Jaguar Land Rover has partnered with Italian mobile generator manufacturer Pramac to develop a zero-emission energy storage unit powered by second-life Jaguar I-PACE batteries.
Called the Off Grid Battery Energy Storage System (ESS), Pramac’s technology supplies zero-emission power where access to the mains supply is limited or unavailable.
The prototype ESS system features lithium-ion cells from one-and-a-half second-life Jaguar I-PACE batteries providing a capacity of up to 125kWh – enough to fully charge an I-PACE or power a regular family home for a week.
Charged from solar panels, the unit is self-contained consisting of a battery system linked to a bi-directional converter and the associated control management systems. The portable units are fitted with Type 2 EV charge connections with dynamic control and rated at up to 22kW AC to allow electric vehicle charging, among many other potential off-grid applications.
To showcase its capability, the unit helped Jaguar TCS Racing prepare for the 2022 Formula E World Championship during testing in the UK and Spain, where it was used to run the team’s diagnostic equipment analysing the race cars’ track performance, and to supply auxiliary power to the Jaguar pit garage.
This testing and validation, says Jaguar TCS Racing, is “demonstration of race-to-road-to-race cyclical technology transfer”.
Finding a second life for batteries after they have been removed from vehicles potentially avoids premature recycling and helps create a secure supply of rare materials.
And it’s the advanced engineering in the I-PACE’s high performance 90kWh Lithium-ion battery, says Jaguar, that makes it suitable for second-life, and even third-life, applications in low-energy situations once battery health falls below the requirements of an electric vehicle.
Andrew Whitworth, Battery Manager, Circular Economy Team at Jaguar Land Rover said, “This a great example of how we will collaborate with industry leaders to deliver our sustainable future and achieve a truly circular economy. We’re delighted to be working with Pramac to use Jaguar I-PACE second-life batteries to provide portable zero-emissions power and supporting Jaguar TCS Racing this season was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate what these units are capable of.”
James Barclay, Team Principal, Jaguar TCS Racing said, “Jaguar TCS Racing is always looking at improving our carbon footprint and using the storage system provides us with an innovative renewable energy solution for testing. To use second-life Jaguar I-PACE batteries completes this sustainable circle and showcases the team’s mission.”
Danny Jones, Director, Pramac, said, “We have been privileged to work so closely with Jaguar Land Rover who are a hugely supportive partner in our journey to successfully build a robust product and a commercially viable business case using second-life EV modules.”
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