Renault Uses Chinese Motor Components, Assembles New Compact EV Motors in France

Renault will assemble motors for its new compact electric vehicle at its Cléon plant in France, supported by Chinese supplier Shanghai Electric Drive. The motor will power the new Twingo model, with development completed in less than two years. This move aims to address weakening demand in the European market, reduce manufacturing costs, and safeguard profitability. Renault has already terminated its high-power, rare-earth-free motor project with Valeo in 2025, opting instead for a more cost-competitive solution from China. The new production line is expected to start operations in early 2027, with an annual capacity of up to 120,000 units, and will share production lines with motors for models such as the Alpine A290. It remains unclear whether this motor is also free of rare earth materials. As a relatively smaller traditional European automaker, Renault has recently been actively partnering with companies like Geely and Ford to share the costs of electrification R&D.