Transforming the Future: Valeo’s Pioneering Electric Vehicle Technology in France
Imagine the central component of your future electric vehicle being crafted right in Étaples-sur-Mer, Northern France. This vision is becoming a reality as the Valeo Group’s Étaples site embarks on a groundbreaking new chapter.
For more than five decades, Valeo’s facility in Étaples has been a leader in automotive innovation. Initially focused on alternators, the site has evolved into a European stronghold for developing 12V and 48V mild hybrid systems. The latest advancement at this site is the production of high-voltage inverters, a crucial technology for electric vehicles.
The Evolution of Valeo’s Étaples Site
Located in the Pas-de-Calais region since the 1970s, the Étaples facility has built a strong reputation in automotive electrical machinery. The alternators produced here have powered millions of vehicles across Europe. As the automotive sector shifted towards reducing CO₂ emissions, the site leveraged its expertise to innovate in electrification technologies.
The site’s first significant change came in 2004 with the introduction of 12V starter-alternators, enabling the Stop-Start function to conserve fuel by turning off the engine when the vehicle is stationary. Another milestone was reached in 2018 with the launch of 48V technology, enhancing mild hybrid systems by recovering energy during braking and assisting acceleration.
Today, the Étaples site annually produces over six million 12V and 48V electric motors, positioning it as a key industrial hub within the Valeo Group.
Embracing High-Voltage Technology
The year 2026 marks a significant turning point as Valeo Étaples begins producing high-voltage inverters for the next generation of electric vehicles. The site has already secured initial contracts, with production slated to start for electric commercial vehicles in 2026 and passenger cars in 2027.
This development signifies not just a new product but the culmination of years of industrial and technological transformation. “This is a source of immense pride for all the site’s employees,” states Benoît Huet, Site Director. “This transformation makes Étaples Valeo’s French centre of excellence for this strategic technology.”
The power inverter, often referred to as the ‘brain’ of an electric vehicle, is pivotal. It converts energy from the battery to power the electric motor, precisely managing power output and optimizing vehicle performance. Its role is crucial in determining a vehicle’s range, energy efficiency, and driving dynamics.
A Spectrum of Electrification Expertise
What sets the Étaples site apart today is its comprehensive expertise across all major electrification technologies, from traditional 12V systems to advanced 400V and 800V high-voltage architectures. This capability highlights the site’s continuous evolution to meet automotive industry demands.
Innovation and Production Synergy
The transformation at Étaples is driven by an integrated model of innovation and production. “The site is now home to 120 R&D and project specialists, working in close proximity to the production teams,” explains Benoît Huet. This synergy accelerates the transition from innovation to industrialization while maintaining high technological standards.
Additionally, the collaboration among Valeo’s French manufacturing sites strengthens this transformation. Inverters assembled at Étaples include sub-components from Valeo sites in Abbeville, Sainte-Florine, and Sablé-sur-Sarthe. This cooperation showcases Valeo’s ability to pool expertise to develop cutting-edge technologies and enhance competitiveness in the fast-evolving global market.
Driving Tomorrow’s Mobility
The history of Valeo Étaples is a testament to successful transformation. From a legacy site specializing in alternators, it has emerged as a key player in mild hybridization. Now, with the production of high-voltage inverters, it fully embraces the electric vehicle era, underscoring its strategic role in Valeo’s electrification ambitions. The future of electric cars is not just being planned in Étaples—it is already being manufactured.
Original Story at www.valeo.com