Second Life Applications For Jaguar I-Pace Batteries, Powering Zero-Emission Energy Storage Unit

Adopted from prototype and engineering test vehicles, Jaguar collaborated with Pramac to develop a zero-emission energy storage unit.

Called the Off Grid Battery Energy Storage System (ESS), it features lithium-ion cells from one-and-a-half second-life Jaguar I-PACE batteries.

Largely, its purpose is to supply zero-emission power where access to the main supply is limited or unavailable.

Jaguar Land Rover’s circular economy team battery manager, Andrew Whitworth, remarked, “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. We’re delighted to be working with Pramac to use Jaguar I-PACE second-life batteries to provide portable zero-emissions power and supporting Jaguar TCS Racing this season was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate what these units are capable of.”

To showcase its capability, the unit aided Jaguar TCS Racing to prepare for the 2022 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship during testing in the UK and Spain.

It was used to run the team’s cutting-edge diagnostic equipment analysing the race cars’ track performance, and to supply auxiliary power to the Jaguar pit garage.

Notably, the testing and validation of the Off Grid Battery ESS by Jaguar TCS Racing is a demonstration of race-to-road-to-race cyclical technology transfer. 

“Formula E is the world’s first net carbon zero sport since inception. Jaguar TCS Racing is always looking at improving our carbon footprint and using the storage system provides us with an innovative renewable energy solution for testing. To use second-life Jaguar I-PACE batteries completes this sustainable circle and showcases the team’s Race To Innovate mission,” expressed Jaguar TCS Racing’s team principal, James Barclay.

The flagship ESS system has a capacity of up to 125 kWh, more than enough to fully charge the all-electric I-PACE performance SUV, or to power a regular family home for a week. 

Charged from solar panels, the unit is a self-contained solution that consists of a battery system linked to a bi-directional converter and the associated control management systems. 

Offered for commercial hire, the units are fitted with Type 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) charge connections with dynamic control and rated at up to 22 kW AC to allow electric vehicle charging.

Plus, finding a second life for batteries after they have been removed from vehicles can avoid premature recycling and help create a secure supply of rare materials. 

Outstandingly, the state-of-the-art 90 kWh Lithium-ion battery in the Jaguar I-PACE delivers up to 292 miles (470 km) range (WLTP cycle).

Sporting 400 PS (395 hp) and 696 Nm of instant torque, it enables the I-Pace to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds (0 to 100 km/h in 4.8s).

On top of that, the battery was also developed for durability to match its outstanding performance and efficiency.

Hence, the I-PACE comes with a battery warranty of 8-years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km), during which it must maintain at least 70 percent State of Health.

This advanced engineering makes the battery perfect for second-life, and even third-life usages in low-energy states once battery health falls below the stringent requirements.

As such, once the I-Pace battery does finally come to the end of its usable life, it is 95 percent recyclable.

Separately, as well as collaborating with industry leaders such as Pramac, Jaguar TCS Racing has committed its long-term future to the Gen3 era of Formula E. 

In which, they’ll further help Jaguar Land Rover develop new sustainable technologies, set new benchmarks in quality and support Jaguar’s renaissance as an all-electric luxury brand from 2025.

Pramac’s director, Danny Jones, concluded, “We have been privileged to work so closely with Jaguar Land Rover who are a hugely supportive partner in our journey to successfully build a robust product and a commercially viable business case using second-life EV modules. This brings a new element to the sustainability story as a manufacturer of energy efficient and carbon reducing technology. We look forward to continuing the journey with Jaguar Land Rover and providing innovative charging infrastructure solutions to support the electrification of their class-leading vehicles.”