Connected Energy is developing the UK’s most advanced second-life EV battery testing facility at Scottow Enterprise Park in Norfolk. The site will test batteries from multiple manufacturers and operate a 5MWh energy storage system, with operations beginning mid-2026.
Connected Energy is constructing what it describes as the UK’s most advanced testing facility for second-life EV batteries, representing a significant investment in the growing battery energy storage sector. The facility will form part of the company’s first wholly owned and operated second-life battery energy storage system site.
The new facility will enable Connected Energy to test the integration of batteries from multiple EV bus and truck manufacturers as the company expands partnerships with automotive manufacturers and battery suppliers throughout Europe. The development reflects the company’s transition from proving the viability of repurposed automotive batteries to operating grid-scale storage installations.
“This development marks the next step in Connected Energy’s growth,” said Matthew Lumsden, CEO of Connected Energy. “Having successfully proven the concept of repurposing automotive batteries as energy storage on a commercial scale, we are now moving to owning and operating grid-scale storage sites, with our first site also functioning as an advanced test facility.”
When EVs reach the end of their operational life, their batteries retain sufficient capacity for use in stationary energy storage applications. These repurposed batteries can support renewable energy generation or provide behind-the-meter services, extending their useful life by five to eight years before recycling becomes necessary. This process creates residual value for battery packs and reduces total ownership costs.
Located at Scottow Enterprise Park in Norfolk near the company’s technical center, the facility is scheduled to become operational by mid-2026. The site will house a 5MWh battery energy storage system that will generate revenue through energy trading and grid services, demonstrating the commercial viability of various battery types for energy arbitrage and flexibility services.
The initial deployment will feature batteries from Forsee Power, with additional automotive partners expected to contribute as the second-life battery sector expands. The facility will collect technical performance data, grid stability metrics, and revenue generation information to support the development of larger-scale commercial deployments.
Founded in 2010, Connected Energy has delivered second-life storage installations for partners including Umicore, Volvo, and various public sector organizations across the UK and Europe. The company is now expanding its operations to include development, ownership, and operation of grid-scale energy storage assets.
“Insights from this multi-battery 5MWh project will shape future, larger deployments,” Lumsden added. “Our goal is to optimise what can be achieved with second life batteries.”
The two-million pound project receives support from the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK as part of an initiative to enhance EV battery reuse and recycling capabilities.
