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From Cars to Grids Daimler is selling Battery Systems

May 31, 2015 by Jeff Shepard

Daimler AG is entering into business in the field of stationary energy storage plants with its one hundred percent subsidiary Deutsche ACCUmotive. The first industrial-scale lithium-ion unit is already on the grid and is being operated by the partner companies The Mobility House AG and GETEC Energie AG. For business with private customers in the area of energy storage in Germany, Daimler AG is planning to collaborate with EnBW AG. Daimler is also aiming to enter into cooperation with other sales and distribution partners both in Germany and at international level.

"Mercedes-Benz energy storages provide the best confirmation that lithium-ion batteries Made in Germany have a viable future," says Harald Kröger, Head of Development Electrics/Electronics & E-Drive Mercedes-Benz Cars. "With our comprehensive battery expertise at Deutsche ACCUmotive we are accelerating the transition to sustainable energy generation both on the road and in the field of power supply for companies and private households. The technology that has proven its worth over millions of kilometers covered in the most adverse conditions, such as extreme heat and cold, also offers the best credentials for stationary use. We have been gathering initial experience in this field since 2012."

Established in 2009, Deutsche ACCUmotive GmbH und Co. KG develops, produces and markets highly complex drive batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles of the Mercedes-Benz and smart brands on the basis of lithium-ion technology. Deutsche ACCUmotive's entry into the new business field of stationary energy storage plants for industrial customers and private applications offers the company fresh opportunities for growth. At the same time, Daimler AG is making an active contribution to the process of transition towards sustainable energy generation and continuing the success story of German-based battery production.

Daimler's first industrial-scale storage unit on the German power grid is being operated by the partners The Mobility House and GETEC through the joint venture Coulomb and marketed on the German energy exchange. Coulomb is deploying the energy storage plant from Kamenz, Saxony for the purposes of grid stabilization and to smooth load peaks. These are tasks usually performed by coal-fired and nuclear power stations. 96 battery modules of the Mercedes-Benz energy storage plant with a total capacity of more than 500 kWh are already on the grid, to be increased step-by-step to 3000 kWh by the partners The Mobility House and GETEC in the coming weeks.

The concept evolved by Daimler Business Innovation goes far beyond industrial deployment. The business model also includes operation in the SME segment - at supermarkets, for example. Here too, the stationary energy storage plants can buffer load peaks on hot days. Mercedes-Benz energy storages are also suitable for private use. Households with their own photovoltaic systems can buffer surplus solar power virtually free of any losses. Initial plants are already running in trial operation. EnBW is offering interested private customers complete distributed energy supply solutions.

Developed for demanding service on board cars, the Mercedes-Benz energy storage units meet the very highest safety and quality standards. The battery modules with an energy content of 2.5-kWh (private) and 5.9-kWh (industrial) are produced by Deutsche ACCUmotive in Kamenz, Saxony, employing state-of-the-art production methods. For use in the private sector, up to eight battery modules can be combined to produce an energy storage plant with a capacity of 20-kWh. The systems are fully scalable to requirements for commercial and industrial use. The Mercedes-Benz energy storage plants will be available for ordering as of June, with deliveries scheduled to begin this autumn.