Stellantis, the multinational automotive company, has set an ambitious target to reduce the weight of batteries in electric vehicles (EVs) by 50% by 2030. The company aims to make EVs lighter and more comparable to their combustion-engined counterparts.
Ned Curic, head of engineering and technology at Stellantis, expressed the need for lighter batteries during the opening of the company’s new Mirafiori battery technology center in Turin, Italy. He emphasized that the current weight of EV batteries is a significant drawback and stated, “The battery today is just too heavy; the vehicle is too heavy. We shouldn’t be going backwards.”
To achieve this weight reduction goal, Stellantis plans to introduce new lightweight battery technologies and improve cell packaging efficiency. The company has already invested in Lytten, a Silicon Valley company working on developing lighter lithium-sulphur batteries. These batteries not only reduce weight but also cut costs and carbon emissions by using less exotic materials compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Stellantis is also exploring sodium-ion batteries as another potential alternative. Sodium-ion technology is considered a much cheaper option and is currently being developed by Chinese battery manufacturers like CATL.
A recent teardown of the BYD Seal saloon conducted by Swiss bank UBS revealed the weight of EV batteries. The lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack in the standard 62kWh Seal accounted for a staggering 470kg of the car’s overall weight of 1941kg. Even more expensive nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries, like the 60kWh pack in the Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric, still weigh 394kg out of the total 1783kg.
To support its battery development efforts, Stellantis has invested €40 million (£34.3m) in the new Mirafiori facility. This facility will serve as a hub for designing, developing, and testing battery packs, modules, high-voltage cells, and software for upcoming models from Stellantis brands such as Alfa Romeo, Citroën, Fiat, Peugeot, Vauxhall, and more. The facility boasts 32 climatic test chambers, enabling simultaneous testing of up to 47 battery packs.
By reducing the weight of EV batteries, Stellantis aims to address one of the major concerns associated with electric vehicles. Heavy batteries not only affect the overall weight of the vehicle but also impact its performance and range. Lighter batteries will allow EVs to become more agile and efficient, making them more appealing to consumers.
Moreover, reducing battery weight is crucial for achieving sustainability goals. Lighter batteries require fewer raw materials, resulting in lower environmental impact during production. Additionally, lighter EVs consume less energy during operation, further reducing carbon emissions.
Stellantis’ commitment to battery weight reduction aligns with the global shift towards electric mobility. As governments worldwide implement stricter emission regulations and consumers increasingly embrace electric vehicles, automakers are under pressure to improve EV technology. By investing in lightweight battery technologies, Stellantis aims to stay at the forefront of the EV market and provide consumers with more attractive and sustainable transportation options.
In conclusion, Stellantis is targeting a 50% weight reduction in EV batteries by 2030 to make electric vehicles lighter and more comparable to combustion-engined cars. The company plans to achieve this goal through the introduction of new lightweight battery technologies and improved cell packaging efficiency. By investing in research and development and collaborating with companies like Lytten, Stellantis aims to revolutionize battery technology and make EVs more appealing to consumers. This commitment to reducing battery weight aligns with sustainability goals and will contribute to the global shift towards electric mobility.