Stellantis NV and Zeta Energy Corp. have announced a joint development agreement to advance battery cell technology for electric vehicles. Their collaboration focuses on developing lithium-sulfur EV batteries that deliver unprecedented gravimetric energy density while maintaining similar volumetric energy density to current lithium-ion batteries.
This innovation can result in significantly lighter battery packs that deliver the same energy capacity as today’s lithium-ion batteries, while increasing range, performance and handling. Additionally, the new technology can reduce fast charging times by up to 50%, improving the convenience of EV ownership. Lithium-sulfur batteries are expected to cost less than half per kWh compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
“Our collaboration with Zeta Energy is another step toward helping advance our electrification strategy as we work to deliver clean, safe and affordable vehicles,” said Ned Curic, chief engineering and technology officer at Stellantis. ” “Groundbreaking battery technologies like lithium-sulphur can support Stellantis’ commitment to carbon neutrality by 2038, while ensuring our customers enjoy optimal range, performance and affordability.”
“We are very excited to work with Stellantis on this project,” said Tom Pillat, CEO of Zeta Energy. “The combination of Zeta Energy’s lithium-sulfur battery technology with Stellantis’ unmatched expertise in innovation, global manufacturing and distribution can dramatically improve the performance and cost profile of electric vehicles while enhancing supply chain flexibility for batteries and EVs .
The batteries will be produced using waste materials and methane, resulting in significantly lower CO2 emissions than existing battery technologies. Zeta Energy’s battery technology is designed to be compatible with current Gigafactory manufacturing processes and will rely on a short, entirely domestic supply chain in Europe or North America.
The collaboration includes both pre-production development and future production planning. Once the project is completed, these batteries are expected to power Stellantis electric vehicles by 2030.
Lithium-sulfur battery technology provides better performance at a lower cost than traditional lithium-ion batteries. Sulphur, a widely available and cost-effective material, helps reduce production costs and supply-chain risks. Zeta Energy’s lithium-sulfur batteries are made using waste materials, methane and raw sulfur – a byproduct of various industries – eliminating the need for cobalt, graphite, manganese or nickel.
The collaboration is in line with Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 strategy, which aims to deliver more than 75 battery electric vehicle models. As part of its approach, Stellantis is exploring innovative battery cell and pack technologies adopting a dual-chemistry strategy to meet diverse customer needs.
