Valeo transforms Étaples site into high-voltage electrification hub, opens inverter production lines
Valeo has opened new high-voltage inverter production lines at its Étaples site, marking a major step in making France a center of excellence for electric powertrain technology.
- 8.3 million units
- 1,200
- 180
What Happened
During a visit by French Minister Sébastien Martin, Valeo CEO Christophe Périllat officially inaugurated the new high-voltage production lines at the Étaples site. The facility will assemble inverters, the 'brains' of electric powertrains, with production starting in 2026 for vehicles in 2027. Valeo plans to hire 50 new staff by 2025 to support the transition.
8.3 million units
The site has a workforce of 1,200.
Valeo opens Power Tech Center in Créteil-Valenton, bringing together 400 experts.
Plan to recruit 50 new staff for Étaples.
High-voltage inverter production begins at Étaples.
Inverters to be used in electric commercial and passenger vehicles.
“Étaples epitomises the technological expertise and industrial agility that we must preserve in order to shape the future of European industry.”
Why this matters
This investment strengthens France's position in EV component manufacturing and creates skilled jobs, supporting the transition to electric mobility.
Terms in This Story
- Inverter
- A device that converts direct current (DC) from a battery into alternating current (AC) to power an electric motor.
- High-voltage
- Refers to electrical systems operating at higher voltages (e.g., 400V or 800V) used in electric vehicles for greater efficiency.
- Powertrain
- The system that delivers power from the energy source to the wheels, including the motor, transmission, and related components.
- Electrification
- The process of replacing fossil-fuel-based systems with electric-powered ones, especially in vehicles.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.