Stellantis and Saft have entered the real-world testing phase for their first prototype vehicle equipped with an Intelligent Battery Integrated System (IBIS). Developed through a collaborative research initiative in France, IBIS combines charger and inverter functions directly within the battery pack, eliminating separate components and enhancing both mobile and stationary energy applications.
The prototype is built on a Peugeot E-3008 running the STLA Medium platform. Its development involved Stellantis and Saft, with technical contributions from E2-CAD, Sherpa Engineering and French research institutions including CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay and Institut Lafayette. An initial IBIS demonstrator for stationary use has been operating since mid-2022, validating core concepts and generating multiple patents. Transitioning to a battery electric vehicle highlights the system’s progress toward automotive deployment.
By embedding alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) conversion capabilities inside the battery, IBIS can deliver power directly to electric motors or the grid, while simultaneously supporting a vehicle’s 12-volt network and auxiliary systems. Early test data indicate up to a 10% boost in energy efficiency over the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle and a 15% increase in peak power output (172 kW versus 150 kW) using the same battery size.
The integrated architecture also reduces vehicle weight by roughly 40 kilograms and frees approximately 17 liters of underbody space—benefits that contribute to improved aerodynamics and packaging flexibility. Charging tests show a 15% reduction in charging time on a 7 kW AC charger and an additional 10% energy savings. Maintenance is simplified by the elimination of separate power electronics, and the design supports more straightforward refurbishment or second-life use of battery modules.
Phase 2 of the project, supported by France’s France 2030 program, began in June 2025 and focuses on representative driving conditions. If successful, IBIS technology could be incorporated into production vehicles by the end of the decade. Beyond automotive applications, the system’s modular design may extend to rail, aerospace, marine and data-center energy storage, demonstrating its versatility across multiple sectors.
Source: Stellantis Media
