The Porsche Leipzig plant is benefitting from the Taycan and its second life concept
Porsche is leading the way in sustainable energy with a groundbreaking new battery storage system at its Leipzig plant. Imagine a space nearly the size of two basketball courts, filled with 4,400 battery modules, this is the scale of Porsche’s latest innovation.
Remarkably, these batteries are repurposed from used Taycan electric vehicles, demonstrating a smart and eco-friendly approach to energy storage. The concept, known as the “Second Life” project, transforms batteries from pre-series and test Taycan vehicles into a stationary energy storage system.
Moreover, by extending the life of these high-voltage batteries, Porsche is not only conserving resources but also setting a new standard in environmental responsibility. This initiative originated from Porsche’s Environmental and Energy Management unit in Stuttgart, showcasing the company’s commitment to a circular economy.
Porsche’s project highlights a sophisticated approach to energy management. By incorporating these used batteries, the Leipzig plant can efficiently manage its energy supply, optimising both self-consumption and participation in the energy market.
On top of that, the technical specs of the stationary storage system are impressive: it boasts a total capacity of 5 megawatts and an energy content of 10 megawatt-hours. The system is designed to operate with up to 20 percent overload for short periods and includes four battery containers housing the 4,400 individual modules.
These batteries, having previously been subjected to rigorous testing, are now contributing to energy stability without requiring technical modifications. The system is built to last over ten years, with the option to replace individual modules if needed. The energy for this storage system comes partially from the plant’s own solar panels, which have a peak output of 9.4 megawatts.
What’s more, this setup not only helps in managing peak loads, essential in today’s era of growing electrical demands due to electromobility and other factors, but also supports grid stability. By integrating the storage system into the balancing energy market, Porsche aims to stabilise upstream distribution grids and contribute further to energy efficiency.
Porsche’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond this project. Since 2021, the company’s production facilities in Zuffenhausen, Leipzig, and Weissach have been carbon-neutral. The Leipzig site, in particular, uses green electricity, biomethane, and district heating from biomass, reinforcing Porsche’s dedication to renewable energy and sustainable production practices.
