Renault ElectriCity set to become largest electric vehicle production centre in Europe

Renault has announced the creation of a new electric vehicle production centre, grouping together three of its sites across the communes of Douai, Maubeuge and Ruitz in the Hauts-de-France region of Northern France.

The Renault ElectriCity plans to produce up to 400,000 vehicles per year, making it the largest EV production centre in Europe. Renault claims over 700 additional jobs will be created by 2025, including within a training centre and on-site university.

Renault Group and the representative trade unions have signed an agreement to bring nearly 5,000 employees within the single ElectriCity entity. Renault Group will also participate in innovation initiatives in partnership with start-ups to support future developments in the automotive world by participating in ‘Incubator’ type initiatives.

The Hauts-de-France region was chosen due to its technical and R&D know-how and experience in the electric car value chain. Renault Group will form partnerships with universities to set up training schemes to equip students with the skills necessary to work with next-generation EVs.

"I am very proud to have contributed to the creation of Renault ElectriCity, a symbol of Renault's know-how and technological innovation, and to participate to the enhancement of the economic and social attractiveness of Hauts-de-France in Europe. This agreement, signed with all the trade unions, is proof that the commitment of employees, constructive social dialogue and a strong local presence are key to setting up a robust and attractive industrial model," said Luciano Biondo, Director of Renault ElectriCity.

Key elements

• Douai

  • The plant will produce its first electric vehicle, Mégane E-Vision, from 2021 on the Alliance's new modular CMF-EV platform

  • On the same platform, Douai will be assigned a new C-segment vehicle

  • A new electric platform dedicated to the industrialisation of B-segment vehicles will be installed

• Maubeuge

  • A pioneer and leader in the electric van segment in Europe for 10 years with Kangoo Electric, the site manufactures New Kangoo, New Kangoo Van for Renault and its partners Mercedes and Nissan and will produce New Kangoo

  • E-Tech Electric in 2022

  • In addition, the plant will be assigned other variants of New Kangoo

• Ruitz

  • The plant will host a new electrical components manufacturing activity