Warwick-born EV charging company collaborates with Qinetiq on defence project

Solus Power, which is pioneering innovative electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Farnborough-based global defence and security company, QinetiQ, to 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).

Solus Power has developed a new 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 electric vehicles, drones or equipment. Through its simple modular design, users can scale the number of packs to increase capacity depending on their energy needs. 

Solos Power was founded in 2020 by Stas Leonidou who had previously owned and  run a chain of tea shops in London. He had no experience in battery technology or e-mobility, however when he bought his first EV he was faced with the problem of finding somewhere to charge it. He sketched out a portable battery design with the concept of the power coming to the people, rather than the other way round. Afterall, the charging infrastructure of EV charging is one of the biggest obstacles to adoption. 

After trialling his design and working with engineers from the University of Warwick, he had a chance meet with leading defence and security company QinetiQ. They saw the concept and immediately recognised its potential within the military landscape. Where forces are often deployed in challenging environments where the transportation of fuel is either difficult or not possible, having portable rechargable, rugged battery packs would be an ideal answer to power equipment, drones, base operations.

QinetiQ will support Solus Power to understand the needs of defence and security customers globally, in addition to providing 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.