Second-life batteries taken from prototype and engineering test vehicles are being used in the development of a zero-emissions energy storage unit. Lithium-ion cells from one-and-a-half second-life Jaguar I-Pace batteries are being incorporated into Pramac’s off grid battery energy storage system (ESS), which can have a capacity of up to 125kWh.
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.”
In areas where access to the mains supply is limited or unavailable, the unit supplies clean power. It was adopted by Jaguar TCS Racing in preparations for the 2022 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship during testing in the UK and Spain, to run the team’s diagnostic equipment, which analyzes the race cars’ track performance, and to supply auxiliary power to the Jaguar pit garage.
Learnings from Jaguar TCS Racing have previously informed a software-over-the-air update for I-Pace customers – and now further use cases for the off grid battery ESS around the racing team’s program are being assessed.
The I-Pace battery is said to be perfect for second-life – and even third-life – applications in low-energy situations once battery health falls below the stringent requirements of an electric vehicle. Once the battery does finally come to the end of its usable life, it is 95% recyclable.
James Barclay, team principal, Jaguar TCS Racing, said, “Formula E is the world’s first net carbon zero sport since inception. 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.”
Danny Jones, director of Pramac, added, “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. 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.”
