Innovative energy storage battery prototype unveiled

After four years of design, modelling and simulation, a team of 25 people comprised of some CNRS, Stellantis and Saft engineers and researchers have 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 fuelled by innovation and research excellence that uses the latest technology to address real needs of our EV customers such as range, roominess and affordability while reducing carbon footprint by improving efficiency,” said 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 cost of the EV powertrain and vehicle manufacturing, while offering a large number of 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.