Stellantis Partners with Saft on a Better EV Battery ArchitectureStellantis Partners with Saft on a Better EV Battery Architecture

This joint project consolidates existing technology to simplify EVs without new breakthroughs.

Dan Carney, Senior Editor

November 28, 2023

2 Min Read
The Intelligent Battery Integrated System eliminates the need for separate inverters and chargers.
The Intelligent Battery Integrated System eliminates the need for separate inverters and chargers.Stellantis

Rather than looking for the introduction of new technology such as solid-state batteries, Stellantis and French battery maker Saft are partnering to develop a new EV architecture for simplification and cost reduction.

Saft was the then-Chrysler Corporation’s battery partner on its early EPIC electric minivan project. Saft provided advanced nickel-metal hydride battery packs that gave the EPIC vans a range of 80-90 miles.

The Intelligent Battery Integrated System (IBIS) is a joint corporate and academic research project that integrates the electric charger and inverter functions into the lithium-ion battery modules by incorporating electronic conversion cards into those modules. This frees space in the vehicle and reduces total system cost.

The partners predict these consolidated battery modules will be employed in Stellantis production vehicles before 2030, and while other such long-term forecasts rely on the invention of new technologies, this plan relies on continued design, modeling, and simulation to perfect the new configuration. The next goal is to build a fully functional prototype vehicle for testing on development benches, test tracks, and eventually, on public roads.

“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,” 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.”

In addition to Stellantis’s vehicles, Saft envisions employing this technology in its stationary energy storage products. “As pioneers in this cutting-edge field, our researchers are able to carry out research programs like IBIS over the long term,” remarked Cedric Duclos, Saft Chief Executive Officer. “We are 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.”

A team of 25 Stellantis and Saft engineers working at the CNRS (French National Center for Scientific Research), has already dedicated four years of work to the project, producing a demonstrator last year. The project validated many new technical concepts and let engineers master the control and operation of these systems.

Putting the power inverter and charger as close as possible to the lithium-ion battery cells, along with a sophisticated control system means that alternating current for the electric motor can be produced directly from the battery pack.

About the Author

Dan Carney

Senior Editor, Design News

Dan’s coverage of the auto industry over three decades has taken him to the racetracks, automotive engineering centers, vehicle simulators, wind tunnels, and crash-test labs of the world.

A member of the North American Car, Truck, and Utility of the Year jury, Dan also contributes car reviews to Popular Science magazine, serves on the International Engine of the Year jury, and has judged the collegiate Formula SAE competition.

Dan is a winner of the International Motor Press Association's Ken Purdy Award for automotive writing, as well as the National Motorsports Press Association's award for magazine writing and the Washington Automotive Press Association's Golden Quill award.

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He has held a Sports Car Club of America racing license since 1991, is an SCCA National race winner, two-time SCCA Runoffs competitor in Formula F, and an Old Dominion Region Driver of the Year award winner. Co-drove a Ford Focus 1.0-liter EcoBoost to 16 Federation Internationale de l’Automobile-accredited world speed records over distances from just under 1km to over 4,104km at the CERAM test circuit in Mortefontaine, France.

He was also a longtime contributor to the Society of Automotive Engineers' Automotive Engineering International magazine.

He specializes in analyzing technical developments, particularly in the areas of motorsports, efficiency, and safety.

He has been published in The New York Times, NBC News, Motor Trend, Popular Mechanics, The Washington Post, Hagerty, AutoTrader.com, Maxim, RaceCar Engineering, AutoWeek, Virginia Living, and others.

Dan has authored books on the Honda S2000 and Dodge Viper sports cars and contributed automotive content to the consumer finance book, Fight For Your Money.

He is a member and past president of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers

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