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Stellantis Faces Peugeot EV Launch Delays

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. 4/stellantis-faces-peugeot-ev-launch-delays.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 15:22 GMT by reuters.com
      Locales: FRANCE, ITALY, UNITED STATES

PARIS, February 4th, 2026 - Stellantis, the automotive giant formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group, is grappling with significant delays in the launch of several upcoming Peugeot models. The holdup isn't related to design, engineering, or market demand, but rather a critical bottleneck in its ambitious electrification strategy: problems integrating its new battery manufacturing facility in Billy-Berclau, France.

Reports circulating today indicate that the issues center around Accway, a joint venture between Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz, responsible for constructing and operating the plant. This isn't merely a slight setback; industry analysts warn that the delays could have cascading effects on Stellantis' overall EV production targets and its ability to compete effectively in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.

Stellantis has publicly committed to a substantial shift towards electric vehicles, aiming for 100% electric sales in Europe and 50% in the U.S. by 2030. The Billy-Berclau plant was envisioned as a cornerstone of this plan, providing a crucial domestic source of batteries for Peugeot, as well as other brands within the Stellantis portfolio, including Citroen, Opel, and potentially even Jeep and Ram. Reducing reliance on Asian battery suppliers has been a stated goal, bolstering European supply chain resilience - a particularly sensitive issue given recent geopolitical instability and disruptions.

The problems with Accway, according to sources familiar with the matter, aren't related to the technology itself, but to the complex process of merging the operational cultures, engineering standards, and management structures of two automotive giants. While both Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz are committed to the joint venture, integrating their respective approaches to large-scale manufacturing has proven more challenging than anticipated. Specific hurdles are said to involve automating the production line, ensuring consistent quality control, and scaling up production to meet projected demand.

"This isn't simply about building a factory; it's about building a successful battery factory," explains automotive industry analyst, Dr. Eleanor Vance of Global Automotive Insights. "Battery production is a highly specialized field, and the margin for error is incredibly slim. Integrating two separate corporate entities, each with its own established processes, introduces a layer of complexity that significantly increases the risk of delays and quality issues."

The delayed Peugeot models are believed to include next-generation iterations of popular vehicles like the 308 and 508, both slated to receive fully electric versions. The postponement of these launches not only impacts Stellantis' short-term sales figures but also threatens to cede ground to competitors like Volkswagen, Renault, and Tesla, who are aggressively expanding their EV offerings.

The situation also raises questions about the long-term viability of the Accway joint venture. While both Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz remain publicly committed, persistent integration issues could lead to further complications and potentially even a restructuring of the partnership. Mercedes-Benz, while heavily invested in electric vehicle technology, is also diversifying its battery supply chain, exploring partnerships with other manufacturers and investing in its own in-house battery production capabilities.

Stellantis has yet to offer an official statement beyond acknowledging the reports of delays. However, internal sources suggest that the company is working around the clock to resolve the issues at Billy-Berclau, exploring temporary solutions such as sourcing batteries from alternative suppliers. These short-term fixes, however, are likely to be more expensive and less efficient than relying on a fully operational domestic battery plant.

The broader implications of this situation extend beyond Stellantis. The European Union is heavily reliant on imports for battery technology, and the success of initiatives like the European Battery Alliance is crucial for achieving its ambitious climate goals. Any significant delays in building domestic battery production capacity will inevitably slow down the transition to electric vehicles and hinder Europe's efforts to become a leader in the EV market. The Billy-Berclau plant was intended to be a flagship project, demonstrating the viability of large-scale European battery manufacturing. Its current struggles serve as a stark reminder of the challenges involved in scaling up this crucial technology.