Stellantis and France's CEA have embarked on a groundbreaking five-year partnership dedicated to advancing battery cell technology for electric vehicles (EVs). Announced on July 3, 2024, this initiative seeks to design next-generation battery cells that promise higher performance, longer lifespan, and a lower carbon footprint, aiming to make EVs more affordable and sustainable.

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. Internally, we are working around the clock placing multiple bets and exploring various technologies, said Ned Curic, Stellantis Chief Engineering and Technology Officer.

The CEA, through its Energy Division, provides advanced innovations driving decarbonization. As a Research and Technological Organization (RTO), CEA's mission is to support industrial innovation and technological breakthroughs, giving its partners a competitive advantage. Philippe Stohr, Head of CEA's Energy Division, stated This exciting project makes the best use of more than 25 years of expertise in the field of Li-ion batteries at CEA to the benefit of one of the major automotive actors in the competitive race for electrical mobility. Our challenge is to speed up design and fabrication and to allow deep understanding of the most advanced cells technologies by sharing our expertise, skills, and vision.

Stellantis aims to develop advanced technology battery cells with CEA to support its mission of offering clean, safe, and affordable mobility. The technology is intended to be used in Stellantis' gigafactories, which will produce these cells in joint ventures. This is part of Stellantis' broader strategy to achieve carbon net-zero status by 2038, underscoring its commitment to sustainability.

The collaboration between Stellantis and CEA is not just about innovation; it's also about economic viability. Automakers are under immense pressure to reduce costs in battery manufacturing to keep pace with competitive pricing and incentives offered by industry leaders like Tesla. By investing in next-generation battery technologies, Stellantis hopes to achieve cost-effective solutions, which is crucial given the economic uncertainties and high borrowing costs that have dampened demand for EVs.

This initiative is also aligned with global economic shifts, particularly the accelerating growth of the EV market. According to the International Energy Agency, global EV sales are projected to reach 16.6 million in 2024, up from 13.7 million in 2023, with China leading the charge. The synergy from Stellantis' 2021 merger with Fiat-Chrysler and PSA, now valued at €8.4 billion annually, highlights the importance of strategic collaborations in driving long-term growth and maintaining competitive advantage.

The ambitious R&D program on battery cells extends a 20-year dynamic collaboration with CEA, encompassing various research areas such as novel battery chemistries, CO2 footprint analysis, battery modeling, fuel cell development, life cycle assessment, and connectivity solutions. This comprehensive approach ensures that Stellantis stays at the forefront of technological advancements, supporting the broader transition to sustainable energy solutions.

The pause in construction work on battery cell plants at Kaiserslautern and Termoli by the Automotive Cells Company—a joint venture between Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz, and TotalEnergies—is a strategic move to switch from nickel-based cell chemistry to more cost-effective technologies. This reorientation reflects a broader industry trend of adapting to economic challenges by leveraging technological partnerships.

Philippe Stohr emphasized the importance of understanding advanced cell technologies and accelerating design and fabrication processes. This partnership with CEA leverages over 25 years of expertise in Li-ion batteries to benefit Stellantis in the competitive EV market. The joint research program will also focus on life cycle assessment and the development and validation of battery cells, all aimed at making EVs more accessible and eco-friendly.

In conclusion, Stellantis' collaboration with CEA represents a significant step towards achieving technological advancements in battery cell design, which is crucial for the future growth of the EV market. This partnership not only addresses the technical challenges but also aligns with the broader industry trends of economic adaptation and sustainability, ensuring that Stellantis remains at the cutting edge of innovation in the automotive industry.