MILAN — Stellantis is discussing situations with Rome to construct a gigafactory in Italy as a part of the automaker’s plan to assist its enlargement into electrical mobility, a supply near the matter stated.

“Discussions are simply on the stage of an trade on the precept of making a gigafactory so as to cowl (Stellantis’) future wants. These situations should be studied with Italian authorities,” the supply advised Reuters on Tuesday.

Nothing had but been determined, the supply stated.

Stellantis declined to remark.

Stellantis Chairman John Elkann and CEO Carlos Tavares met with Giancarlo Giorgetti, Italy’s financial growth minister, final week, Reuters reported.

Giorgetti sought assurances from Stellantis that Italy will stay one of many most important international locations the place the corporate manufactures automobiles and inquired about plans for funding in battery making at Mirafiori, Fiat’s most important industrial district in Turin, the individuals stated.

Stellantis , which was shaped in January by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Cars and PSA Group, has a three way partnership with power large Whole, referred to as Automotive Cells Firm, to construct two battery cell factories in Douvrin, France and Kaiserslautern, Germany.

The 2 websites symbolize a complete funding of 5 billion euros and will enable manufacturing of batteries for 1 million vehicles per 12 months on the premise of a cumulative 48 GWh capability.

Tavares stated on April 15 that Stellantis would determine by 12 months finish the place to find a 3rd manufacturing facility as a part of an electrification push.

As a part of a 205 billion-euro ($251 billion) restoration plan, Italy will spend virtually 24 billion euros on the transition to cleaner power and sustainable mobility. As a part of this, Rome plans to speculate 1 billion euros to boost its battery, and photo voltaic and wind energy industries.