By FREDA LEWIS-STEMPEL, MOTORING REPORTER
Stellantis has developed a new integrated battery system for its electric cars which the car giant claims will make them cheaper for customers to buy.
It claims its Intelligent Battery Integrated System (Ibis) is a 'breakthrough' which eliminates the need for separate charger and inverter components.
EVs currently house charging and inverter components separately, which takes up space, adds weight and creates energy inefficiency.
The first fully-functional Ibis-equipped battery electric vehicle is the new Peugeot e-300.
The prototype vehicle has come to fruition after years of collaboration between Stellantis, a number of tech firms and the French Government.
Ned Curic, chief engineering and technology officer at Stellantis, said: 'By rethinking and simplifying the electric powertrain architecture, we are making it lighter, more efficient, and more cost-effective.
'These are the kinds of innovations that help us deliver better, more affordable EVs to our customers.'
Stellantis has revealed its new Intelligent Battery Integrated System (IBIS) which eliminates the need for a separate charger and inverter components
Stellantis - which is behind 14 brands including Citroen, Fiat, Peugeot and Vauxhall - says Ibis 'reimagines the electric powertrain by embedding inverter and charger functionalities directly into the battery, regardless of chemistry or application'.
As such Ibis architecture supports both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) - AC is slow charging and DC is fast charging - supplying electric energy directly to the motor or grid, while simultaneously supplying the vehicle’s 12V network and auxiliary systems.
Inverters (power electronic devices) are usually integrated directly onto the EV motor or housed separately.
Similarly, on-board charging components are distributed throughout the vehicle, wherever is best for weight distribution and cooling.
Stellantis says Ibis 'reimagines the electric powertrain by embedding inverter and charger functionalities directly into the battery, regardless of chemistry or application'
The benefits of IBIS
Because Ibis streamlines the powertrain architecture, efficiency and performance are significantly improved.
Energy efficiency is improved 10 per cent (WLTC cycle) and there's a 15 per cent power gain (172kW vs 150kW) with the same battery size.
Weight and space savings are gained, with vehicle weight reduced by ~40kg and up to 17 litres of volume is freed up, enabling better aerodynamics and design flexibility.
Charging speed is increased, with early results showing a 15 per cent reduction in charging time (e.g. from seven to six hours on a 7kW AC charger) and 10 per cent energy savings.
Maintenance is simplified too, with easier servicing and enhanced potential for second-life battery reuse in both automotive and stationary applications thanks to the reduced need for extensive reconditioning.
IBIS improves energy efficiency, enables faster charging, saves weight and makes servicing and second-life battery reapplication easier
Phase 2 of the project began in June 2025 with continued support from the French Government through France 2030.
Stellantis says the focus now shifts to real-world testing under representative driving conditions, which could pave the way for the integration of IBIS technology into Stellantis production vehicles by the end of the decade.
Stellantis also says that there's scope beyond automotive with promise for Ibis in rail, aerospace, marine, and data cente applications - underscoring Stellantis and Saft’s commitment to scalable, sustainable electrification.