Stellantis and Zeta Energy Join Forces to Develop Lithium-Sulfur Electric Vehicle Batteries
Forex - Stellantis, one of the world's largest mobility companies, and Zeta Energy Corp., a leading lithium-sulfur battery manufacturer, have announced a joint agreement aimed at developing battery cell technology for electric vehicles.
According to the company's statement, the partnership aims to develop lithium-sulfur electric vehicle batteries with game-changing gravimetric energy density while achieving volumetric energy density comparable to current lithium-ion technology. This means a significantly lighter battery pack with the same usable energy as contemporary lithium-ion batteries, resulting in longer ranges, better driving characteristics, and enhanced performance for customers.
The technology has the potential to reduce fast charging times by up to 50%, facilitating the ownership and usability of electric vehicles. These batteries are expected to have a cost per kWh that is less than half that of existing lithium-ion batteries. Stellantis Chief Engineering and Technology Officer Ned Curic stated, “Our collaboration with Zeta Energy is another step in enhancing our electrification strategy as we strive to provide clean, safe, and affordable vehicles. Breakthrough battery technologies, such as lithium-sulfur, can support Stellantis' commitment to carbon neutrality by 2038 while providing our customers with optimal range, performance, and price.” Zeta Energy CEO Tom Pilette expressed excitement about working with Stellantis on this project, stating, “The combination of Zeta Energy's lithium-sulfur battery technology with Stellantis' unmatched expertise in innovation, global manufacturing, and distribution can significantly improve the performance and cost profile of electric vehicles while enhancing the supply chain resilience of batteries and EVs.”
The collaboration also encompasses future production planning!
Batteries produced using waste materials and methane will have significantly lower carbon emissions than current battery technologies. Zeta Energy's battery technology is intended to be manufacturable within existing gigafactory technology. A short and completely local supply chain will be utilized in Europe or North America. The collaboration covers both pre-production development and future production planning. The batteries are expected to power Stellantis electric vehicles by 2030 upon project completion. The lithium-sulfur battery technology offers higher performance at a lower cost compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Sulfur, which is abundant and more cost-effective, helps reduce both production costs and supply chain risks. Zeta Energy's lithium-sulfur batteries utilize waste materials, methane, and unrefined sulfur, a byproduct of various industries, and do not require cobalt, graphite, manganese, or nickel. Developing high-performance and affordable electric vehicles is a key pillar of Stellantis' Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, which includes offering over 75 battery-electric vehicle models. Stellantis follows a dual-chemical approach and is researching innovative battery cell and pack technologies.