Many automakers are already racing to get their brand new electric cars onto the market, but it’s not the only battery-powered battle that’s going on. These car manufacturers are also desperate to get their batteries into many family homes. Mercedes-Benz Energy just confirmed with their plans on creating energy storage systems that will soon power many homes in the UK.
The Mercedes-Benz Energy GmbH is in charge of selling the energy storage systems. They will be manufactured by Accumotive in Germany, a wholly owned Daimler subsidiary. Over 500 million euros were invested in the facility in Kamenz, and around 100 battery experts were hired to work together to perfect the said technology.
The energy storage systems were originally developed just for the automotive operation process. However, the lithium-ion battery packs are now being prepared to be used by many homeowners. Customers in the UK will get to choose from many energy solutions with up to eight battery modules.
In addition, each module will have an energy capacity of around 2.5kWh, and the largest pack available with eight modules will have a maximum capacity of 20 kWh.
This technology has been already in use in more than 80,000 Mercedes vehicles such as the plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles sold since 2012.
The company also teamed up already with qualified partners that are in charge of the installation. The product available for home electricity generation will consist a photovoltaic solar system, a battery inverter, an energy management system, and the energy storage unit itself.
The new technology will be offered in the United States later this year with a 10-year warranty and the option to choose from either wall or floor installation. The automaker also claims that the storage unit is noiseless and will use backup power functionality. Also, a high-voltage type is now in the works and will be introduced at a later date.
Mercedes-Benz Energy solution is also offered in South Africa and the Benelux region. Pricing will vary though, but according to some reports, a standard home system usually costs around $10,000 including installation.
