FORVIA HELLA Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) Launch in China

FORVIA HELLA Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) was officially introduced in China, marking a major step in advancing low-voltage battery management for the country’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle market. Mass production is planned to begin by mid-2026, with the system set to be integrated into multiple pure electric vehicle platforms developed by both local automakers and joint-venture brands.
The new IBS is designed as a core monitoring unit for start-stop systems and 12-volt low-voltage electrical architectures used in modern electric vehicles. By combining high-accuracy sensing with real-time data processing, it ensures stable and safe battery operation across a wide range of driving and environmental conditions.
How the FORVIA HELLA Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) Works
The FORVIA HELLA Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) continuously measures and evaluates key battery parameters to maintain optimal performance and reliability. These include voltage, current, and temperature, which are processed to calculate the battery’s State of Charge and State of Health with high precision.
Through this continuous monitoring, the system helps vehicle control units:

• Detect early signs of battery degradation

• Avoid overcharging and deep discharging

• Prevent overheating and thermal damage

• Maintain consistent power delivery to onboard systems

This data-driven approach reduces unexpected battery failures while supporting more efficient energy usage in electric vehicles.
Predictive Maintenance and Charging Optimization
A key advancement of the FORVIA HELLA Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) is its built-in predictive maintenance capability. Instead of reacting only after faults appear, the sensor analyzes operating trends to forecast potential issues before they become critical.
Based on this insight, the IBS dynamically adjusts charging strategies in real time, enabling:

• Longer battery service life

• More stable low-voltage power supply

• Higher overall energy efficiency

• Reduced risk of system downtime

This is especially important for electric vehicles that rely heavily on 12V networks to power safety, comfort, and control electronics.
Designed for China’s EV Ecosystem
To ensure full compatibility with China’s fast-evolving EV supply chain, the FORVIA HELLA Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) is built using locally sourced semiconductors and fully localized research and development. This approach improves cost efficiency, supply reliability, and customization for Chinese vehicle manufacturers.
The sensor supports a broad technical operating window:

• Voltage range from 6V to 18V

• Current handling up to ±1500A

• Temperature tolerance from −40°C to 125°C

These specifications allow the IBS to function reliably in everything from compact urban EVs to high-performance electric models.
Functional Safety and ADAS Readiness
The FORVIA HELLA Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) complies with Functional Safety Level ASIL B and can be upgraded to ASIL C, making it suitable for safety-critical automotive applications. This includes powering advanced driver-assistance systems such as radar and camera modules used in intelligent assisted parking and other automated functions.
By ensuring a stable and monitored power supply, the IBS helps protect sensitive electronic components that are essential for modern vehicle safety and automation features.
As electric vehicles in China become more software-defined and feature-rich, the role of intelligent low-voltage battery management systems like the FORVIA HELLA Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) will become increasingly central to vehicle reliability, safety, and energy efficiency.