Officially, he went himself. But in reality, Stellantis' commander-in-chief was fired. Now the world's fourth largest car group is trying to save itself. Maybe with a super cheap battery.
The crisis-hit car group Stellantis, which is behind 14 car brands, is now trying to reverse its negative development by investing in a new type of battery based on sulphur.
Together with the American battery company Zeta Energy, they are working on developing a lithium-sulphur battery that could potentially become a game changer in electric cars.
Stellantis has been under great pressure due to financial challenges and the situation was further complicated when the group's managing director Carlos Tavares was recently dismissed.
Now the company hopes that the collaboration on this new battery technology can create the necessary renewal.
Lithium-sulphur batteries offer several advantages over the current lithium-ion batteries. They are lighter, can store more energy and work better at low temperatures.
According to Zeta Energy, the batteries can also be reduced in weight by 30-50 percent compared to existing solutions. The technology is claimed to enable faster charging, with up to 50 percent higher speed.
However, one of the biggest challenges with this type of battery has been its limited lifespan. Lithium-sulfur batteries have traditionally suffered from energy loss over time. But Zeta Energy claims to have solved the problem by using special coatings that extend battery life.
Another significant advantage of this technology is its cost. The materials used in production are cheaper and more environmentally friendly than those used in lithium-ion batteries. This can reduce the overall price of the battery and make electric cars more accessible to consumers.
– We are working to ensure that this type of battery can become part of the market before 2030, says Stellantis and Zeta Energy jointly.
The goal is to create a sustainable and economically affordable solution that can restore Stellantis' position in an increasingly competitive automotive industry.
Whether this venture can save Stellantis, however, depends on whether the technology can live up to expectations and cope in practice.
