Jaguar Land Rover gives batteries a second life

Jaguar Land Rover gives batteries a second life

Using Second Life batteries from the Jaguar I-PACE, Jaguar has developed a zero-emission energy storage system in collaboration with Pramac, a global leader in the energy sector. Pramac's mobile storage system (Off Grid Energy Storage System - ESS) uses the lithium-ion cells from prototypes and pre-series models of the I-PACE. With the aim of delivering emission-free energy wherever access to the public power grid is limited or non-existent.

The partnership is the first in Jaguar Land Rover's strategy to develop new closed-loop systems for its vehicle batteries. As part of its commitment to a completely CO2-neutral business operation by 2039, the company will introduce additional programs that give old batteries a second life and beyond. Stationary applications after the end of operation in the Jaguar Land Rover vehicles are possible without any problems thanks to the batteries developed according to strict standards and designed for a long service life. If the charging capacity of a battery has fallen below the practicable level of 70% for use in electric cars, continued safe use in numerous low-energy situations is possible. The storage capacity is still very high for household purposes, for example.

Second life batteries used to store renewable energy have the potential to generate up to 200 gigawatt hours annually by 2030, representing global value creation of over $30 billion.*

Off Grid Energy's most powerful storage unit has a capacity of up to
125kWh – enough to fully charge the Jaguar I-PACE or power an average UK family home for a week. Pramac uses up to 85% of the vehicle battery supplied by Jaguar Land Rover directly in the storage unit, including the modules and cabling. The remaining materials are returned to the supply chain.

The solar panel rechargeable unit is a self-contained solution. Consisting of a battery system connected to a bidirectional converter and associated control systems. The units, available for commercial rentals, are equipped with Type 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging ports with dynamic control and an output of up to 22 kW AC to enable electric vehicle charging.

To demonstrate its performance, the new energy storage system supported the Jaguar TCS Racing team during preparation for this year's ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. During the test drives in Valencia, it helped operate the data devices that analyze the performance of the racing cars on the track and also supplied the Jaguar box with auxiliary power.

An off-grid battery storage system will also be used in the Jaguar Land Rover Experience Center in Johannesburg, South Africa - the largest in the world. To support the site during periods of fluctuating power supply from the public grid. 

Andrew Whitworth, battery manager in the circular economy team, Jaguar Land Rover: “This announcement is an example of how we are working with industry leaders to secure our future and achieve a truly circular economy.” François Dossa, Executive Director, Strategy & Sustainability, added: "The transition to an electric future, with Jaguar as a fully electric brand from 2025 and the first fully electric Land Rover announced for 2024, is an essential part of our sustainability strategy. The development of a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem from battery to charging also includes our efforts to create technical and business innovations for the reuse of batteries for second-life applications."