After Mobilize and Zity, Renault decided to shot down also Ampere, its division born to develop and build electric vehicles. The reorganization, reported by sources close to Reuters, is designed to reduce costs, streamline decision-making layers, and accelerate the execution of industrial programs. The new operational structure will take effect on 1 July 2026 and will not affect employment levels or existing contracts.
The move marks the second major strategic intervention since François Provost took over as Renault Group CEO. In less than two months, Provost has revisited several flagship initiatives launched under his predecessor, Luca de Meo, now CEO of Kering.
From spin-off ambition to reintegration
Ampere was launched at the end of 2023 as a dedicated electric and software-focused entity, with the ambition of becoming an independent European hub for EV platforms and automotive software. The original plan included a stock market listing, intended to unlock value and attract external investors. That IPO was abandoned in early 2024 after disappointing feedback on valuation, significantly weakening the strategic rationale behind Ampere’s standalone structure.
With the IPO off the table, the holding company increasingly came to be seen as redundant. According to sources, the integration back into Renault allows the group to eliminate an extra organizational layer while preserving the technical expertise developed within Ampere.
A new role for Ampere’s teams
As early as September, Ampere had already been placed under the responsibility of Renault Group CTO Philippe Brunet. Under the new setup, Ampere will no longer exist as a separate holding, but its teams will form Renault’s advanced engineering center for electric vehicles and software.
At the same time, the ElectriCity production hub in northern France, along with the group’s engine plant, will return to direct Renault control, reinforcing the integration between engineering, industrial operations, and strategic planning.
Efficiency over structure
Renault has presented the plan to trade unions and emphasized that the reorganization will not result in job cuts or changes to most employee contracts. The objective is operational efficiency rather than downsizing: fewer decision-making layers, tighter coordination, and faster execution in a market where speed and cost control are increasingly critical.
The end of Ampere as a standalone entity signals a more pragmatic phase for Renault’s electric strategy. Rather than separating EVs and software from the rest of the business, the group is betting on tighter integration to remain competitive in an increasingly complex and capital-intensive transition to electric mobility.
