Connected Energy has entered into a partnership with Nissan to enhance the sustainability of electric vehicle (EV) batteries within the UK.
The partnership is part of a broader initiative led by Nissan, which also includes participation from lithium battery recycling specialist Altilium, and will focus on expanding research and development efforts specifically aimed at EV battery sustainability.
The project, valued at £30.1 million, is set to bolster the UK battery industry. It includes £15 million from the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) aimed at enhancing capabilities in EV battery reuse, recycling, and grid balancing.
In this collaboration, Connected Energy is set to spearhead the second-life battery segment of the project, which builds upon its existing technologies to develop large-scale energy storage sites utilising used EV batteries. The initiative will explore advanced energy storage technologies that accommodate various battery types with differing health and performance levels. The aim is to establish the viability of large scale second-life systems in comparison to new lithium-ion battery systems.
“Our goal is to develop and demonstrate a pioneering economic model for large-scale second life energy storage systems that can be easily scaled up further and replicated,” stated Matthew Lumsden, CEO of Connected Energy.
“This will place Connected Energy and our network of partners at the leading edge of second life battery use. Repurposing EV batteries in energy storage is a key contributor to vehicle electrification and sustainability while also helping towards the decarbonisation of the electricity grid.”
Currently, Connected Energy produces systems with a capacity of 300 kilowatts, tailored for smaller-scale industrial and commercial uses. The project is a critical component of the company’s strategy to expand its technology in anticipation of an increase in available second-life batteries over the coming years.
The multi-megawatt system planned by Connected Energy is slated to become operational in 2025, which could be a massive boon for the future of EV battery sustainability, as they will be able to play a more active role in balancing the grid.
“This is a groundbreaking project combining the expertise of the UK’s biggest EV manufacturer, one of the world’s most advanced second life companies, and recycling pioneers Altilium. Bringing together these key players has the potential to create a world first in the creation of a model for true battery circularity,” added Matthew.