Renault Group CEO Francois Provost is planning a visit to South Korea in April, fueling speculation about potential discussions with LG Energy Solution CEO Kim Dong-myung to strengthen their collaboration on electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
Industry sources indicate that Provost is scheduled to arrive on April 2nd for a two-day visit. During his stay, he is expected to tour Renault Korea’s facilities and meet with key partners, notably South Korean battery manufacturer LG Energy Solution.
A Renault Korea representative confirmed Provost’s forthcoming visit but refrained from commenting on the specifics of his agenda or possible meetings.
This visit underscores the growing partnership between Renault and LG Energy Solution in the realm of EV batteries, particularly lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells. LFP batteries are gaining popularity as a cost-effective option amidst a global slowdown in EV demand.
In July 2024, LG Energy Solution secured a significant contract to supply LFP batteries to Renault. This marked a pivotal moment as the company became the first South Korean battery producer to offer LFP batteries for EVs, entering a market historically dominated by Chinese manufacturers.
The agreement entails the Korean battery maker providing 39 gigawatt-hours of LFP batteries, enough to power roughly 590,000 full EVs, through 2030.
At the time of the deal, Provost, then Renault’s chief procurement officer, played a crucial role in negotiating the battery agreement with LG Energy Solution.
The two companies have fostered an ongoing relationship in EV battery innovation. At InterBattery 2026, a prominent battery industry exhibition held earlier this month in Seoul, Renault showcased its electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), the Scenic, which incorporates LG Energy Solution’s nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) battery.
The meeting takes place against the backdrop of softening global EV demand, prompting battery manufacturers to explore alternative revenue streams, such as energy storage systems (ESS). Concurrently, automakers are increasingly introducing budget-friendly EV models, sustaining the demand for more affordable battery solutions like LFP.
Industry analysts suggest that the upcoming meeting could pave the way for expanded collaboration between the two companies, potentially extending beyond battery supply into deeper strategic partnerships.
Provost, who assumed the role of CEO of the French auto group in July of the previous year, has strong connections to Korea, having previously headed Renault Samsung Motors — now Renault Korea — from 2011 to 2016.
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