PARIS, Sept 19 (Reuters) - Stellantis ( STLA ) unveiled an

electric vehicle prototype on Friday featuring a

faster-charging, lighter and more affordable battery that

eliminates the need for a separate inverter and charger.

The IBIS (Intelligent Battery Integrated System) was

developed in partnership with TotalEnergies subsidiary

Saft. It is one of the first of its kind and provides weight and

space savings and is easier to service, Stellantis ( STLA ) said.

The new system is 10% more efficient than an EV with the

same-sized battery and reduces charging time by an hour.

A lack of affordable models and slow charging times have

been a barrier to broader public acceptance of EVs.

German manufacturer Porsche is also working on

the concept of a "modular multi-level inverter" integrating

numerous separate electrical components into a single unit.

The new IBIS battery is now undergoing road tests in a

Peugeot e-3008.

"This milestone marks a major step forward in the

electrification of mobile and stationary energy applications,"

Stellantis ( STLA ) said in a press release.

According to the Franco-Italian-American automaker, this

technology could be integrated into its production vehicles by

the end of the decade.

Contemporary EVs use an inverter to convert the battery's

direct current into alternating current to power the electric

motor. In charging mode, alternating current from the grid is

converted into direct current for the battery.

Stellantis ( STLA ) said in the IBIS these functions are integrated

directly into the battery using electronic control via 200

transistors, reducing vehicle weight by 40 kg (88 lb), freeing

up space and reducing charging time by 15%.