A former vice-president of Tesla is joining second-life battery energy storage specialist Connected Energy as chairman, supporting the company’s major expansion plans.

Ben Hill, chairman, Connected Energy

Ben Hill brings a mix of expertise in energy storage, electric vehicles and their batteries, and solar energy. His industry track record spans almost 35 years, including starting and building businesses at Tesla, Trina and BP as well as founding or co-founding several businesses.

Matthew Lumsden, CEO of Connected Energy, said: “Ben brings extensive industry knowledge and experience from a range of different perspectives that will be invaluable as Connected Energy moves through its next phase of growth.”

A pioneer in renewable energy generation and energy storage, Hill has been a prolific entrepreneur and investor in the sector since leaving Tesla. His expertise has been instrumental behind the scenes of several successful and high-profile energy storage and solar companies across Europe, North America, and Asia, from technology startups to some of the largest manufacturers and IPPs in the sector.

He joins Connected Energy as the company scales up its technology and develops its own utility scale sites.

Working with the automotive industry, the business takes used EV batteries and gives them a second life in its energy storage systems, which are used to improve grid resilience, support EV charging hubs and optimise renewable energy generation.

“Connected Energy is a company on the cutting edge of energy storage using second-life batteries, at an exciting time for this industry,” said Hill. “Vehicle OEMs are looking to add financial and environmental value to their end-of-life batteries, while demand for stationary energy storage is growing rapidly across Europe.

“Connected Energy is at the nexus point, offering a solution for both sides of the equation. It is a huge opportunity and I’m looking forward to contributing towards Connected Energy’s successful growth.”