Stellantis is seeking a new, more sustainable EV battery. Its recent partnership with CEA, the French Alternative Energies, and Atomic Energy Commission aims to develop next-generation batteries free from sketchy materials.
Why CEA Is Involved in EV Battery Research
CEA’s involvement might seem surprising due to its focus on nuclear energy. However, it also covers renewable technologies, concentrating on combining these resources for storage and power generation. Electric Vehicles rely heavily on electricity for their operation. Therefore, robust energy storage solutions are essential as the demand for EV batteries increases.
CEA Energy Division Head Philippe Stohr emphasized the institution’s 25+ years of Lithium-ion battery research experience. He stated, “Our challenge is to speed up design and fabrication.” Stellantis’s Chief Engineering and Technology Officer Ned Curic added, “We know that battery technology is poised for change. While we don’t know exactly how it will change, we are committed to being at the forefront of this transformation.”
Exploring Various Technologies
Stellantis has a diverse EV battery strategy, actively exploring various technologies through partnerships. One such collaboration is with the French firm TIAMAT, focusing on Sodium-ion Battery technology. This technology offers lower costs per kilowatt-hour and is lithium and cobalt-free, which enhances sustainability and material sovereignty.
Stellantis’s interest in multiple partnerships suggests that several new battery formulas could eventually emerge in its portfolio. For instance, in 2021, Stellantis invested in Factorial Energy, a US firm innovating solid-state EV batteries. Factorial is expanding its Massachusetts facility to bring its new solid-state battery into production.
Similarly, Lyten, another US startup, is developing lithium-sulfur batteries with the potential to hold more than double the energy density of Lithium-ion batteries. Lyten recently shipped samples of its new lithium-sulfur pouch cells to manufacturers, including Stellantis, for evaluation.
Support from the US Military
The US Department of Defense is also looking to enhance the EV battery supply chain for military applications. Recently, Lyten received a $4 million grant from the Department of Energy to address these concerns. The grant encourages scaling up lithium-sulfur battery production to support mobility and transportation electrification.
Additionally, the University of Texas at Dallas has received a $30 million grant for a new energy storage R&D campus aimed at transitioning next-generation Lithium-ion batteries into the market. This initiative, part of the Defense Department’s SCALE initiative, aims to attract more EV battery innovators to Texas, enhancing domestic supply chains.
Conclusion
Stellantis’s partnerships reflect its commitment to advancing EV battery technology. Collaborations with CEA, TIAMAT, Factorial Energy, and Lyten highlight the company’s proactive approach to achieving sustainable and efficient energy solutions for the future of Electric Vehicles.
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