Electrification calls for a range of system components, that need to be developed and tested. Execution of tests on real batteries is typically time- and cost-intense, and includes considerable risks, leading to safety hazards. In this paper, we introduce a novel development and test approach for battery systems, that is driven by a unified, standardized interface between hardware- and software components and physical devices alike. Whereas established Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) systems are built on proprietary systems and environments, our approach is based on both open-source and industrial simulation software solutions. The Distributed Co-Simulation Protocol (DCP) is used to encapsulate and virtualize these components, as shown in a demonstrator use case. A "DCP master" is used for effective configuration and re-configuration of so-called "DCP slaves". It allows to seamlessly exchange real hardware components of the system (e.g., Battery modules, vehicle power train, Balancing circuits) with software components (e.g., Simulation models, Vehicle behaviour/electric motors) and vice versa. The test setup can be installed in an office environment without additional safety requirements and validated using a continuous integration approach for automatic Battery Management System (BMS) software deployment and testing, as the simulation models may replace the battery cells and electric loads. Using these models streamlines the testing of BMS functions, as it eliminates the test preparation times by up to 90%. The concept is promising to simplify the distributed development of components in many different cases.