UK’s battery pack specialist Fellten has welcomed Andy Palmer, an EV industry veteran, as its non-executive chairman to help the company push its new product globally.

Earlier this month, the Bristol-based company launched the so-called Charge Qube – a mobile energy storage and EV charging unit. The system uses repurposed, second-life EV batteries housed in stackable shipping containers.

Some describe Palmer as the “godfather of electric vehicles” thanks to his role in launching the all-electric Nissan Leaf in 2010, while the chief operating officer at the Japanese carmaker in the UK. He has also served as ceo of Aston Martin Lagonda, and is currently chairman of a number of companies, including InoBat – a Slovak battery manufacturer.

Fellten’s ceo Chris Hazell says that having Palmer join the company is a “real win.”

“He is a well-known and respected industry leader and battery expert, and already sits on the boards of excellent battery companies. We believe Andy’s expertise will help take the Charge Qube product line to the next level,” comments Hazell.

“This is an exciting moment in the company’s journey to be joining, and I look forward to assisting with its growth,” adds Palmer, noting Fellten’s decision to follow a standardised format for its new battery solution is “a spark of genius; keep it simple and growth will follow when the product is right.”

The Charge Qube requires no planning permission, making it ideal for semi-permanent or temporary charging hubs. The system stores energy at low-cost periods and supplies it during peak demand, enabling businesses to benefit from energy arbitrage, Kallanish notes.

Its configurations range from 150 kilowatt-hours to 450 kWh, tailored to customers’ needs. The system is available in three variants with AC and DC charging capabilities, including dual 240-kW CCS chargers suitable for high-speed public and commercial EV charging. This type of rapid charger is mostly used in Europe and North America.

Charge Qube is currently available for purchase, lease or rental, targeting applications such as EV fleet charging, industrial backup power and off-grid event infrastructure. Fellten says it will launch a larger 20-foot container option offering up to 900 kWh capacity in the second quarter of the year.