The automotive industry frequently sees claims of revolutionary advancements in EV battery technology, but Stellantis appears to have made a significant breakthrough. The company is developing lithium-sulphur (Li-S) batteries that promise to cut costs by half, improve rapid-charging speeds by 50%, and significantly reduce weight. Stellantis aims to integrate this technology into its vehicles by 2030.
The Li-S batteries are being developed in partnership with Texas-based Zeta Energy, a company that has been working on this technology since its founding in 2014. The key advantage of lithium sulphur lies in its gravimetric energy density—the amount of energy stored per unit of weight—which is crucial for improving EV efficiency.
A Game-Changer for EV Batteries
Currently, most EVs use lithium-ion batteries, with two dominant chemistries: nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) and lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP).
- NMC batteries offer higher energy density but rely on expensive and environmentally sensitive materials.
- LFP batteries are safer, longer-lasting, and more affordable but have lower energy density.
Lithium-sulphur technology has the potential to deliver the best of both worlds—high energy density and cost-effectiveness—while eliminating the need for nickel, manganese, cobalt, and graphite, making it a more sustainable solution.
