Stellantis is pausing production at three French manufacturing sites due to supply chain constraints. The facilities in Sochaux and Rennes will halt operations for approximately one week in late October. The Mulhouse plant is also closing during this period, though the company notes this specific stoppage is unrelated to battery availability.
The primary issue stems from a shortage of nickel-based long-range batteries supplied by ACC, a joint venture involving Stellantis, Mercedes, and TotalEnergies. ACC currently operates a single cell factory in Douvrin, France, after canceling plans for additional sites in Germany and Italy. The venture has faced significant challenges in scaling production and managing defect rates.
Stellantis uses these cells for vehicles built on the STLA Medium platform, including the Peugeot E-3008, E-5008, Opel Grandland Electric, and DS N°8. Customers opting for the 97 kWh battery pack instead of the 73 kWh version face delivery delays that have extended into 2027. Dealers report that some orders lack binding delivery dates entirely.
While ACC has reportedly stabilized its manufacturing processes and reduced defect rates with the help of external experts, output remains insufficient to meet demand. Stellantis stated that the production pause is a strategic move to prevent inventory imbalances, as the company prioritizes fulfilling high demand for long-range electric models.
