The Tata-owned British luxury carmaker, Jaguar, in collaboration with Pramac, has developed a zero-emission energy storage unit powered by second-life Jaguar I-PACE batteries, taken from prototype and engineering test vehicles.
Named as the Off Grid Battery Energy Storage System (ESS), the technology features lithium-ion cells from one-and-a-half second-life Jaguar I-PACE batteries, supplies zero-emission power where access to the mains supply is limited or unavailable.
The flagship ESS system has a capacity of up to 125 kWh. Charged from solar panels, the unit is a self-contained solution that consists of a battery system linked to a bi-directional converter and the associated control management systems.
Available for commercial hire, the units are fitted with Type 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) charge connections with dynamic control and rated at up to 22 kW AC to allow electric vehicle charging.
Andrew Whitworth, Battery Manager, Circular Economy Team at Jaguar Land Rover, said, “This announcement is 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.”
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. This brings a new element to the sustainability story as a manufacturer of energy efficient and carbon reducing technology.”
For test purposes, the grid was used by Jaguar TCS Racing to prepare for the 2022 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship during testing in the UK and Spain to run the team’s cutting-edge diagnostic equipment analysing the race cars’ track performance and to supply auxiliary power to the Jaguar pit garage.
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 Race To Innovate mission.”
Earlier, the racing vertical also helped develop a software-over-the-air (SOTA) update for I-PACE customers that delivered a real-world range increase of up to 20 km.