A startup called Allye Energy has done something everyone thought of but few dared to do. Partnering with Jaguar Land Rover, they began repurposing old electric vehicle batteries. This project transforms old batteries into a new energy storage system called Allye Max Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
Second Chance for Old Electric Vehicle Batteries
In this project, seven old plug-in-hybrid-electric vehicle (PHEV) battery packs from Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles are used. Although the capacity of these old electric vehicle batteries falls below 80% over time, making them unsuitable for vehicles, they can still be used for a long time in energy storage systems. BESS can power infrastructure and tools on construction sites, portable office trailers, and mini excavators.
According to Jaguar Land Rover, an average diesel generator consumes 16 liters of fuel per hour, equivalent to 129,012 kg of CO2 emissions daily. By using BESS, the JLR Engineering team will save 15,494 kg of CO2 annually by conducting over 1,000 hours of testing per year. This is equivalent to a passenger making seven round-trip flights from London to New York.
Honda has taken a giant leap by investing billions of dollars in electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities in Canada.
JLR’s Director of Sustainable Industrial Operations, Reuben Chorley, states that this project is a crucial step in achieving their circular supply chain goals. Second-life battery projects play a critical role in JLR’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2039.
The collaboration between Allye Energy and Jaguar Land Rover is a huge win for the environment. It prevents old vehicle batteries from ending up in landfills, extending the life of these valuable materials. Similar projects include B2U Storage Solutions using old Honda and Nissan electric vehicle batteries to store solar energy for California’s electricity grid. Nissan also uses old Leaf batteries as emergency power sources. A startup founded by former Lamborghini employees uses old electric vehicle batteries for various energy storage purposes.
In summary, projects that give new life to old batteries are extremely important for sustainable energy solutions and environmental protection. What do you think? You can share your thoughts in the comments section below.
