Stellantis is pioneering a revolutionary leap in electric vehicle technology with its latest development—an innovative battery system set to transform the landscape of EVs by 2030. Currently undergoing rigorous final testing in a prototype Peugeot E-3008, this groundbreaking system promises lighter weight, increased power, enhanced efficiency, and faster charging capabilities, elevating the driving experience to unprecedented levels. The core of this revolutionary tech is the **Intelligent Battery Integrated System (IBIS)**. Developed collaboratively with battery experts Saft and leading academics, IBIS fundamentally redefines how batteries function.
Traditional electric vehicle setups rely on separate components—namely inverters and chargers—that convert and manage electrical currents, adding weight and complexity. The IBIS system embeds these essential functions directly within the battery pack itself, streamlining the entire architecture. In conventional EVs, energy flow is a complex dance: your wallbox supplies AC power, which the vehicle's charger converts into DC for storage. When powering the motor, the inverter transforms DC back into AC, and regenerative braking cycles involve similar conversions—making the process inefficient and heavy. By integrating the inverter and charger, Stellantis eliminates the need for bulky external electronics, reducing weight significantly. The prototype’s new battery packs are around 40 kilograms lighter due to fewer components and advanced chemistry, leading to better overall efficiency.
This integrated approach not only trims weight but also opens up space within the vehicle. The removal of the inverter and charger frees approximately 17 liters, which can be utilized to improve interior spaciousness or streamline aerodynamics. These design advantages enable Stellantis to develop slimmer, more agile platforms. The existing STLA Medium architecture, used for the E-3008, has been adapted to accommodate these modules, but future iterations — expected with the final development phase—aim to be even more compact. When fully matured, these solid-state modules are expected to be smaller in height, allowing for sleeker vehicle profiles. Stellantis isn’t stopping there.
The company envisions these battery modules becoming the foundation for not just medium-sized SUVs but also smaller vehicles across its lineup. This scalability promises a broader impact, potentially making EVs more accessible and affordable for consumers. The design philosophy emphasizes simplicity and ease of maintenance—these modules are designed for straightforward removal, eliminating the need for specialized service centers and reducing ownership costs. This focus on practicality promises to boost residual values and overall affordability. Testing results to date highlight impressive progress.
The Peugeot E-3008 prototype equipped with IBIS has demonstrated a 10 per cent increase in energy efficiency on the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC), with urban driving efficiency improving as much as 15 per cent. Power output has surged from 150 kilowatts (about 204 horsepower) to 172 kilowatts (roughly 231 horsepower), marking a 15 per cent boost in performance. Charging times have also been cut; a full charge on a typical 7 kilowatt AC charger now takes just six hours instead of seven, a significant improvement for everyday usability. Industry insiders are optimistic about the technology’s future. Anne Laliron, Stellantis' Vice President of Technology Research, expressed confidence that IBIS has reached a high level of maturity, with the company close to achieving the next stage of technical readiness. “We are conducting road tests with these batteries, and it’s a world premiere,” she stated. Their testing already surpasses many current standards and sets a clear path forward.
Although the prototype currently employs Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) chemistry, Stellantis indicates that IBIS could be adapted to other, more cost-effective materials like lithium iron phosphate (LFP). This flexibility will help lower costs further and expand the application beyond medium-sized vehicles, potentially transforming smaller urban cars into high-performance, efficient fixtures. The promise of simpler, more powerful, and more affordable electric vehicles is compelling. The modular design means easier replacement and maintenance, translating to lower lifetime costs for owners. As the technology matures, Stellantis envisions a future where lighter, more efficient batteries drive not only the Peugeot E-3008 but a broad array of vehicles across their portfolio. While the official production timeline is set for 2030, anticipation is building.
Enthusiasts eager for a new Peugeot E-3008 will have to wait a few years, but in the meantime, attractive offers can help bridge the gap. Keep an eye on innovative developments in electric mobility—Stellantis is clearly on the cusp of a major breakthrough that could redefine what we expect from electric vehicles in Europe and beyond.