Second life for Jaguar I-Pace batteries

Jaguar Land Rover has announced a partnership that will give a second life to the batteries of its 100% electric model I-Pace. The brand has worked with Off Grid Energy, one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of energy-saving technology solutions, to develop a unit of these features designed to deliver zero emissions when grid access is restricted. Available.

The Mobile Battery Power Storage (ESS) system, called Gridtogo, combines lithium-ion cells from Jaguar I-Pace batteries obtained from prototype models and special engineering testing machines.

The partnership with Off Grid Energy is the first step in Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) plans to create new circular economy business models for its car batteries. As part of its commitment to carbon emission neutrality by 2039, the company is preparing to launch programs that give a second life and new use to the batteries of its electric models.

JLR batteries are designed to meet the highest safety standards, so they can be used safely for further use and in low-energy situations when their service life does not meet production requirements. The supply of rechargeable batteries for stationary applications such as renewable energy storage could exceed 200 gigawatt hours by 2030, generating a global value estimated by the British manufacturer of more than $ 30,000 million.

This system can offer up to 125 kW of power, which is more than enough to fully charge a model like the I-Pace, which has a battery capacity of 90 kWh, as well as supply the energy consumed by the average home for a week. From the annual electricity consumption of the average English household in 2019 (72.3 kWh).

Off Grid Energy directly re-uses up to 85% of the car batteries supplied by Jaguar Land Rover, including modules and wiring. The remaining materials are processed and sent to the supply chain.

The unit, which is charged with solar panels from this British firm, is an independent solution consisting of a battery system connected to a two-way converter and manufactured control devices. Available for commercial rental, the units are equipped with dynamic control type 2 EV charger connections and up to 22 kW AC for charging electric vehicles.

Good feedback on the competition

The system has already proven its capabilities in Jaguar TCS Racing tests in the UK and Spain for the 2022 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, where it was used to enhance the team’s innovative diagnostic equipment that analyzes the performance of racing cars. On the track and to supply auxiliary energy to the brand boxes.

In addition, the Jaguar Land Rover Experience Center in Johannesburg (South Africa) will have an energy storage system from Off Grid Energy to help the center, which has the largest in the world, manage inconsistent electricity supply in this country.

François Dosa, Executive Director of Strategy and Sustainability at JLR, emphasized that the partnership “proves that it is possible to deliver zero-emission energy through a combination of renewable and rechargeable batteries. During testing in Valencia, the Jaguar TCS Racing team demonstrated that we can inspire the entire industry, continue to search for synergies, and validate the viability of clean energy solutions.

Dossa has also revealed that the Land Rover brand is looking forward to launching its first fully electric model in 2024 and that Jaguar will also be a 100% electric brand from 2025. “Therefore,” he says, “switching to the electric future is key. Our sustainability strategy is by developing a comprehensive ecosystem of electric vehicles, from batteries to recharges. This includes our efforts to develop technical and business innovations for reusing batteries in other applications. ”