Expert opinion : Cédric Bolloré

Cédric Bolloré is head of industrial operations for the Bolloré group, which produces high performance batteries for electric cars. The group also developed a new type of energy storage component, the supercapacitor.

Alternatives: Why is it so important to develop all-electric vehicles?

Cédric Bolloré: Over the past few years, limiting the damage caused by air pollution has moved to the top of the public agenda. Fighting pollution has become a priority for governments and the public around the globe. For transportation, all-electric vehicles are the only solution with zero pollution. Obviously, electric vehicles have tremendous potential. In the next few years, the development of this market will not be driven by demand, but by the ability of manufacturers to meet customer expectations effectively.

How did the Bolloré group decide to enter the electric car market?

C. Bolloré: Initially, the group developed a new generation of batteries based on novel lithium-metal-polymer technology (LMP). This development capitalized on the group’s expertise as the world’s leading producer of capacitor film. It took us more than twelve years of effort and significant investment. Once our battery was ready, Vincent Bolloré decided to take a more active role in the fight against pollution by building an electric car that takes full advantage of the LMP battery, in partnership with Pininfarina. The result is the first electric car that meets the needs of the public. With a range of 250 kilometers, this very comfortable automobile can reach a top speed of 130 kilometers per hour. And its road-holding qualities are outstanding! The group has formed a similar partnership with Gruau to manufacture electric microbuses for passenger transport.

How does your vehicle compare with other electric cars?

C. Bolloré: We think we’re ahead of the competition. This is due to our batteries’ unique design, which offers high power and significant storage capacity. Even more importantly, our batteries are much safer because they are made entirely with solid film, which reduces the risk of overheating. LMP batteries are now manufactured on an industrial scale in our plants in Brittany and Canada. We also produce another energy storage device, the supercapacitor, which recovers braking energy. The power is used to increase vehicle range and battery life. The Bluecar, our first electric vehicle, has been thoroughly tested for the past four years. We now have all the experience we need to offer the best electric car possible. It will be brought to market at the end of next year.

What about hybrids?

C. Bolloré: Hybrid solutions will certainly gain traction, in their various forms: from stop-start technology, which recovers braking energy and uses it to restart the vehicle, to plug-in hybrids, which have ranges in the tens of kilometers in all-electric mode. The battery can be recharged at an electrical outlet. This second type of technology will be used mostly in luxury vehicles. In all instances, Bolloré’s energy storage components – batteries and supercapacitors – will be at the heart of these developments.