New battery from Stellantis

New battery from Stellantis

After four years of development, modeling and simulation, a 25-person team consisting of scientists from CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), engineers from Stellantis and Saft, and researchers presented the innovative prototype of an energy storage battery with integrated inverter and charging functions. The integration of the inverter and charging functions enables a more efficient, reliable and cost-effective battery, which on the one hand increases the range of battery-electric vehicles and on the other hand requires less space in the vehicle. The joint research project is known as the “Intelligent Battery Integrated System” (IBIS). A demo model, in operation since summer 2022, is the subject of numerous patents and represents a decisive departure from currently common electrical converter systems. As part of the project, a large number of new technical concepts were tested and practical control and operating functions were implemented.

In the IBIS concept, the electronic converter boards for the inverter and charging functions are mounted as close as possible to the lithium-ion battery cells. A sophisticated control system enables the generation of alternating current for an electric motor directly from the battery. The partners of the IBIS project are currently working hard on a fully functional vehicle prototype, which will be tested on Stellantis' test stands and routes as well as on public roads. The plan is to bring this technology onto the market in vehicles from the Stellantis Group brands this decade. “Our path to electrification leads through innovations and excellent research achievements – using the most modern technologies,” said Stellantis head of development Ned Curic. “This revolutionary battery system could be a critical step in achieving Stellantis’ goal of providing practical, user-friendly and advanced technology for everyone.”