JLR repurposes car batteries for grid energy storage

author: FutureCar Staff    

The UK's largest carmaker, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), has unveiled plans to repurpose old car batteries for energy storage. This initiative aims to create one of the largest energy storage systems in the country. The batteries will be used to store excess power during off-peak times, when there is an imbalance between electricity supply and demand. The stored energy can then be released back into the grid during peak times.

JLR's battery scheme aims to provide enough batteries to power 750 homes for a day, equivalent to 7.5 megawatt hours of energy, by the end of this year. The company highlights that electric car batteries can be reused due to their high standards, even after they no longer meet the stringent requirements of an electric vehicle. Typically, these batteries retain 70% to 80% residual capacity.

The used batteries will be stored in containers located at the Chelveston renewable energy park in Northamptonshire. JLR also mentions the potential for expansion, as more containers can be created to accommodate additional used batteries from vehicles in the future. The company believes that used batteries could have further applications in the coming years.

According to a 2019 McKinsey report, the supply of used batteries for energy storage could exceed 200 gigawatt-hours per year by 2030, with a global value of over $30 billion (£23.5 billion). This highlights the significant potential of repurposing old car batteries for sustainable energy solutions.

Energy storage is increasingly seen as a solution to the challenge of renewable electricity generation surpassing demand or grid capacity. Wind farms, for example, may need to power down during windy periods when there is insufficient demand or grid infrastructure limitations. Repurposing used car batteries can help address this issue by storing excess energy and making it available when needed.

This announcement emphasizes that electric vehicle batteries often outlast the vehicles themselves. Even after their usefulness in cars has diminished, these batteries can find new applications in energy storage. Colin Walker, the head of transport at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, highlights that most of the metals in EV batteries can be recycled, with only a small amount lost in the process. In contrast, traditional petrol cars consume a significant amount of fuel throughout their lifespan.

FutureCar Staff