Collaboration to advance mobile charging for defence

London-headquartered Solus Power develops off-grid mobile DC-to-DC rapid charging and energy storage technologies.

The company has developed a mobile charging solution centred around its ‘Kratos’ technology, which is a modular, stackable and easily transported power unit.

Described as ‘Jerry Cans of electricity’, each ruggedised Kratos unit measures 550 x 450 x 110mm and weighs approximately 25kg. The material used for Kratos’ housing is currently classified, as are the number of cells per unit.

“To make it rugged, steel support pillars are placed through gaps in the battery pack to provide the structural support as well as supporting ribs around the outside provide structural strength to the housing to withstand being driven over by a Land Rover,” said Stas Leonidou, CEO of Solus Power.

The Lithium-ion power units can deliver ultrafast charging to electric vehicles, drones, or equipment. Users can also scale the number of packs to increase capacity.

“Units are connected in parallel,” said Leonidou. “Each unit has a high voltage three pin flying lead cable which attaches to each unit.”

The strategic partnership follows the announcement in 2021 by the British Army that it is to roll out hybrid electric drive technologies across its vehicle fleet as part of its Future Soldier vision.

In the US, the army has set a target to field an all-electric light-duty non-tactical vehicle fleet by 2027 and an all-electric non-tactical vehicle fleet by 2035.

The collaboration between the two companies will see 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.

The global military vehicle electrification industry is expected to be valued at $17.6Bn by 2030.