Stellantis and Zeta Energy announced on Monday a joint development agreement aimed at advancing battery cell technology for electric vehicle applications.
The partnership aims to develop lithium-sulfur batteries for electric vehicles with revolutionary gravimetric energy density, while simultaneously achieving a volumetric energy density comparable to current lithium-ion technology.
This technology potentially means a lighter battery pack, with the same usable energy as current lithium-ion batteries, allowing for greater range, improved dynamic behavior, and better efficiency.
Additionally, the technology has the potential to improve fast charging speeds by up to 50%, making electric vehicle ownership even more convenient. It is estimated that lithium-sulfur batteries will cost less than half the price per kWh of current lithium-ion batteries.
“Our collaboration with Zeta Energy is another step forward in our electrification strategy as we work to provide clean, safe, and affordable vehicles,” said Ned Curic, Chief Engineering and Technology Officer of Stellantis. “Innovative battery technologies, such as lithium-sulfur, can support Stellantis’ commitment to carbon neutrality by 2038 while ensuring our customers enjoy the best levels of range, performance, and acquisition costs.”
The new batteries will be produced using waste materials and methane, with CO2 emissions significantly lower than any existing battery technology. Zeta Energy’s battery technology is intended to be manufactured within the framework of the already existing gigafactory technology and to leverage a short and entirely domestic supply chain in Europe or North America.
