JLR repurposes car batteries for national grid storage

author: FutureCar Staff    

The UK's largest carmaker, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), has unveiled plans to repurpose old car batteries for energy storage. JLR aims to create one of the largest energy storage systems in the country by using these batteries to store excess power during off-peak times and release it back into the grid when needed.

The battery scheme is expected to provide enough energy to power 750 homes for a day, equivalent to 7.5 megawatt hours, by the end of this year. JLR highlighted that electric car batteries can be reused due to their high standards, even after falling below the requirements for electric vehicles.

The batteries will be stored in containers located at the Chelveston renewable energy park in Northamptonshire. JLR also stated that there is potential for the program to expand in the future by housing additional used batteries in more containers.

Furthermore, JLR emphasized that the use of used batteries for energy storage could have significant global value, with a potential supply exceeding 200 gigawatt-hours per year by 2030.

Energy storage is seen as a solution to the challenge of renewable electricity being generated but not being efficiently utilized due to grid constraints. This announcement highlights the longevity and versatility of electric vehicle batteries, as they can continue to be useful even after their lifespan in cars.

Colin Walker, the head of transport at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, noted that most of the metals in EV batteries can be recycled, making them a more sustainable option compared to traditional petrol cars that consume large amounts of fuel.

FutureCar Staff