Turin, Italy, September 9, 2023 – Stellantis, the renowned automaker behind brands like Fiat, Peugeot, and Jeep, has embarked on an ambitious journey to revolutionize electric vehicle (EV) technology. Ned Curic, the group’s technology chief, announced the company’s vision to develop significantly lighter EV batteries, with the aim of cutting their weight in half. This groundbreaking endeavor is driven by a commitment to sustainability and addressing one of the industry’s pressing challenges.
In a recent statement during the inauguration of Stellantis’ Battery Technology Center in Turin, Italy, Curic candidly acknowledged the current predicament faced by EV batteries. He emphasized that they are “just too heavy,” which in turn makes EVs “not compatible” with the sustainability objectives they aspire to achieve.
Curic’s visionary goal is to achieve a remarkable transformation in battery technology by 2030, reducing battery weight by a staggering 50%. While acknowledging the magnitude of this undertaking, he also admitted, “I really have no idea” about the exact nature of the “battery of the future.” This ambitious endeavor will necessitate the exploration of entirely new materials, innovative chemistry, and novel approaches to replace the heavy components with much lighter alternatives.
As part of its long-term commitment to battery advancement, Stellantis has invested 40 million euros ($43 million) in the Turin Battery Technology Center. This facility will serve as a dedicated hub for in-house testing and the development of EV battery packs to power the group’s future vehicles. In addition to this center, a similar facility is under construction in Windsor, Canada, aimed at bolstering the company’s battery research and development capabilities.
During the presentation, Curic unveiled another exciting piece of news. Stellantis is gearing up to launch a “very affordable” vehicle later this year. While specific pricing details were not disclosed, Curic expressed a commitment to making this vehicle accessible to a broad spectrum of society. He noted that transitioning from carbon-based energy systems to electric vehicles represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future.
Stellantis’ bold pursuit of lighter EV batteries not only demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship but also underscores the automotive industry’s unwavering dedication to innovation. As automakers worldwide strive to redefine the future of transportation, developments like these promise to reshape the way we perceive and utilize electric vehicles, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable world.