These containers can be easily transported by truck, train, boat, or even a heavy-lifting helicopter, using the existing shipping container Sentry Box infrastructure, and could be not only a potentially turnkey business solution, but also an effective option for deployment during emergencies or natural disaster responses. Additionally, the system's solar array and battery storage unit can function as a micro-grid for mobile power, and the whole package is said to be able to be installed "by one person in minutes" and will not require any permits or additional engineering work to get up and running.
The ARPA-E description calls this is a full-scale prototype, not a finished product, so it may be awhile before we're seeing the Mini-Fleet in a Box solution in place in a city near you, but the Michigan-based company said last year that orders "are being manufactured now" for export "to global mining and manufacturing companies."
“Current Motor’s Mini-fleet-in-a-Box uses 100% renewable, clean, solar generated electricity to charge our zero emissions Electric Cargo Motorcycles, making them among the most sustainable fleet options available. Current Motor green Mini-fleets are turnkey and self-contained, and literally work out of the box upon delivery to customer sites." - Lauren Flanagan, Executive Chair of Current Motor.
One of the potential applications of the Current Motor solution could be, as seen in one of the company's Facebook posts, for local services such as police patrols, and with its 450 lb cargo capacity, the bikes may be able to replace a fair number of other local delivery and service vehicles.
One doesn't usually see monster homes built out of shipping containers; their interior width is designed for freight, not people. But Designboom shows an interesting work/ live design in Costa Rica, designed by Maria José Trejos. The 400 square meter (4305 SF) house uses shipping containers Mobile Toilet essentially as thick habitable walls, with a big sloping roof enclosing the area between. It is quite dramatic and the architect says it is "an icon of sustainability."
