Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Infrastructure and TechnologyLatestNews

Former Tesla VP appointed to Connected Energy board

A former vice-president of Tesla has joined second-life battery energy storage specialists, Connected Energy.

Ben Hill has become chairman of the company as it looks forward to a major expansion. Hill brings expertise in energy storage, electric vehicles and batteries, and solar energy, having spent 35 years in the industry.

He has worked at Tesla, Trina and BP alongside founding or co-founding several businesses.

Connected Energy said his expertise has been “instrumental” for several energy storage and solar companies across Europe, North America, and Asia, from technology startups to some of the largest manufacturers and IPP’s in the sector.

Connected Energy specialises in the use of second-life EV batteries for stationary energy storage applications, working with the automotive industry to extend the life of batteries after their use in a vehicle. This aims to increase their sustainability and value proposition, whilst contributing to the circular economy.

The company’s energy storage systems are used to improve grid resilience, support EV charging hubs and optimise renewable energy generation and the company is now scaling up its technology and developing its own utility scale sites.

Its investors include ENGIE New Ventures, Volvo Energy, Caterpillar Venture Capital Inc, Hinduja and Sumitomo, and it has recently been appointed as the second life battery partner in a UK consortium led by Nissan, signed a letter of intent with Volvo Energy to develop second life battery energy storage systems, and signed a collaboration agreement with EV battery recycling firm Altilium.

Matthew Lumsden, CEO of Connected Energy, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Ben to the board of directors as our chairman. Ben brings extensive industry knowledge and experience from a range of different perspectives that will be invaluable as Connected Energy moves through its next phase of growth.”

Ben Hill said:

“Vehicle OEMs are looking to add financial and environmental value to their end-of-life batteries, while demand for stationary energy storage is growing rapidly across Europe. Connected Energy is at the nexus point, offering a solution for both sides of the equation. It is a huge opportunity and I’m looking forward to contributing towards Connected Energy’s successful growth.”

Erik Johansson, Investment Director, Volvo Group, said:

“Ben Hill’s appointment as Chairman to the board of Connected Energy marks an exciting next phase in the company’s innovation and growth. As a board, we are confident that Ben’s leadership will be invaluable as the company continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in battery circularity.  We look forward to supporting the team as they expand their impact across the UK and Europe.”

Image of Ben Hill courtesy of Connected Energy

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