Old Jaguar I-Pace Batteries Repurposed for Energy Storage Solutions in the UK
Even after they stop being useful to drivers, electric vehicle (EV) batteries typically still have 70 to 80 percent of their residual energy storage capacity. That’s a lot of potential that can continue to be put to use in projects like energy storage solutions for a national grid, which is exactly what Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has started doing.
By partnering with Wykes Engineering Ltd, the automaker has found a way to turn old Jaguar I-Pace battery packs into large-scale energy storage solutions for the United Kingdom. The efficient system does not require the batteries to be reengineered at all and simply needs the packs to be removed from their vehicles, slotted into a rack, and plugged in.
“Our EV batteries are engineered to the highest standards, and this innovative project, in collaboration with Wykes Engineering, proves they can be safely reused for energy sector applications to increase renewable energy opportunities,” said Francois Dossa, JLR’s executive director of strategy and sustainability. “Working together with industry-leading partners, we are developing a complete EV ecosystem, from batteries to charging, supporting our net-zero transformation.”
When 30 battery packs are collected, they can be turned into a Wykes Engineering Battery Energy Storage Solution (BESS) that can store up to 2.5 MWh of energy at full capacity. With these solutions, energy generated by windmills and solar panels can be stored and redistributed when it is needed.
That’s important because renewable energy systems like these work only when nature allows, not when people need power. This becomes a problem at night when solar and wind energy generation are low, but humans still need lights and heat. Fortunately, during the day, these methods typically generate a surplus of power, which can be stored in big batteries and then sent out to homes when needed.
JLR plans to provide Wykes Engineering with 90 batteries by the end of this year, enough to store 7.5 MWh of energy or power 750 homes for a day. So far, the batteries are being sourced from prototypes and engineering test vehicles, but as the fleet of production I-Paces matures, more and more batteries will need new homes.
The automaker anticipates that supplying second-life vehicle batteries for stationary applications could create a global value of over $30 billion by 2030.
This initiative by JLR and Wykes Engineering is a significant step towards achieving a sustainable energy future. By repurposing old EV batteries, they are reducing waste and maximizing the use of valuable resources. Additionally, the storage of renewable energy helps address the intermittency issue associated with wind and solar power, making these sources more reliable and accessible.
The collaboration between JLR and Wykes Engineering showcases the potential for partnerships between automakers and energy companies to drive innovation in the renewable energy sector. As the demand for EVs continues to grow, finding sustainable solutions for battery disposal and repurposing becomes crucial. By extending the lifespan of EV batteries through energy storage applications, the environmental impact of EVs can be further minimized.
Furthermore, this project highlights the importance of a circular economy approach, where products are designed with their end-of-life in mind. By considering the entire lifecycle of a product, including its reuse and recycling potential, companies can contribute to a more sustainable future.
In conclusion, JLR’s collaboration with Wykes Engineering to repurpose old Jaguar I-Pace batteries for energy storage solutions is a significant step towards achieving a sustainable energy future. By utilizing the residual energy storage capacity of these batteries, renewable energy can be stored and distributed when needed, addressing the intermittency issue associated with wind and solar power. This initiative showcases the potential for partnerships between automakers and energy companies to drive innovation in the renewable energy sector and highlights the importance of a circular economy approach. With these efforts, we can maximize the use of valuable resources and minimize the environmental impact of EVs.