Stellantis, a leading automotive company, has recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with Zeta Energy to develop lithium-sulfur EV batteries. This new technology promises to revolutionize the electric vehicle market by offering more range, less weight, and lower costs compared to conventional lithium-ion cells.
Lithium-sulfur batteries have long been known for their high energy density, but their tendency to degrade quickly has hindered their widespread adoption in electric cars. However, Stellantis and Zeta Energy are working on a new generation of lithium-sulfur batteries that aim to address these issues. These batteries have the potential to provide the same usable energy as current lithium-ion batteries but at half the price. Additionally, they are expected to offer 50% more driving range and 50% faster charging sessions, making electric vehicle ownership more convenient and affordable.
Development of these batteries is already underway, with plans for pre-production and future scale production by 2030. Ned Curic, Chief Engineering and Technology Officer at Stellantis, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating that it will help advance the company’s electrification strategy and support its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2038.
One of the key advantages of lithium-sulfur batteries is that they do not require cobalt, graphite, manganese, or nickel, which are often sourced from outside the United States and Europe. Instead, these batteries can be produced using waste materials, unrefined sulfur, and methane, with materials sourced from domestic supply chains in Europe or North America.
In addition to the lithium-sulfur battery project, Stellantis is also working on solid-state batteries with Factorial. The company plans to introduce a pilot fleet of Dodge Charger EVs equipped with liquid-less cells by 2026, further demonstrating its commitment to advancing battery technology and sustainability in the automotive industry.
Overall, the partnership between Stellantis and Zeta Energy represents a significant step forward in the development of advanced battery technologies for electric vehicles. With the potential to deliver increased range, lower costs, and improved performance, these lithium-sulfur batteries could play a crucial role in accelerating the transition to electric mobility and reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector.