Renault announced a new deal with STMicroeletronics, a Franco-Italian electronics company, to develop microchips that will make its hybrids and EVs more efficient.
“ST and Renault Group share a common vision for more sustainable mobility,” said Jean-Marc Chery, CEO of STMicroelectronics, in a statement. “This partnership will be another step forward in the progressive decarbonization process initiated by the mobility industry and its supply chain.”
If the name of the company sounds familiar, it’s because it recently lost its leading executive, Benedetto Vigna, to Ferrari, which appointed him its new CEO. While working with STMicroelectronics, Vigna led the team that helped pioneer three-axis gyroscopes that, among other things, allow phone screens to switch from portrait to landscape mode when you tip them over.
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Renault’s interest in the company is focused on securing a long-term supply of microchips that the companies will work together on from design, to development, to manufacturing. By doing so, Renault expects to significantly increase its electric vehicles’ driving range and charging times by reducing power losses and improving efficiency.
“This partnership secures future supplies of key components which will significantly contribute to reducing wasted energy by 45% and decreasing the cost of the e-powertrain by 30%, helping us fulfill our ambition of making electric vehicles affordable, profitable and popular,” said Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo.
The move is part of the Renault Group’s wider ambitions regarding electrification and carbon neutrality. The group has announced that it aims to become carbon neutral in Europe by 2040 and worldwide by 2050. Renault also plans to share more EV components with its partner Nissan.
