Stellantis IBIS: The silent revolution set to make your next EV more efficient and affordable.

One thing is certain: the future of mobility will be significantly shaped by electrification. While Europe's goal of selling only new electric vehicles by 2035 may be softening, there is no doubt that this technology will represent a major share of the market in the coming years. For manufacturers, especially a global player like Stellantis, this is a time for bold innovation, not hesitation. Continuing to invest heavily in research and development is the only way forward to offer increasingly relevant vehicles. It is precisely this forward-thinking approach that has given rise to the IBIS project, a major technological advancement that could very well redefine the standards for the electric car of tomorrow.

IBIS: Rethinking the Battery to Simplify Everything

The electric vehicle, despite its growing presence on our roads, is still in the early stages of its technological evolution. We are witnessing an exciting race for innovation, and the IBIS (Intelligent Battery Integrated System) project is a perfect example. Led by Stellantis in partnership with Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies and a recognized specialist in high-tech batteries, this French collaborative research initiative aims to create a more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective energy storage and conversion solution.

But what exactly is the IBIS system? Its core principle is remarkably simple in concept, yet technically complex in execution: it integrates the charger and inverter functions directly into the battery modules. In today's electric vehicles, these two components are separate, heavy, and bulky units. By merging them with the battery, IBIS reimagines the very architecture of the electric powertrain. Developed over several years with support from leading French research institutions like the CNRS and Paris-Saclay University, the project validated its key technical concepts on a stationary demonstrator starting in mid-2022. Building on this success, it is now entering its second phase: real-world road testing.

The anticipated benefits are substantial:

• Increased Efficiency and Performance: Initial results project up to a 10% improvement in energy efficiency and a 15% power gain from the same size battery.

• Weight and Space Savings: This integration could reduce the vehicle's weight by approximately 40 kg and free up to 17 liters of volume, offering valuable new possibilities for designers and engineers.

• Faster Charging: The system shows a potential 15% reduction in AC charging time, for instance, turning a 7-hour charge into just 6 hours.

• Simplified Maintenance and Durability: This streamlined architecture simplifies servicing and significantly facilitates the reuse of batteries in second-life applications, a critical factor for both environmental and economic sustainability.

Phase 2: The Peugeot e-3008 Prototype Hits the Road

Since June 2025, theory has given way to practice. To test and validate this technology under real driving conditions, engineers have equipped the first fully functional prototype vehicle: a new Peugeot e-3008, built on the advanced STLA Medium platform. This prototype is now on the road, marking a decisive milestone in the development of IBIS. This transition to a mobile demonstrator allows engineers to test their simulations against the unpredictability of the real world and refine the technology for potential mass production.

This major step forward was praised by the project leaders. For Ned Curic, Chief Engineering and Technology Officer at Stellantis, this innovation is at the heart of the company's strategy: "This project reflects our conviction that simplification is innovation. By rethinking and simplifying the electric powertrain architecture, we make it lighter, more efficient, and more affordable. It’s these kinds of breakthroughs that enable us to deliver better, more accessible EVs for our customers."

This enthusiasm is shared by Hervé Amossé, Executive Vice-President of Energy Storage Systems at Saft: "The IBIS project is a strong testament to Saft’s innovation leadership. By integrating IBIS technology into our next-generation applications, we are ushering in a new era of smart, flexible, and sustainable energy solutions. Saft continues to lead the way in advanced research, delivering long-term, cost-effective solutions tailored to evolving market needs."

There is no doubt that electric vehicles are a crucial part of our automotive future, and projects like IBIS serve as a powerful reminder of this. The technology is far from static; on the contrary, it is in a constant state of dynamic evolution. By seeking to simplify battery architecture while substantially improving its efficiency, Stellantis and its partners are not merely optimizing what exists; they are paving the way for a new generation of electric vehicles. With Phase 2 now underway, the path is being laid for the potential integration of IBIS technology into the group's production vehicles by the end of the decade. This represents an optimistic and truly exciting prospect for everyone passionate about automotive innovation.