Groupe Renault plans to invest more than €1 billion ($1.2 billion) in the development and production of plug-in vehicles in France.

The company will: introduce a new Alliance electric platform in Douai to create a second EV production site; double production capacity for its ZOE EV, and launch a new ZOE at Flins; triple electric motor production capacities at Cleon; introduce a new electric motor in 2021; and invest in Maubeuge for the production of a next-generation Kangoo Z.E electric utility vehicle.

Renault saw its EV sales in Europe grow 38% in 2017, and says it has a 23.8% share of the European EV market. The group’s latest strategic plan calls for it to introduce 8 electric models and 12 electrified models by 2022.

“The acceleration of our investments in France for electric vehicles will increase the competitiveness and attractiveness of our French industrial sites,” said Renault/Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn. “Within the framework of its Drive the Future strategic plan and with the Alliance, Groupe Renault is giving itself the means to maintain its leadership in the electric vehicle market and to continue to develop new sustainable mobility solutions for all.”

Source: Green Car Congress