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Stellantis Bets Big on Lithium-Sulfur: The Future of EV Batteries?

New Lithium-Sulfur Batteries Promise More Range, Faster Charging, and Lower Costs...

Stellantis is taking a bold step toward revolutionizing electric vehicles (EVs) by teaming up with Zeta Energy, a Texas-based battery technology company, to develop next-generation lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. This partnership could reshape the EV industry, offering longer range, lighter weight, and reduced production costs compared to traditional lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.

Why Lithium-Sulfur? – 

Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S). (Zeta Energy).

Unlike conventional Li-ion batteries, which rely on expensive and scarce materials like nickel, cobalt, and manganese, Zeta Energy’s Li-S technology replaces these metals with sulfur, a widely available and low-cost element. This shift is expected to cut battery production costs by nearly 50%, making EVs more affordable for consumers across Stellantis brands like Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, Alfa Romeo, and FIAT.

But the cost savings are just the beginning. Lithium-sulfur batteries offer up to three times the energy density of current Li-ion packs. That means future Stellantis EVs could see ranges exceeding 1,000 km (620 miles) per charge, significantly reducing battery weight by 30 to 50%. A lighter battery means better efficiency, improved handling, and enhanced acceleration—perfect for high-performance vehicles and rugged off-road SUVs alike.

Faster Charging, Longer Life – 

One of the biggest pain points for EV owners is charging time. Zeta Energy claims its Li-S batteries can charge up to 50% faster than today’s Li-ion technology, meaning significantly reduced wait times at public charging stations. Additionally, these batteries retain their charge longer when idle, losing less than 5% of their capacity over five years. This could improve long-term battery health and enhance the resale value of Stellantis EVs.

Better for the Environment –

Zeta Energy Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) Batteries. (Zeta Energy).

Zeta Energy’s Li-S batteries also have a smaller carbon footprint than Li-ion packs. By using sulfur derived from industrial waste and eliminating the need for cobalt, nickel, and graphite, production emissions are significantly lower. Additionally, Li-S batteries operate at lower voltages, reducing the risk of thermal runaway—a major cause of battery fires in existing EVs.

Challenges and Roadmap – 

2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack Stage 2 in After Dark. (Dodge).

While Li-S batteries offer incredible advantages, challenges remain. The biggest hurdle is the issue of polysulfide shuttling, which can lead to faster battery degradation. However, Zeta Energy has developed advanced coatings and barrier technologies to mitigate this problem, making these batteries more stable and reliable.

Stellantis and Zeta Energy are already working on pre-production battery prototypes, with plans for large-scale manufacturing by 2030. With Stellantis aiming to introduce 75 new EVs by 2038, this breakthrough technology could power many of these models.

The Future of Stellantis EVs – 

If successful, this partnership could place Stellantis ahead of the competition in the EV space. By offering longer-range, faster-charging, and more cost-effective electric vehicles, Stellantis could attract a wider range of buyers—especially those still hesitant about switching to EVs.

Robert S. Miller

Robert S. Miller is a diehard Mopar enthusiast who lives and breathes all that is Mopar. The Michigander is not only the Editor for MoparInsiders.com, 5thGenRams.com, and HDRams.com but an automotive photographer. He is an avid fan of offshore powerboat racing, which he travels the country to take part in.

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Less volatile batteries in EVs is a big win. Some automakers haven't caught onto the fact that with a longer range, there is an increase in the anxiety of whether a charging station will be available at wherever the heck that place is so far from home.

I believe consumers want EVs, but they want to recharge the batteries on their own terms. People with a driveway or garage can have a personal level 2 charging station. Many apartment dwellers won't have the opportunity and need an alternative. This of course means having an onboard generator for charging. According to Toyota, the best way to test new battery designs is in a hybrid.

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This current situation is really driving innovation right now in battery, storage, and capacity. Future generations will look back at this time and really appreciate the innovations that were born form this era, much like we think back to the innovations that were born from the war (cold and hot) eras of the mid 20th century.

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Nuclear fusion reactors 😀 1738772958413.png

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