Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has developed a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), alongside energy storage start-up, Allye Energy, which will provide zero-emission mobile charging capabilities using recycled batteries.
The Allye MAX BESS will utilise seven second-life Range Rover and Range Rover Sport PHEV battery packs removed from vehicles and slotted into customised racks, without unnecessary additional processing.
Each BESS will store 270kWh of energy at full capacity, which is enough to power the average UK household for nearly a month or charge nine Range Rover PHEVS at the same time via a CCS-capable vehicle charger.
In addition, multi-input connectivity using powerlock connections will enable the BESS to be connected to renewable power at fixed or off-grid sites.
The MAX BESS will be used to replace diesel generators, historically relied on by the automotive industry, to power off-grid vehicle launches, events and vehicle tests in remote areas.
JLR’s Engineering team will be the first to utilise the new BESS, providing zero-emissions power during testing of the new Range Rover Electric due later this year.
The versatile BESS weighs less than 3.5 tonnes, allowing it to be either portable or stationary, and the unit will also become commercially available for use outside of JLR, the firm has said.
JLR will use the system to help its network of over 3000 retailers better leverage renewable energy, such as solar, and act as energy buffers to support fast charging where the local grid connection may be restricted.
“We are delighted to be working with Allye Energy on this next generation sustainability project that will help demonstrate the potential of our circular supply chain ambitions,” JLR Sustainable Industrial Operations Director, Reuben Chorley said.
“Developing second-life battery projects like this is crucial if we want to make sustainability real in JLR and drive us towards achieving our carbon net zero target by 2039.”
JLR is investing £15bn into electrification, as part of its Reimagine strategy, by building a comprehensive EV ecosystem that will include considering the full lifecycle of EV batteries.
“Our Reimagine strategy is all about shifting our mindset to consider circular over linear business models,” JLR Executive Director, Strategy and Sustainability, François Dossa said.
This battery innovation and partnership with Allye demonstrates the value we can create from repurposing and reusing batteries, such as from our Range Rover vehicles.
We are creating new value from a used commodity that would otherwise go directly to recycling, keeping them in use for longer, and providing innovative renewable energy storage solutions.”
Following these second-life use cases, JLR will recycle the batteries so that raw materials can be recovered for re-use as part of a true circular economy.
