Stellantis N.V. and Zeta Energy Corp. announced a joint development agreement aimed at advancing battery cell technology for electric vehicle applications.

The partnership aims to develop lithium-sulfur EV batteries with game-changing gravimetric energy density while achieving a volumetric energy density comparable to today’s lithium-ion technology.

For customers, this means potentially a significantly lighter battery pack with the same usable energy as contemporary lithium-ion batteries, enabling greater range, improved handling and enhanced performance.

Additionally, the technology has the potential to improve fast-charging speed by up to 50%, making EV ownership even more convenient.

Lithium-sulfur batteries are expected to cost less than half the price per kWh of current lithium-ion batteries.

“Our collaboration with Zeta Energy is another step in helping advance our electrification strategy as we work to deliver clean, safe and affordable vehicles,” said Ned Curic, Stellantis Chief Engineering and Technology Officer.

“Groundbreaking battery technologies like lithium-sulfur can support Stellantis’ commitment to carbon neutrality by 2038 while ensuring our customers enjoy optimal range, performance and affordability.”

“We are very excited to be working with Stellantis on this project,” said Tom Pilette, CEO of Zeta Energy.

“The combination of Zeta Energy’s lithium-sulfur battery technology with Stellantis’ unrivaled expertise in innovation, global manufacturing and distribution can dramatically improve the performance and cost profile of electric vehicles while increasing the supply chain resiliency for batteries and EVs.”

The batteries will be produced using waste materials and methane, with significantly lower CO2 emissions than any existing battery technology.

Zeta Energy battery technology is intended to be manufacturable within existing gigafactory technology and would leverage a short, entirely domestic supply chain in Europe or North America.

The collaboration includes both pre-production development and planning for future production. Upon completion of the project, the batteries are targeted to power Stellantis electric vehicles by 2030.

Lithium-sulfur battery technology delivers higher performance at a lower cost compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Sulfur, being widely available and cost-effective, reduces both production expenses and supply-chain risk.

Zeta Energy’s lithium-sulfur batteries utilize waste materials, methane and unrefined sulfur, a byproduct from various industries, and do not require cobalt, graphite, manganese or nickel.

Developing high-performing and affordable EVs is a key pillar of Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, which includes offering more than 75 battery electric vehicle models.

Stellantis is employing a dual-chemistry approach to serve all customers and exploring innovative battery cell and pack technologies.

Crypto industry giants Circle Internet Group Inc. and Binance have joined forces in a new strategic partnership announced today at Abu Dhabi Finance Week that will expand adoption of USDC and support the development of the global digital assets and broader financial services ecosystem.

With the growth and worldwide adoption of USDC as one of the most powerful utilities for money on the internet, this collaboration brings together a trusted and compliant digital dollar with the largest platform in the world for using digital assets.

Through the partnership, Binance will make USDC more extensively available across their full suite of products and services, ensuring that their more than 240 million global users are able to seamlessly access and use USDC for trading, saving, and payments applications.

Additionally, Binance will adopt USDC as a vital dollar stablecoin for their own corporate treasury, a powerful signal about the world moving on-chain.

Likewise, Circle will provide Binance with the necessary technology, liquidity and other tools for Binance users to benefit from the trust and innovation that Circle has built for USDC.

Circle will also work with Binance to build key relationships across the global finance and commerce landscape, as mainstream companies all around the world seek to benefit from crypto infrastructure and stablecoins for an increasingly wide array of use-cases.

“Binance is an incredibly innovative company and has demonstrated a relentless commitment to product quality, innovation, and user-centricity, all of which show in their massive and loyal global community of more than 240 million users,” said Jeremy Allaire, Chairman and CEO of Circle.

“With Binance rapidly becoming the world’s leading financial super app, and stablecoin adoption and utility at the core of this future financial system, this is a tremendous opportunity for USDC as it becomes ubiquitous on the Binance platform.

“I’m thrilled to be working with the Binance leadership team as they continue to build the largest digital asset company in the world.”

“Circle is without a doubt one of the most trusted and innovative companies in the digital asset ecosystem, and USDC is one of the most preeminent products in the world,” said Richard Teng, CEO of Binance.

“Through our strategic partnership, our users will have even more opportunities to use USDC on our platform, including more USDC trading pairs, special promotions on USDC across trading, and other products on Binance.

“We will also work closely with Circle to drive innovation and utility for stablecoins globally.

“Working together as a team, we believe we can materially push forward the possibilities for the internet financial system.”

Polaris Bank has achieved yet another milestone by emerging as the Sectoral Winner in the Banking and Other Financial Institutions Sector category at the 2024 NECA Annual Employers’ Excellence Awards.

Polaris Bank

The Bank received the sectoral recognition for its innovative HR practice at the NECA’s Excellence Awards, (the 4th edition) which held recently at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Ikeja.

The recognition is particularly significant as it marks the first award the Bank has received for its efforts in Human Resources Management, reaffirming Polaris Bank’s commitment to creating a people-oriented workplace culture.

The NECA Annual Employers’ Excellence Awards celebrate organizations that excel in key areas such as leadership and people management practices, sound human resource systems, effective corporate governance, responsible business conduct, technological innovation, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, and the elimination of child labour.

Speaking on the award, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal, stated: ” Winning this prestigious award accentuates our deliberate approach to promoting an environment where employees can thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the Bank’s success.

“It also highlights Polaris Bank’s leadership commitment to evolving into an employer of choice and a great place to work. Congratulations to the entire Polaris Bank family for this outstanding achievement on a sectoral scale! This win is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit of every member of our team. It could not have been any BIGGER! ”

Polaris Bank was adjudged Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year in 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021 in Business Day’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.