Summary
- Stellantis and Zeta Energy are collaborating to develop lithium-sulfur EV batteries
- The batteries aim to have energy density comparable to lithium-ion technology
- Lithium-sulfur batteries could lead to lighter battery packs, greater driving range, improved handling, and faster charging
- Zeta’s design uses waste materials and does not require cobalt, graphite, manganese, or nickel
- The collaboration aims to improve the performance and cost of electric vehicles, while enhancing supply chain resiliency
Article
Stellantis, a Netherlands-based automaker, and US battery technology firm Zeta Energy have partnered to develop lithium-sulfur EV batteries with energy density comparable to lithium-ion technology. The collaboration involves pre-production development and planning for future production, with Stellantis aiming to use these batteries in its vehicles by 2030. Lithium-sulfur battery technology has the potential to create lighter battery packs with the same usable energy as lithium-ion batteries, resulting in greater driving range, improved handling, and enhanced performance. The technology could also improve fast charging speeds by up to 50% and is expected to cost less than half the price per kWh of current lithium-ion batteries.
Zeta Energy’s lithium-sulfur battery design utilizes waste materials, such as methane and unrefined sulfur, which are byproducts from various industries, and does not require cobalt, graphite, manganese, or nickel. This approach contributes to reducing production expenses and supply-chain risk. The technology is intended to be manufacturable within existing gigafactories and would leverage a short entirely domestic supply chain in Europe or North America. By combining Zeta Energy’s lithium-sulfur battery technology with Stellantis’s expertise in innovation, global manufacturing, and distribution, the partnership aims to improve the performance and cost profile of electric vehicles while increasing supply chain resilience for batteries and EVs.
The potential benefits of lithium-sulfur batteries include lighter battery packs, greater driving range, improved handling, enhanced performance, and faster charging speeds. Sulfur, which is widely available and cost-effective, reduces production expenses and supply-chain risk compared to other battery materials. These batteries are expected to cost less than half the price per kWh of current lithium-ion batteries, making them a more economical option for electric vehicles. Zeta Energy’s lithium-sulfur battery design uses waste materials and does not require cobalt, graphite, manganese, or nickel, further reducing costs and environmental impact.
Stellantis and Zeta Energy’s joint development agreement aims to leverage the respective strengths of both companies to bring lithium-sulfur batteries to the market. By combining Zeta Energy’s innovative battery technology with Stellantis’s expertise in manufacturing and distribution, the partnership seeks to enhance the performance and cost effectiveness of electric vehicles. The collaboration includes pre-production development and planning for future production, with a target for implementing the batteries in Stellantis vehicles by 2030. By working together, the companies aim to improve the supply chain resiliency for batteries and EVs while advancing sustainable and efficient transportation options.
Zeta Energy’s lithium-sulfur battery design is based on utilizing waste materials such as methane and unrefined sulfur, which are byproducts from various industries. This sustainable approach not only reduces production expenses but also minimizes environmental impact by repurposing waste materials. The technology does not require cobalt, graphite, manganese, or nickel, further reducing costs and enhancing sustainability. By focusing on a short, entirely domestic supply chain in Europe or North America, the batteries can be manufactured within existing gigafactories, streamlining production and distribution processes.
In conclusion, the partnership between Stellantis and Zeta Energy to develop lithium-sulfur EV batteries represents an innovative approach to enhancing the performance and cost profile of electric vehicles. By leveraging Zeta Energy’s advanced battery technology and Stellantis’s manufacturing expertise, the companies aim to bring lighter, more energy-dense batteries to the market, improving driving range, handling, and charging speeds. The use of waste materials in the battery design and a focus on a sustainable supply chain further contribute to cost efficiency and environmental sustainability. Through this collaboration, Stellantis and Zeta Energy are working towards a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable future for electric vehicles and battery technology.
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