EV batteries repurposed for grid resilience

Intelligent energy management platform Allye Energy has launched its MegaMAX range, which combines up to 18 repurposed electric vehicle (EV) batteries with an AI-powered energy management system, providing up to 1.5MWh of dispatchable energy.

According to the company, the range consists of the MAX1000 and MAX1500 battery energy storage systems (BESS), designed to address the need for grid balancing and infrastructure resilience.

Unlike traditional batteries, MegaMAX combines up to 18 repurposed EV battery packs with mixed chemistries (LFP and NMC). Allye states that the systems are designed as ‘drop and go’ to bypass costly and time-consuming grid upgrades, offering immediate support for electrification projects, EV charging, ports, and off-grid operations.

The company cites how Europe’s power grid faces increasing instability, highlighted by the recent Iberian Peninsula blackout and substation fires in London, Heathrow and Exeter. This is where the MegaMAX systems would step in, offering frequency response and synthetic inertia to stabilise networks and prevent cascading failures.

Jonathan Carrier, founder and CEO of Allye Energy, commented in a release: “With Europe’s electricity grids under increasing strain as seen in the recent Iberian Peninsula blackout and substation fires in London, Heathrow, and Exeter, the demand for agile, high-capacity energy storage systems that can instantly stabilise the grid has become absolutely essential.

“The MegaMAX range…aren’t just batteries – they’re intelligent energy management hubs that can transform how businesses approach electrification while simultaneously providing vital grid stabilisation services.”

Have you read:
Vattenfall signs ‘industry first’ virtual battery tolling agreement
VERBUND and TU Wien partner on oxygen ion battery development

MegaMAX functions

Both systems maintain the same physical footprint while offering flexible capacity options. The MAX1000 provides 1MWh storage with up to 840kW of power, while the higher-capacity MAX1500 delivers up to 1.5MWh and up to 1.25MW of power.

Each MegaMAX integrates three Allye MAX300 structures into a system with inherent redundancy, featuring a fully liquid-cooled thermal management system.

The units integrate advanced AI-driven control systems that enable real-time decision-making and frequency regulation. By acting as grid shock absorbers, they can instantaneously inject or absorb energy to maintain the 50Hz frequency balance that is fundamental to grid stability.

According to Allye, the MegaMAX range functions well in both stationary grid-tied and off-grid applications:

• On-grid (stationary) installations: The system functions as battery buffer systems for EV charging where the grid is constrained, integrate with local solar generation, provide peak shaving, and perform smart electricity price arbitrage to lower operating costs. They can also deliver essential grid stability services, rapidly responding to frequency fluctuations within milliseconds.
• Off-grid (mobile) applications: The system replaces diesel generators with zero-emission power for construction sites, events, and remote operations.

Said Dr Argy Nazemi, director of Control Systems at Allye Energy: “With the MegaMAX we’ve developed an exceptionally sophisticated control architecture that independently manages each repurposed EV battery pack for optimal performance, safety, and longevity.

“Our proprietary Energy Management System (EMS) continuously analyses usage patterns, grid conditions, and even weather forecasts to intelligently optimise charging cycles and energy flows.”

According to Allye, the MegaMAX range can lower energy costs by up to 50% while simultaneously generating additional revenue through participation in grid flexibility markets. This capability is made available to customers through an API so they can optimise the battery or through an independent third-party optimiser.

The MAX1000 is already available, with the MAX1500 launching in the UK’s summer 2025.