Armorgard, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery charging and storage cabinets, has introduced Qpod, the latest and most compact unit on the market. Built for indoor use across warehouses, manufacturing plants, retail spaces and offices, Qpod raises the bar for safe, plug-and-charge Li-ion storage.
Armorgard developed Qpod in response to the sharp rise in Li-ion-related fires, which now cost UK businesses millions every year¹. Recent Aviva research found that 54% of businesses polled have experienced a Li-ion fire or incident², while the London Fire Brigade responded to more than 5,000 Li-ion-related callouts in 2024 alone, a 93% increase since 2022³. With McKinsey forecasting Li-ion-powered devices set to grow by 33% over the next decade⁴, Armorgard recognises both the risk and the opportunity as these power sources spread into ever more applications, driving demand for safe storage in confined indoor environments.
Qpod stands apart as the new best-in-class, plug-and-play portable Li-ion charging and storage solution thanks to its proprietary fire-tested containment system, validated against real thermal runaway events.
A closer look at Qpod
Built from powder-coated steel, Qpod delivers powerful 240V charging alongside serious indoor safety credentials. Unlike standard cabinets (often only Class A rated), Qpod is designed to meet a multitude of globally recognised standards, including UL1487, with a sealed, double-walled ventilation system that expels gases while preventing flames from reigniting toxic gases nearby.
Its compact footprint slots neatly into the corner of a room or under a desk, making Qpod a good fit for workplaces where space is tight. At 74kg, the unit is easy to move and can be fitted with optional castors.
Inside, eight 13A RCD-protected sockets charge up to eight Li-ion batteries at once, squeezing maximum efficiency from a single footprint. For larger battery fleets, Qpod also comes with a simple-to-affix stacking kit, so users can build vertically and make the most of any room.
Tested to perfection
The safety features above are backed by the most thorough UK-based testing available.
From inception to launch, Armorgard has put Qpod through rigorous, in-situ testing, building on its hard-won reputation for real-life validation; first seen during the development of its Volthub units.
While most indoor charging units are only tested against isolated, benchtop conditions, Qpod’s double-walled containment has held firm against controlled, live thermal runaway events involving batteries above 2kWh, well beyond the 1.5kWh capacity it charges.
This matters because insurers are now actively scrutinising Li-ion charging arrangements. Non-compliant setups can trigger premium increases, exclusions or difficulty obtaining cover. Specifying Qpod helps organisations show they have taken practical, evidence-based steps to manage a known workplace hazard.
Built on experience, engineered for the future
Commenting on Qpod’s launch, Terry Mitchell, Armorgard CEO, says: “Li-ion batteries are incredibly useful, but they’re also hazardous if charged or stored incorrectly. The last decade has seen rapid adoption alongside a sharp rise in faults, failures and fires, largely through mishandling. Anyone who’s experienced one of these incidents will tell you of the enormous human, financial and reputational cost involved.”
“Qpod is the direct evolution of our VoltHub and PowerStor cabinets, answering the growing use of Li-ion batteries in smaller, often interior, spaces. We’ve made sure that neither safety nor performance is compromised, delivering plenty of charge without disrupting day-to-day operations.”
