ZipCharge Introduces Electric “Jerry Can” To Add Up To 40 Miles Of Range

The ZipCharge Go fits in your trunk and can give you an extra 20-40 miles of range if you're in a bind

One of the biggest issues that keeps customers away from EVs is range anxiety. ZipCharge is introducing a product that it hopes will help solve this problem.

Acting a bit like a jerry can for electricity, or a power bank for your phone, the ZipCharge Go is a portable battery that helps give you a few more miles of range. Capable of adding another 20-40 miles (32-64 km) depending on vehicle capacity, it's small enough to fit into most vehicles’ trunks.

"The ZipCharge Go shows how charging infrastructure can develop to solve specific charging needs," says Jonathan Carrier, ZipCharge's co-founder. "To encourage people to make the switch to electric we have to create charging infrastructure that makes it easier, cheaper, and more convenient to charge."

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ZipCharge promises that the Go can deliver its power to the vehicle in 30-60 minutes, which isn't a blistering pace but might certainly be preferable to calling a tow truck if you’re in a bind. The Go could also be used for people who have to park on the street, instead of in a garage.

The company also thinks the product would be useful for companies that operate a fleet of EVs. Since the charger is on wheels, it can be easily moved out to a vehicle anywhere in a lot to top it up before going out.

Designed to look a bit like a suitcase, the power bank can be wheeled around with little effort. Lifting it into your trunk might be a bit more of a challenge, though, since it weighs around 50 lbs (22.6 kg). However, the company promises that it will be able to work with any Type 2 charging cable.

"ZipCharge is a solution for a real need, providing top-up charging to meet your daily mileage needs," said Carrier. "It provides freedom, removing the burden of finding a charge point close to home, one that is working or isn't occupied."

The company plans on releasing the Go in the fourth quarter of 2022 and private customers will be able to lease it for £49 ($67 USD) per month, according to InsideEVs. It can also be purchased outright, but pricing has not been announced yet.