Jaguar’s turning its used batteries into portable EV chargers

On its way to net zero, Jaguar has developed a portable EV charger, powered by “second-life” batteries from prototype and test I-Pace vehicles. 

The so-called Off Grid Battery Energy Storage System (ESS) is essentially an energy storage unit, designed to supply power where access to electricity is limited or unavailable. 

The device has a capacity of up to 125kWh — more than enough to juice up the I-Pace or to power a house for a week, says Jaguar — and can be topped up via integrated solar panels. 

It’s rated to charge at speeds up to 22kW and comes with Type 2 connectors compatible with most EVs. 

The portable charger will be available for commercial hire, but the automaker has yet to disclose launch and pricing details. 

The technology’s capabilities were tested by the Jaguar TCS Racing Formula E team, which used the ESS to power its diagnostic equipment and supply back-up power to the pit garage.

Jaguar isn’t the first car maker to invest in battery upcycling. 

Tesla has operated its Powerwall since 2015, Renault has teamed up with Powervolt to repurpose EV batteries into home energy storage systems, and Volvo has been working with Batteryloop to power up EV charging stations. 

Let’s hope this is the start of a wider trend. We need to find more ways to reuse and recycle the precious materials of EV batteries — and I hope more automakers follow suit.