Ampere, Renault Group’s dedicated EV and software division, has signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with Stratus Materials to explore the integration of cobalt-free LXMO™ cathode active materials (CAM) into future EV batteries.
Stratus, a developer of high-energy LXMO CAMs for advanced lithium-ion batteries, will work with Ampere to assess the material’s performance in EV-format cells. Testing will take place at Ampere’s newly inaugurated Battery Cell Innovation Lab in Lardy, France – an R&D hub designed to accelerate breakthroughs and reinforce Renault Group’s competitive edge in the EV sector.
“Ampere is looking closely at high energy cobalt-free materials because of their potential advantages compared to incumbent cathode materials. Stratus’s LXMO CAMs have gained Ampere’s attention because of their unique and compelling combination of performance, cost, safety and cycle life,” said Nicolas Racquet, VP Vehicle and Powertrain Engineering, Ampere.
Jay Whitacre, CEO of Stratus, added, “We are thrilled to have LXMO selected by Ampere and Renault Group as a candidate for deployment into their future vehicle portfolio. Our progress to date with Ampere has been strong and we look forward to delivering on the ongoing JDA and moving together toward full vehicle deployments.”
LXMO batteries offer energy densities comparable to NMC, with the cost and safety profile of LFP. Ampere’s battery roadmap now includes cobalt-free technology as its third strategic pillar, following NMC and LFP, the latter set to enter Renault vehicles in 2026.
