In a groundbreaking partnership, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has joined forces with renewable energy company Wykes Engineering Ltd to unveil an ingenious energy storage system powered by second-life Jaguar I-PACE batteries. This pioneering project marks a significant stride towards sustainable energy solutions in the UK.
JLR’s ambitious endeavor involves repurposing prototype and engineering test vehicle batteries, breathing new life into them for an eco-friendly cause. Each energy storage system, consisting of 30 second-life I-PACE batteries, is capable of storing a formidable 2.5 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy at maximum capacity. The implications are considerable: not only can surplus energy from sources like solar and wind be harnessed, but also excess solar energy that would otherwise be squandered when the grid hits its limit.
The ultimate aspiration is to supply enough rejuvenated batteries to store a total of 7.5MWh of energy by the close of 2023. This monumental feat would empower approximately 750 households for an entire day, significantly reducing carbon footprints and reliance on non-renewable energy sources. As an added bonus, this collaboration lays the groundwork for potential future containers to house more second-life batteries from used production vehicles, promising a sustainable energy storage solution well into the future.
François Dossa, the Executive Director of Strategy and Sustainability at JLR, elucidated, “Our holistic sustainability approach encompasses every facet of our vehicle lifecycle, including the circularity of EV batteries. The success of this innovative partnership exemplifies that these batteries, designed to the highest standards, can be repurposed with safety and efficacy, thereby expanding renewable energy possibilities. Through the utilization of 70-80% residual capacity in EV batteries before recycling, we’re wholeheartedly embracing circularity principles.”
David Wykes, the Managing Director of Wykes Engineering, underlined another salient facet of the project, stating, “An inherent advantage of our devised system is its seamless integration with the grid, enabling the absorption of excess solar energy that would otherwise be lost during peak capacity. This surplus energy can now be stored in the second-life I-PACE batteries and subsequently released when needed. This strategic approach allows us to optimize solar park capacity, consequently amplifying the power generated from the land area utilized.”
As the world’s pursuit of sustainable practices gains momentum, the collaborative efforts of JLR and Wykes Engineering stand as an exemplary model of repurposing and rejuvenating resources for a greener future. This groundbreaking project not only fuels homes but also ignites new circular economy ventures, propelling Jaguar Land Rover to the forefront of innovation in energy storage and beyond.
