Stellantis, the multinational automotive group, has unveiled a prototype electric vehicle battery that integrates the inverter and charger functions within the battery modules. This innovation, known as the Intelligent Battery Integrated System (IBIS), was developed in collaboration with Saft, a battery solutions company owned by TotalEnergies, and France’s National Centre For Scientific Research (CNRS).
The IBIS technology has been in development for four years and is aimed at making electric vehicle (EV) batteries more efficient and cost-effective. The electronic conversion board that combines the inverter and charger functions is placed close to the lithium-ion battery cells. This allows for direct alternating current (AC) power transmission from the battery to the traction motors, eliminating the need for separate power conversion components.
Stellantis demonstrated the technology in a video where AC power was directly transmitted to the battery during external charging. The stored energy can then be used to power the electric motors, enhancing efficiency and potentially increasing the longevity of EVs.
The collaboration plans to further develop the technology by creating a fully functional prototype vehicle. Stellantis intends to test this prototype on its existing tracks and public roads. The goal is to incorporate the IBIS technology into Stellantis’ electric vehicles before the end of the decade.
Stellantis owns a range of well-known automotive brands including Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, Fiat, and Maserati. The company aims to launch 75 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by the end of the decade as part of its Dare Forward 2030 strategy. This includes plans to introduce an affordable Citroen small electric hatchback priced below €25,000 euros ($27,000) in the European market later this year.