- Stellantis has partnered with Zeta Energy to develop lithium-sulfur EV batteries.
- This chemistry promises more range, less weight and lower costs compared to conventional lithium-ion cells.
- Stellantis is also working on solid-state batteries with Factorial.
Solid-state batteries are not the only technology that promises increased range, lower manufacturing costs and lower weight. It’s also not the only technology that’s “just around the corner” for tomorrow’s electric vehicles.
Lithium-sulfur batteries carry many of the same promises as solid-state cells. They’ve been around for decades and are known among scientists for their great energy density, but a huge problem has been keeping them from going mainstream: they have a tendency to degrade quite quickly, making them unsuitable for electric cars that need to provide consistent driving ranges for years and year.
Here’s where Stellantis and its new partner, Zeta Energy, come into play. The two companies announced they’re working on a new generation of lithium-sulfur batteries that have the potential to provide the same usable energy as today’s liquid-based lithium-ion batteries but at half the price. They’re also poised to offer 50% more driving range and 50% faster charging sessions, which could make EV ownership a breeze.
Development is already underway and the agreement includes both pre-production and planning for future scale production by 2030.
“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, Chief Engineering and Technology Officer at Stellantis. “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.”
Another huge benefit of lithium-sulfur cells is they don’t require cobalt, graphite, manganese or nickel, which are mainly sourced from outside the United States and Europe. Instead, they’re produced using waste materials, unrefined sulfur and methane. Furthermore, existent battery facilities can be used to manufacture the cells with materials sourced exclusively from domestic supply chains in Europe or North America.
This isn’t the only battery-related project brewing at Stellantis. The auto giant is also working on solid-state batteries with Factorial, and the first Dodge Charger EV pilot fleet with liquid-less cells is slated to hit the streets by 2026.
