Cleantech
Jaguar Land Rover Charges Ahead with Circular Model for I-PACE Batteries

UK-based luxury automaker Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has partnered with energy giant Pramac to develop a portable, zero-emission energy storage unit powered by second-life batteries from the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE.

Called the Off-Grid Battery Energy Storage System (ESS), Pramac says its technology — which features lithium-ion cells from I-PACE batteries taken from prototype and engineering test vehicles — supplies zero-emission power where access to the power grid is limited or unavailable.

Image credit: Jaguar Land Rover

Taking a cue from fellow luxury carmakers Tesla and Porsche — which have both formed innovative partnerships of their own in order to optimize and recycle their EV batteries, respectively — its partnership with Pramac is the first in JLR’s plans to create new, circular business models for its vehicle batteries. As part of its commitment to achieving net-zero status by 2039, the company plans to launch programs that deliver second-life-and-beyond uses for its EV batteries.

“The transition to an electric future, with Jaguar becoming all-electric from 2025 and the first all-electric Land Rover model expected in 2024, is integral to our sustainability strategy through the development of a comprehensive EV ecosystem from batteries to charging,” says François Dossa, JLR’s Executive Director for Strategy & Sustainability. “This includes our effort to enable technical and business innovations for battery reuse for second-life applications. Our collaboration with Pramac is a proof point in such direction, showing how it’s possible to supply zero-emission power through the combination of renewables and second-life batteries.”

According to McKinsey, second-life battery supply for stationary applications, such as renewable energy storage, could exceed 200 gigawatt-hours per year by 2030, creating a global value over $30 billion.

The flagship system has a capacity of up to 125kWh — more than enough to fully charge the all-electric I-PACE, or to power the average UK family home for a week. Pramac directly reuses up to 85 percent of the vehicle battery supplied by JLR within the storage unit, including modules and wiring. The remaining materials are recycled back into the supply chain.

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 EV-charge connections.

“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,” said 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.”

To showcase its capability, the unit helped Jaguar TCS Racing prepare for the 2022 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship during testing in the UK and Spain — where it was used to run the team’s diagnostic equipment to analyze the race cars’ track performance, and to supply auxiliary power to the Jaguar pit garage.

Andrew Whitworth, Battery Manager on JLR’s Circular Economy Team, 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.”

An Off Grid Battery ESS will also be deployed at Jaguar Land Rover Experience Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa to help the site cope with inconsistent power delivery from the grid.