ACC reaches five million cell milestone

At the 2026 Paris Motor Show, Automotive Cells Company (ACC) announced it had produced five million battery cells in its factory in Billy-Berclau / Douvrin, France. This achievement marks a key step in Europe’s push to develop local battery production for electric vehicles.

ACC’s role in European battery production

Founded in 2020, ACC is one of the few European companies manufacturing battery cells and modules for electric vehicles. It brings together Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz, and Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, focusing on NMC batteries, which are known for their high energy density and performance in electric vehicles.

Douvrin gigafactory’s output and applications

The five million cells produced at the Douvrin plant are enough to equip nearly 40,000 electric vehicles. These cells power eight "High Range" models from Stellantis, including the Peugeot E-3008, Jeep Compass, and Opel Grandland, among others. The plant was chosen over planned sites in Germany and Italy.

Battery capacity and pricing impact

The High Range models are equipped with a 97 kWh battery, compared to 73 kWh for entry-level versions. This increase in capacity offers greater range but raises the price by about 5,000 euros. Some long-range models have experienced delays in delivery, with some not expected until early 2027.

Challenges during the ramp-up phase

Despite reaching the milestone, the plant faced challenges during its initial phase. Early in the year, production of long-range batteries was limited to about 1,000 cars per month. ACC brought in Chinese experts to improve efficiency and reduce defects, with progress noted in reducing rejection rates.

Production delays and factory adjustments

Stellantis has reported difficulties in receiving enough batteries from ACC, despite the company’s claims of meeting production schedules. This shortage led to temporary shutdowns at Stellantis factories in Sochaux, Rennes, and Mulhouse in the autumn of 2026 to avoid overproduction.

EU support for European battery manufacturing

The European Union is preparing the Industrial Accelerator Act to boost the production of "Made in Europe" technologies. The act aims to ensure Europe’s battery manufacturing can compete globally and meet growing demand for long-range electric vehicles.

ACC’s expansion and future goals

ACC plans to expand the Douvrin gigafactory with a second block to produce batteries for Mercedes-Benz, adding 12.9 GWh of annual capacity. The long-term goal is to reach 40 GWh with three blocks. With 2,500 employees in France, ACC is working to establish a fully functional European battery supply chain, though demand currently outpaces production capacity.