IBIS: Stellantis, Saft reveal a smarter, more efficient battery for autos and stationary power

After four years of design, modeling and simulation, a team of 25 people comprised of CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research), Stellantis and Saft engineers and researchers unveiled an innovative prototype of an energy storage battery that integrates the inverter and charger functions. Integrating the inverter and charger functions creates a battery that is more efficient, which enhances the battery-electric vehicle range, and is more reliable and less costly. It also frees up room in the vehicle.

The collaborative research project is known as the Intelligent Battery Integrated System (IBIS). A demonstrator, operational since summer 2022, is the subject of numerous patents and marks a major break from electrical energy conversion systems currently used. The project has made it possible to validate many new technical concepts and master their control and operation in preparation for automotive or stationary applications.

In the field of electromobility, the IBIS project is about to produce a real paradigm shift in the design of electric powertrains. With IBIS, the electronic conversion boards that perform the power inverter and charger functions are mounted as close as possible to the lithium-ion battery cells. A sophisticated control system enables alternating current for an electric motor to be produced directly from the battery.

The IBIS project partners are now focused on building a fully functional prototype vehicle that will be tested on Stellantis development benches and test tracks, as well as on open roads. The IBIS project team intends to make this technology available on Stellantis brand vehicles before the end of this decade.

“Our journey to electrification is fueled by innovation and research excellence that uses the latest technology to address the real needs of our EV customers, such as range, roominess and affordability, while reducing carbon footprint by improving efficiency,” says Ned Curic, Stellantis chief engineering & technology officer. “This revolutionary battery system could mark a decisive step in Stellantis’ commitment to provide useful, easy and advanced technology to all.”

By developing an efficient and cost-competitive technology, the IBIS project offers the opportunity to reduce vehicle weight and the cost of EV powertrain and vehicle manufacturing, while offering new features.

In the field of stationary energy storage and renewable energy integration, project partner Saft will be able to offer turnkey installations with improved battery availability, optimized use of installed energy and a smaller footprint. The intrinsic architecture of the IBIS battery will simplify the maintenance and upgrade of the facility and reduce the site’s carbon footprint.

The combination of battery solutions used for electric vehicles and stationary storage enhances the competitiveness of the two offerings, thanks to the volume effects on growing markets.

“Saft has been at the heart of industrial battery innovation for over 100 years. As pioneers in this cutting-edge field, our researchers can carry out research programs like IBIS over the long term,” says Cedric Duclos, Saft CEO. “We’re delighted to have this collaboration with other recognized partners in this field of expertise, on this innovative project aimed at revolutionizing electric mobility and stationary energy storage.”

The IBIS project is funded by the Future Investment Plan, administered by ADEME (the Environment and Energy Management Agency) and coordinated by Stellantis. It brings together industrial partners Saft (TotalEnergies Group), E2CAD and Sherpa Engineering, as well as CNRS research laboratories (GeePs, SATIE, LEPMI) and Institut Lafayette.