JLR develops energy storage system with its second life batteries
JLR has developed a new portable Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) using second-life Range Rover and Range Rover Sport PHEV batteries.
The unit was developed with start-up Allye Energy and is the first BESS to be commercially available with JLR second life batteriess. Each BESS utilises seven second-life batteries, and can store 270kWh of energy.
JLR’s Engineering team will be the first to use the BESS, which is capable of fully recharging up to nine Range Rover PHEV vehicles at once, to provide zero emissions charging during testing for the new Range Rover Electric, launching later this year. The BESS will power over 1000 hours of testing.
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The battery packs are removed from the vehicles when the capacity falls below 70 to 80% and are slotted into customised racks without unnecessary additional processing. These are the first to use JLR’s second life Range Rover batteries and can charge up to nine Range Rover PHEVs at any one time, and is designed to be easily charged by simply plugging it into any CCS-capable Vehicle Charger using the same input as JLR’s existing PHEV and BEV product portfolio. In addition, multi-input connectivity via powerlock connections enable it to be connected to renewable power at fixed or off-grid sites.
The MAX BESS can be used to replace diesel generators, historically relied on by the automotive industry, to power off-grid vehicle launches, events and vehicle tests in remote areas. JLR’s Engineering team are the first to use the new BESS, providing zero emissions power during testing of the new Range Rover Electric, due to launch later this year.
The BESS weighs less than 3.5 tonnes, allowing it to be fully portable or stationary to provide energy storage for retailers or JLR sites. The unit will also be commercially available for use outside of JLR.
One example of how the BESS is being used practically in the development of Range Rover Electric is through the Engineering team’s prolonged endurance testing at remote off-road sites where only low power connections are available which would only enable a slow charge. The engineers can top up the BESS from a low power supply during testing and then transfer the power to the Range Rover Electric via fast charging from the BESS, much more quickly than directly charging the vehicle from the supply. Working in this way allows the testing to be completed in a much quicker time frame than would normally be possible.
Following these second-life use cases, JLR will recycle the batteries so that raw materials can be recovered for re-use.
“The initiative builds on the previously announced collaboration with Wykes Engineering where second-life Jaguar I-PACE batteries are being utilised in one of the largest energy storage systems in the UK, helping to balance the Grid at a renewable energy park in Chelveston, Northamptonshire; the BESS built by Allye marks the first time JLR has reused full Range Rover PHEV batteries for use in energy storage systems, a precursor to Range Rover BEV batteries, which have the same module structure,” said Jonathan Carrier, CEO of Allye.
“Our Reimagine strategy is all about shifting our mindset to consider circular over linear business models. This battery innovation and partnership with Allye demonstrates the value we can create from repurposing and reusing batteries, such as from our Range Rover vehicles. We are creating new value from a used commodity that would otherwise go directly to recycling, keeping them in use for longer, and providing innovative renewable energy storage solutions,” said Francois Dossa, executive director of strategy and sustainability at JLR.
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