Connected Energy is calling on fleet operators and automotive OEMs to join its battery partner network, supporting its work to give EV batteries a second life.

Connected Energy’s Alex Charr is working to build relationships with automotive OEMs, vehicle providers and fleet operators for the battery partner network

The company takes batteries from end-of-life EVs and repurposes them for its E-STOR battery energy storage systems (BESS). E-STOR is increasingly used in the UK and Europe to help overcome local grid limitations, with applications including powering EV charging hubs and capturing energy generated from renewable sources.

Connected Energy, whose investors include Caterpillar and Volvo Energy, already has a partnership with Renault, which supplies batteries from Kangoo electric vans. By repurposing batteries at the end of the life in a vehicle, the company’s battery storage technology doubles the working life of the EV batteries.

To support its growth into these markets, the company has appointed Alex Charr as head of strategic partnerships (batteries). He brings a distinguished career in automotive engineering and product management, working for Renault, Stellantis, Toyota and Jaguar Land Rover and most recently at commercial EV manufacturer Arrival.

In his new role, Charr will build relationships with automotive OEMs, vehicle providers and fleet operators to create sources of second-life batteries. He will also develop ‘battery-as-a-service’ business models with financial institutions.

“There is a genuine circularity to our business model,” commented Charr. “For example, fleets could be using batteries from their old EVs as energy storage in their depots, supporting the charging of their current vehicles. It’s a perfect loop.”

Matthew Lumsden, CEO of Connected Energy, said: “We are working at the nexus of transport and energy, creating sustainable energy storage solutions that reuse the batteries from yesterday’s EVs to charge today’s electric fleets. We need people who understand all aspects of those sectors to help our business continue on its current growth trajectory.

“Alex has a deep understanding of the e-mobility market and a great track record in innovation. He has the knowledge and experience to help us grow our battery pipeline as demand increases for our products.”