jobs returning to Europe, cleaner transportation becoming affordable, and countries gaining control over their energy futures. France's investment in domestic battery production gives the entire continent a roadmap for independence.

The battery revolution is rewriting the rules of global manufacturing, and Europe just claimed a seat at the table.