Stellantis N.V. and Zeta Energy Corp. have announced a joint development agreement aimed at advancing battery cell technology for electric vehicle applications.
The partnership aims to develop lithium-sulfur EV batteries with gravimetric energy density while achieving a volumetric energy density comparable to today’s lithium-ion technology, the companies stated in a press release announcing the collaboration.
For customers, this could result in a significantly lighter battery pack with the same usable energy as contemporary lithium-ion batteries, enabling greater range, improved handling and enhanced performance. Additionally, the technology has the potential to improve fast-charging speeds by up to 50%, officials stated.
“Our collaboration with Zeta Energy is another step in helping advance our electrification strategy as we work to deliver clean, safe and affordable vehicles,” said Ned Curic, Stellantis chief engineering and technology officer. “Groundbreaking battery technologies like lithium-sulfur can support Stellantis’ commitment to carbon neutrality by 2038 while ensuring our customers enjoy optimal range, performance and affordability.”
Lithium-sulfur batteries are expected to cost less than half the price per kWh of current lithium-ion batteries.
“We are very excited to be working with Stellantis on this project,” said Tom Pilette, CEO of Zeta Energy. “The combination of Zeta Energy’s lithium-sulfur battery technology with Stellantis’ unrivaled expertise in innovation, global manufacturing and distribution can dramatically improve the performance and cost profile of electric vehicles while increasing the supply chain resiliency for batteries and EVs.”
The batteries will be produced using waste materials and methane, the release noted, with significantly lower CO2 emissions. Zeta Energy battery technology is intended to be manufacturable within existing gigafactory technology and would leverage a short, entirely domestic supply chain in Europe or North America.
The collaboration includes both pre-production development and planning for future production. Upon completion of the project, the batteries are targeted to power Stellantis electric vehicles by 2030.
