The question of what to do with used battery packs from old electric vehicles is one that all car manufacturers must answer and to demonstrate one way to re-use batteries, Jaguar has teamed up with Pramac.
The British car manufacturer has taken batteries from I-Pace prototype and engineering test vehicles and used them to create a zero-emission energy storage unit. Dubbed the Off Grid Battery Energy Storage System, it supplies zero-emission power where access to mains supply could be limited or unavailable.
As a means of demonstrating the system, the Jaguar TCS Racing team put it to the test during testing for the 2022 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in the UK and Spain, using the storage unit to run its diagnostic equipment and to supply auxiliary power to the pit garage.
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The storage unit has a capacity of 125 kWh which means it could be used to fully charge an I-Pace or to power a regular family home for a week. It is also charged via solar panels and is available for commercial hire. It can charge an EV at up to 22 kW and once the battery does finally come to the end of its useable life, Jaguar says it is 95 per cent recyclable.
“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,” battery manager of the Circular Economy Team at Jaguar Land Rover, Andrew Whitworth said. “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.”
“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,” added Pramac director Danny Jones. “This brings a new element to the sustainability story as a manufacturer of energy efficient and carbon reducing technology. We look forward to continuing the journey with Jaguar Land Rover and providing innovative charging infrastructure solutions to support the electrification of their class-leading vehicles.”