A big question critics of EVs pose is how sustainable the disposal of the technology is once it has reached the end of its product cycle. As research and development is completed in the growing industry, more promising solutions are found and now Jaguar Land Rover-used I-PACE batteries have found a second life after partnering with Pramac.
The global merger into electrification will have millions of EVs in circulation by the end of the decade as automakers begin to transition into the more sustainably friendly technology. As a fundamental basis; most electrically powered vehicles require lithium batteries to provide power to the motors for the vehicle to operate and propel itself forward. As with everything, these components have a finite product cycle where their use will eventually inhibit operation and need to be replaced – similar to that of an ageing smartphone.
Jaguar Land Rover has partnered with Pramac to give their used I-PACE batteries a second life in Pramac’s Off Grid Battery Energy Storage System (ESS). This proof of concept has taken used I-PACE batteries from prototype and engineering test vehicles and supplies zero-emissions power where access to mains is limited or unavailable. This is another stride into a prospective net zero status by 2039 for the British automaker which will see the launch of programmes that deliver second life and beyond uses for batteries from its used EVs.
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.”
The flagship system which has found use for the Jaguar TCS Racing endeavours in the 2022 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship during testing in the UK and Spain has up to 125kWh capacity. Not only is this enough to fully charge the Jaguar I-PACE performance SUV but based on a 2019 UK study, the output would be sufficient to charge an average household for a week. Charge is collected from solar panels which are linked to a bi-directional converter and the associated control management systems. Closer to home, an off-grid Battery ESS will be deployed at Jaguar Land Rover Experience Centre in Johannesburg in the near future to help aid with inconsistent power delivery from the Eskom. Load shedding for who?
Pramac reuses up to 85% of the vehicle battery which Jaguar Land Rover supplies within the storage unit. This includes modules and wiring while the unused materials are recycled back into the supply chain.
As electrification becomes more mainstream, we can expect to see the emergence of a new industry that will repurpose old motors and batteries like the collaboration between Jaguar Land Rover and Pramac here.
