JLR Launches Portable Battery Energy Storage System Using 2nd-Life PHEV Batteries

Jaguar land Rover (JLR) has partnered with UK energy storage start-up, Allye Energy, to create a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to provide zero emissions power on the go. Each BESS utilises seven second-life Range Rover and Range Rover Sport PHEV battery packs, and can store 270kWh of energy. That's nearly a month’s worth of power for the average UK home.

The BESS, which is the first to use JLR’s second life Range Rover batteries, can charge up to nine Range Rover PHEVs at any one time.

It is designed to be charged by simply plugging it into any CCS-capable Vehicle Charger using the same input as JLR’s existing PHEV and BEV product portfolio.

In addition, multi-input connectivity via powerlock connections enable it to be connected to renewable power at fixed or off-grid sites.

The MAX BESS can be used to replace diesel generators, historically relied on by the automotive industry, to power off-grid vehicle launches, events and vehicle tests in remote areas.

JLR’s Engineering team are the first to utilise the new BESS, providing zero emissions power during testing of the new Range Rover Electric, due to launch later this year.

One example of how the BESS is being used practically in the development of Range Rover Electric is through the Engineering team’s prolonged endurance testing at remote off-road sites where only low power connections are available which would only enable a slow charge. 

Allye is a start-up developing distributed energy storage at the grid edge, putting batteries at the final step, and feeding electricity directly to the consumer.

Reuben Chorley, Sustainable Industrial Operations Director at JLR, says: "We are delighted to be working with Allye Energy on this next generation sustainability project that will help demonstrate the potential of our circular supply chain ambitions. Developing second-life battery projects like this is crucial if we want to make sustainability real in JLR and drive us towards achieving our carbon net zero target by 2039."

Jonathan Carrier, CEO of Allye, adds: "Our collaboration with JLR exemplifies a shared commitment to sustainable innovation, driving us closer to a future powered by clean energy solutions. The deployment of Range Rover PHEV batteries in the MAX underscores Allye’s agnostic approach to integrating batteries from different models, of different states of health (SoH), and cell chemistries to maximize efficiency and sustainability. The Allye team is grateful to Andrew Whitworth, and Battery Business Unit team at JLR, for their commitment to closed-loop battery innovation. We are looking forward to continuing our partnership and the opportunity to give every JLR battery the chance to live a second life in energy storage."

JLR is investing £15bn into electrification by building a comprehensive EV ecosystem.