Multinational automaker Stellantis was previously recognized as a “transitioner” in the Global Automaker Rating 2022, indicating its slow electrification approach compared to “leaders” like Tesla and BYD.
In order to change that, Stellantis unveiled an innovative battery system that may increase its battery efficiency and packaging. This innovation may aid the automaker in catching up in the highly competitive global EV market.
Stellantis claims that the newly developed Intelligent Battery Integrated System redefines the integration of power electronics into electric cars.
About the battery tech advancement
The majority of the electric vehicle models available in the market feature the following standard components:
- Smaller modules
- One inverter per motor
- A charger
The charger is responsible for converting three-phase AC from the power grid into DC for the EV battery. Meanwhile, the inverter converts the DC back into three-phase AC for the EV motors. Notably, these components are usually located separately somewhere in the car.
However, Stellantis and its European partners improved that system by equipping the vehicle’s all battery modules with its own inverter and charger. This innovation can aid the company in increasing its battery packaging and efficiency.
Stellantis also claims that IBIS can improve the driving range of an electric vehicle. Additionally, the system is apparently “more reliable and less costly.” The automaker attributes these advantages to the location of the power electronics, which are now near the battery cells.
“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.”
Stellantis
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Stellantis noted that they had tested the IBIS on a demonstrator since 2022. The automaker is now on track to develop a prototype to undergo open-road testing.
Excitingly, Stellantis expects to integrate the IBIS into its next-gen EVs by the end of the decade.
