Electric vehicle (EV) charging specialist Solus Power has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with defence technology house QinetiQ, Solus Power announced on 9 May 2024.
The strategic partnership aims to research and develop advanced EV charging solutions appropriate to fleet charging and infrastructure, as well as to the specific needs of the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), by leveraging the respective expertise of the two organisations.
Solus Power has developed what it describes as a cutting-edge mobile charging solution centred around its ‘Kratos’ technology, comprising modular, stackable and easily transported power units, each of which is the size of an attaché case and which can be both easily deployed and shared between users.
The ruggedised Lithium-ion power units, described as ‘Jerry cans of electricity’, can deliver ultrafast charging to the likes of electric vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, or equipment. Through its innovative and simple modular design, users can scale the number of packs to increase capacity depending on their energy needs.
QinetiQ, meanwhile, is supporting Solus Power to understand the needs of defence and security customers, especially in relation to power sources and electrification.
One particular challenge is how to flexibly charge EVs across diverse locations and infrastructural settings, which for military applications can present quite an austere environment.
“Solus Power welcomes the opportunity recognised in this MOU to collaborate with an organisation of QinetiQ’s standing and experience in the defence sector, and with its exceptional record of innovation and solutions development,” Stas Leonidou, Solus Power CEO, was quoted as saying in a company press release.
Victoria Doherty, head of electrification at QinetiQ, added, “Enabling the flexibility to provide electric power wherever and whenever it is needed underpins future operational advantage. By working across sectors to transfer existing solutions, we will accelerate success in this area.”
