First Fire-Code Mobile Battery System Debuts at CES

Power Up Connect launches certified 90 kWh unit with Dominion Energy

Posted

Power Up Connect has rolled out the MBESS 90 kWh, the first Mobile Battery Energy Storage System (MBESS) to achieve International Fire Code compliance. Revealed at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, the launch caps a three-year development effort with Dominion Energy.

The system is currently the only mobile battery to hold a UL 9540 listing, with supporting UL 9540A testing. These certifications clear a path for deployments that were previously stalled by regulatory uncertainty. They also provide the assurance needed for fire marshals and permitting authorities to sign off on mobile storage in public and commercial spaces.

"Before this system, it's been the wild west out there in the battery world. There are several options available, but all of them were developed before any standards were in place. Our partnership with Dominion Energy gave us the insight to develop a system that meets the highest safety standards and can be deployed in almost any industry that requires mobile energy," explained Mwamburi Mkaya, MBESS 90 kWh project director.

Weighing just under 5,000 pounds, the MBESS can be hauled by mid-sized SUVs without losing the compliance credentials needed for commercial use. This balance of mobility and safety closes a long-standing market gap where businesses were forced to compromise between portability and regulatory approval.

Modular Power for Flexible Applications

The MBESS 90 kWh delivers 30 kW of output on its own, with the ability to link up to ten units for a combined capacity of 900 kWh. This daisy-chain architecture allows businesses to match their power supply to project needs, whether for single-use setups or larger, temporary installations.

On the sustainability front, the system ships with an integrated 1,100-watt solar array that can scale to 15,000 watts when paired with additional panels. This feature makes it viable for off-grid sites, extending its reach to industries operating in remote areas with limited infrastructure.

Compatible with 120 VAC appliances as well as EV charging setups, the system addresses multiple use cases—from festivals and film productions to construction and emergency response. Dominion Energy’s input during the design phase ensured it could withstand demanding, utility-scale performance requirements while remaining practical for commercial operations.

Environment + Energy Leader