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Listen "In conversation with Yann Vincent, CEO of ACC"
Episode Synopsis
Dr. Simon Engelke speaks with Yann Vincent, CEO of Automotive Cells Company (ACC) to explore the strategic vision and challenges of strengthening Europe's battery independence through sustainable manufacturing, regulatory navigation, and future expansion plans. ACC is a European battery manufacturer backed by Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz, and TotalEnergies. They build gigafactories to power Europe’s clean mobility shift and to strengthen the continent’s battery independence and industrial resilience.What we cover in this episode: Yann Vincent's personal insights on leadership and his transition from automotive to battery manufacturingACC's origin story and its vision for Europe's battery independenceBattery cell costs, local supply chains, chemistry choices, and EU regulationsThe impact of electric vehicle (EV) demand on expansion plans and ACC's financing strategiesACC's sustainability efforts, potential moves beyond automotive into energy storage and next-generation battery technologiesThe importance of local supply chains and partnerships with European battery material suppliersChallenges of competing with Chinese manufacturers, the need for European sovereignty in battery production, and the role of government support and regulations Chapters:00:00 Introduction to ACC and the European Battery Landscape02:58 Yann Vincent's Background and the Formation of ACC05:26 Current Status and Future Plans of ACC08:08 Yann's Personal Motivations for Transitioning from Automotive to Battery Cell Production14:02 Challenges in Battery Cell Costs and Competition with China16:49 The Importance of European Battery Supply Chains for the European Car Industry18:11 How Europe Can Catch Up with China in Battery Cell Manufacturing23:50 Tariffs vs. Subsidies as Regulatory Support27:24 Competitive Advantages and Disadvantages of a Fully European Battery Material Supply Chain30:06 Navigating Battery Chemistry and Market Trends35:09 Balancing Manufacturing with R&D36:37 Is Regulation a Competitive Advantage or a Burden? Sustainability in Battery Production38:48 How the European Financing Ecosystem is Responding to the Battery Industry46:09 Market Demand Dynamics and Future Expansion Plans50:18 Thoughts on Expansion Approach52:52 Similarities and Differences Between Battery Manufacturing and Car Manufacturing54:32 Future Outlook for ACC and the Battery Market
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