Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is collaborating with Wykes Engineering Ltd, a prominent player in the renewable energy industry, to develop one of the United Kingdom’s largest energy storage systems. Utilizing repurposed Jaguar I-PACE batteries, this groundbreaking project aims to harness renewable energies like solar and wind power.
Why It Matters
This initiative is a significant step forward in JLR’s overarching goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2039, as outlined in its Reimagine strategy. It also aligns with Wykes Engineering Ltd’s key research and development priorities. The partnership not only aids in the decarbonization of the National Grid but also addresses peak energy demands. The reuse of vehicle batteries exemplifies JLR’s commitment to a circular economy, guided by its philosophy of “Use Less, Use Longer, Use Again.”
Key Points
- The Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is designed to store up to 2.5MWh of energy using 30 second-life Jaguar I-PACE batteries, sufficient to power approximately 250 homes for a day.
- By the end of 2023, JLR aims to provide enough batteries to store a total of 7.5MWh of energy—enough to power 750 homes for one day.
- Each BESS is equipped with an advanced inverter for enhanced efficiency and can directly supply power to the National Grid during peak hours.
- The batteries used in this project are sourced from prototype and engineering test vehicles, and future containers can accommodate additional second-life batteries from used production vehicles.
Bottom Line
The JLR-Wykes partnership is setting a precedent for sustainable energy storage solutions that align with circular economy principles. As global demand for stationary second-life battery applications could exceed 200 gigawatt-hours per year by 2030, with a projected value over $30 billion, this initiative is both timely and economically significant. Furthermore, JLR plans to recycle these second-life batteries once they reach the end of their lifecycle, ensuring a truly circular economic model that aims for the recovery and reuse of raw materials.
