Stellantis, a major player in the global automotive industry, is considering selling its share in a large electric vehicle battery plant in Canada. This decision comes as part of a significant shift in the company’s electric vehicle strategy, resulting in a 22 billion Euro setback. CEO Antonio Filosa emphasized the company’s commitment to aligning with customer preferences moving forward.
Despite the divestment from the battery plant venture, Stellantis will retain its focus on electrification efforts. The company plans to sell its stake in NextStar Energy, a joint venture with LG Energy Solution, while continuing to employ hundreds of engineers in Windsor to advance electric vehicle and battery technology research.
This move is part of Stellantis’ ongoing investment in Canada’s automotive sector, particularly in Windsor and Brampton. The company pledged billions in transitioning to electric vehicle production, with support from federal and provincial governments. The establishment of a cutting-edge Battery Pack Testing Facility at the Automotive Research and Development Centre in Windsor underscores Canada’s position as a leader in electric vehicle innovation.
Stellantis remains committed to its workforce in Canada, having recently expanded the ARDC team to 800 employees, with a focus on electrification and battery testing. The company’s dedication to research and development extends to a new state-of-the-art battery technology center in North America, complementing a similar facility in Turin, Italy.
Despite the strategic shift, Stellantis continues to offer a variety of powertrains across its vehicle lineup, including the Windsor-produced Dodge Charger available in both gas-powered and electric versions. Additionally, the company is actively recruiting for sales and marketing positions in Canada as part of its growth plans for the year.