Stellantis, the umbrella company of multiple automobile giants, and Zeta Energy have signed a battery agreement, as announced today.
The official statement made by Stellantis on this subject was as follows: “Stellantis, one of the world’s largest mobility companies, and Zeta Energy Corp., one of the world’s leading lithium-sulfur battery manufacturers, announced that they have made a joint agreement aiming to develop battery cell technology for electric vehicles. With the partnership, it is aimed to develop lithium-sulfur electric vehicle batteries with game-changing gravimetric energy density while reaching volumetric energy density comparable to today’s lithium-ion technology. For customers, this means longer range, better driving characteristics and improved performance thanks to a significantly lighter battery pack with the same usable energy as contemporary lithium-ion batteries.
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN
The technology has the potential to increase fast charging speeds by up to 50 percent, making electric vehicle ownership and use easier. These batteries are expected to cost less than half the price per kWh of current lithium-ion batteries. Commenting on the subject, Stellantis Chief Engineering and Technology Officer Ned Curic said, “Our collaboration with Zeta Energy is another step in helping advance our electrification strategy as we strive to deliver clean, safe and affordable vehicles.
“Breakthrough battery technologies such as lithium-sulfur can enable our customers to benefit from optimal range, performance and affordability while supporting Stellantis’ commitment to be carbon neutral by 2038,” he said. Stating that they are very excited to work with Stellantis on this project, Zeta Energy CEO Tom Pilette said, “The combination of Zeta Energy’s lithium-sulfur battery technology with Stellantis’ unrivaled expertise in innovation, global production and distribution will improve the performance of electric vehicles and “It can increase the supply chain resilience of batteries and electric vehicles while significantly improving the cost profile,” he said.
Batteries produced using waste materials and methane will have much lower carbon emissions than existing battery technologies. It is aimed that Zeta Energy battery technology can be produced within the 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. With the completion of the project, the batteries are aimed to provide energy to Stellantis electric vehicles by 2030.
Lithium-sulfur battery technology offers higher performance at lower cost compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Sulfur, which is widely available and more affordable, reduces both production costs and supply chain risk. Zeta Energy’s lithium-sulfur batteries utilize waste materials, methane and unrefined sulfur, which are byproducts of different 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 is taking a dual-chemistry approach and exploring innovative battery cell and pack technologies.”