Solus Power and QinetiQ collaborate on electrified battlespace solutions
Electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions pioneer, Solus Power, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with global defence and security company, QinetiQ, to revolutionise and support the evolving electrified military landscape.
Above: Kratos is a portable battery pack, the size of an attaché case, that provides ultra-fast charging.
Courtesy Solus Power
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 Ministry of Defence (MOD), by leveraging the respective expertise of the two organisations.
Solus Power has developed a cutting-edge mobile charging solution centred around its ‘Kratos’ technology – 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 ruggedized Lithium-ion power units, described as ‘Jerry Cans of electricity’, can deliver ultrafast charging to the likes of electric vehicles, drones, or equipment. Through its innovative and simple modular design, users can scale the number of packs to increase capacity depending on their energy needs.
The collaboration between the two companies sees QinetiQ supporting Solus Power to understand the needs of defence and security customers globally, in addition to providing their expertise in power sources and electrification.
QinetiQ has been working with customers in the defence and security industry to understand the challenges, threats and opportunities posed. One such challenge is how to flexibly charge EVs across diverse locations and infrastructural settings, in some aspects mirroring challenges experienced in high demand civilian applications such as airport parking, car hire management and the general operation of car parks.
The focus on mobile EV charging highlights the evolving landscape of defence and security infrastructure, recognising the importance of sustainable and adaptable energy solutions.
Stas Leonidou, CEO, Solus Power, said: "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,"
Victoria Doherty, Head of Electrification, QinetiQ, said: "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."
This collaboration underscores QinetiQ's ongoing efforts to partner with SMEs and academic institutions to tackle pressing customer challenges, including those related to climate change and energy transformation.
In November, Solus Power showcased its technology at QinetiQ's 'Understanding Tomorrow's Sustainability Technology Today' event, highlighting its potential to contribute to a more sustainable, efficient and flexible energy future for defence operations.