Stellantis and CEA Partner To Develop Next-Generation EV Battery Cells

Stellantis has recently announced a five-year collaboration with CEA, France’s innovative research organization, to develop next-generation battery cells for electric vehicles (EVs).

Regarding the details of the joint research program, it will focus on designing advanced technology cells with higher performance, longer lifespan, and a lower carbon footprint at competitive costs. The key areas of research include disruptive cell chemistries, life cycle assessment, and battery cell design and validation.

While specific cell chemistry details were not disclosed, the emphasis on “disruptive” technologies suggests the exploration of alternatives beyond current nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistries according to Stellantis Chief Engineering and Technology Officer Ned Curic.

Curic expressed the company’s dedication to innovation stating, “We know that battery technology is poised for change. While we don’t know exactly how it will change, we are committed to be at the forefront of this transformation.”

Stellantis’ Battery Cell Plants

Furthermore, the partnership may be directly related to recent developments in Stellantis’ battery production plans. Notably, the company has paused construction work on its Automotive Cells Company (ACC) battery cell plants in Kaiserslautern, Germany, and Termoli, Italy, to switch from nickel-based cell chemistry to more cost-effective battery technologies. As a result, the outcome of this research collaboration could influence the future direction of these plants.

Read More: ACC Pause Plans for EV Battery Gigafactories

It should be noted that the collaboration extends beyond battery cell development, encompassing fuel cell development, connectivity, and efforts to cut down the overall carbon footprint of EV production. This also aligns with Stellantis’ goal to become a carbon net zero corporation by 2038.

With this strategic partnership between Stellantis and CEA becoming a additional step towards more affordable and sustainable EVs, it will potentially reshape the competitive EV market of the automotive landscape in the coming years.

Want to learn more about EVs? Thinking of buying an EV? Head over to EV.com and discover more.