An ingenious solution to support military electrification could hold wider civilian and corporate charms. By John Challen.

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We like to think of ourselves as problem solvers here at Fleet World. Or, at a push, in a position to help people solve problems, through the stories and features in the pages of the magazine and online.

One of the biggest ‘problems’ for many drivers when it comes to switching to an EV is ‘range anxiety’ (the single quotes are there because this editor, having run a number of EVs for over two years, doesn’t really think range anxiety IS a problem, but that’s another matter) but here’s one company that believes it has a solution.

The box-shaped benefit comes courtesy of Solus Power, which has been working with Qinetiq to “explore advanced charging solutions for defence and security sectors”. One such solution centres around Solus Power’s Kratos technology – effectively modular, stackable and easily transported power units – each the size of an attaché case. These ruggedised units have been described as ‘Jerry cans of electricity’ and are designed to deliver ultra-fast charging to EVs, drones or other equipment. Users are able to scale the number of units, to increase capacity, according to their requirements. Kratos units can be customised to meet specific energy requirements and operational needs, with the Solus Power team working with clients to design tailored solutions.

But if you think that it’s just a solution for the military, then think again! Solus Power was actually founded as a way to help EV owners charge their vehicles in urban/city locations. The idea was – and still is – to have a subscription-based model, where technicians come out to cars that are running low on charge and slide the units under the vehicles to not clog up pavements or narrow London roads. Clever, eh?

The customer base is wide. It could be those with busy lifestyles or who like the idea of someone else taking care of the charging while they, for example, take afternoon tea at the Ritz. With the Kratos pack, they can be safe in the knowledge that their car is getting replenished at the same time as them! Meanwhile, taxi drivers who don’t want to waste time searching for a free charging location can also take advantage of the service during their lunch break or any other convenient time while on shift.

Finally – maybe more relevant in the fleet market – the company has been working with an airport car parking provider. So, for EV owners who leave their car at the airport while on holiday, they don’t have to worry about energy drain. When they get back they will have a full charge.

Price: £POA

Power: Custom

Target audience: Taxi drivers, busy people, fleets

Size: Similar to an attaché case

Range anxiety: Nil

Likelihood of making it onto the fleet? 9.5/10