WAI Global to showcase Starters and Alternators at ConExpo-Con/Agg Show 2020
WAI Global, a global parts manufacturer for the heavy duty, agricultural, automotive, industrial, and power sports aftermarket, announces that it will showcase its starters and alternators at the ConExpo-Con/Agg Show in Las Vegas, March 10-14, 2020, booth #B93921. WAI has worked relentlessly to meet the ever-changing needs of its customers in the heavy duty, agricultural & industrial markets. This includes an unwavering commitment to be “first-to-market” with the latest model products available. WAI will showcase an extensive range of its 100% new alternators, starters and their components. WAI’s complete line of starters and alternators are ideal for class one to class eight trucks, construction, forklift, and farm equipment. WAI Global’s starters and alternators boast proven superior quality. More than two million units have been sold over the past decade which are tested to OEM specifications and include premium Transpo electronics and WBD grade bearings manufactured by WAI. Alternator output current is thoroughly tested at idle and full load RPMs. Starters are tested for RPM, torque, voltage, and solenoid performance. Validation testing for all products includes endurance, humidity, power thermal cycling, vibration, salt spray and thermal shock. Every starter and alternator comes with extensive coverage and a warranty rate reduction through extended field life of new units. Test sheets are included in every box.
EnerSys® Advanced Power Solutions offer a “Superior Power Experience” at MODEX® 2020
EnerSys®, the global provider in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, will present an improved user experience with virtually maintenance-free NexSys® battery solutions at MODEX® 2020 in booth no. 7632. The show will take place from March 9-12, 2020, at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center. Manufactured to deliver a Superior Power Experience that eliminates the labor requirements often associated with traditional flooded lead acid batteries, the company will exhibit its latest generation of NexSys® power solutions at MODEX 2020 including NexSys® PURE batteries, featuring proprietary Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology, and its upcoming NexSys® iON batteries, designed with advanced Lithium-ion (Li-ion) technology. “We’ve seen a shift in operations in which warehouse and distribution centers are looking for hybrid solutions that use both Li-ion and lead acid technologies to achieve optimal power performance,” said Harold Vanasse, Senior Director of Marketing, Motive Power Americas at EnerSys. “It will all depend on the application and power demand of the vehicle, but both chemistries provide user-friendly ways to cut operating expenses and minimize downtime while maintaining long-lasting productivity. Our virtually maintenance-free NexSys® batteries give operators dependable choices that deliver a lower Total Cost of Ownership.” The latest generation of TPPL batteries from EnerSys, NexSys® PURE batteries, feature a proprietary carbon additive for higher energy throughput, optimized opportunity charging, and an extended cycle life of up to 38 percent. Ideal for light- to medium-duty applications, the batteries are also equipped with a built-in alarm system to guard against over-discharge, and Wi-iQ® battery monitoring device, which provides a continuous wireless data stream that stores battery operating data. Built with the material handling industry’s most advanced Li-ion technology and designed to the highest safety and manufacturing standards, NexSys® iON batteries are ideal for heavy-duty applications. They are engineered with large format prismatic cells and Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) cell chemistry and the control module in each battery features an integrated Battery Management System (BMS) that enables communication with the charger and truck for optimum safety and control. EnerSys® will also showcase the innovation behind wireless charging with an onsite demonstration. Wireless battery charging systems can free up valuable floor space by eliminating the need for dedicated charging rooms and offer another labor-free solution as operators will not be required to manually plug or unplug batteries. “This is an exciting time for EnerSys,” continued Vanasse. “As operations continue to evolve, so are the power solutions and systems we’re able to bring to the industry. As we continue down this path, our commitment is to enhance the customer experience and bring them products that alleviate the concerns of operational costs, downtime, and maintenance, allowing more focus to be placed on core business operations.”
Flux Power reports strong results
Flux Power Holdings, Inc., a developer of advanced lithium-ion batteries for commercial and industrial equipment including electric forklifts and airport ground support equipment (“GSE”), has reported results for its fiscal year 2020 second quarter ended December 31, 2019 (Q2 ‘20). Highlights: Q2 ’20 revenue increased 33% to $3.6M reflecting the continuation of strong growth from the rollout of a full product line of packs for forklifts, along with increased unit volume and a higher percentage of larger packs. Q2 ’20 gross margins improved to 9.0% driven by the Company’s gross margin initiative. Increased sales efforts generated a record order backlog of approximately $10M at the end of Q2 ’20, driven by orders across the full line of forklifts and airport GSE. Sales from 3-Wheel Class 1 Forklifts, as Flux Power is now shipping its “L-Series” Class 1 packs designed for 3-Wheel forklifts, a growing sector in new, highly-efficient warehouses. “We are pleased to see recent revenue growth from our full product line of forklifts and airport GSE,” commented Flux Power CEO Ron Dutt, “Our relationships with Fortune 500 customers and forklift OEMs continue to expand, and we are nearing completion of UL Listings on our full product lineup for forklifts. Our strategic priority for the next twelve months is to complement such strong revenue growth with significant improvement in our gross profit margins. We are well on our way to achieving this goal.” FY 2020 and Beyond Flux Power anticipates FY’20 revenue to continue to increase rapidly reflecting: (i) rollout and growth of full product line of LiFT Packs; (ii) increasing demand for its private label products; and (iii) the strength of its current order backlog. The gross profit margin improvement program is beginning to see traction as Flux Power implements a series of clearly defined activities to advance technology, design, production and purchasing efficiencies. Q2 FY 2020 Operating Results: Q2’20 revenue increased 33% to $3.6M compared to $2.7M in Q2’19. As the customer base increases, Flux Power anticipates seeing a smoother, more stable, growth trajectory based on increasing customers and orders. Q2’20 gross profit improved to $326,000 compared to $255,000 in Q2’19, principally reflecting higher sales volumes and benefits from higher revenue and early impact of the Company’s gross margin improvement program. Selling and administrative expenses increased to $2.2M in Q2’20 from $1.6M in Q2’19, principally reflecting increased staffing to support expanded operations and growth. Research & development expenses increased to $1.0M in Q2’20, compared to $882,000 in Q2’19 as Flux Power progressed development of higher capacity battery packs for larger equipment. Flux Power’s Q2’20 net loss increased to $3.3M from a loss of $2.9M in Q2’19, principally reflecting higher operating costs, partially offset by the improvement in gross profit and decreased interest expense. At December 31, 2020, borrowings under Flux Power’s $12.0M Short Term Line of Credit provided by Esenjay Investments LLC, owned by the Company’s largest shareholder and other lenders, were $10.7M, due June 30, 2020, and a second short-term borrowing, due March 31, 2020 was $1.1M. Additionally, the Company entered into a Factoring Agreement with BayView Funding dated August 13, 2019 with a current maximum principal amount of $3.0M and an initial term of 12 months, which can be extended. Flux Power also implemented a working capital line sponsored by one of its leading OEMs for receivables with that OEM.
Douglas Battery™ to Feature Legacy® Battery and Charger Solutions at MODEX® 2020
Douglas Battery™, a manufacturer of batteries and chargers for material handling applications, will feature its full portfolio of power solutions for warehouses and distribution centers in booth no. 3819 at MODEX® 2020, which takes place from March 9 to 12 at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Attendees will have the opportunity to review the company’s state-of-the-art products, specifically designed to meet the high-power demands of material handling equipment. “Whether running one lift truck or an entire fleet, a single-shift operation or multiple shifts, we have the right battery and charger solution for any operation,” said Steve Satek, Douglas Battery Director of Sales. “We’re pleased to be part of this growing exhibition and look forward to reconnecting with industry professionals.” Douglas Battery will display a collection of its Legacy® batteries at this year’s MODEX show, including the company’s high performance and low maintenance power solutions. Legacy® batteries deliver excellent conductivity, are corrosion-resistant and include a sleeved positive plate separator to eliminate shorts and potential misalignments. Douglas Battery will also display its charger portfolio in booth no. 3819. The LegaC2™ modular charger, featuring one of the industry’s most compact and efficient designs, is suitable for a wide range of battery capacities, opening up the possibility of fewer chargers required for a fleet. Additionally, the high-frequency, high-speed and fully automatic Raptor™ rapid charger will be on display. The Raptor™ rapid charger is engineered with the latest digital power control technology to safely fast charge batteries anytime during the shift-day. Track daily usage, charge return, temperature, water level and equalization with the Douglas DataTrac™ battery monitoring device. The device is installed onto the battery to capture real-time information and records minute-by-minute data that can be tracked using the Douglas DataTrac™ Reporting Suite. Data capture allows battery fleets to be managed more effectively in order to improve productivity, cut operating costs and save time.
Hyster Counterbalanced Truck with Integrated Lithium-Ion Battery named finalist for International Forklift of the Year
The Hyster® J60XNL with integrated lithium-ion power has been named a finalist for the International Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) award. The J60XNL breaks new ground as the first counterbalanced lift truck engineered around a fully integrated lithium-ion battery pack. “While counterbalanced lift trucks with lithium-ion power are available, they come in the form of battery box replacements,” says James Nielson, Product Manager, Hyster Company. “We took a different approach. The J60XNL is designed from the ground up to take advantage of the form factor of lithium-ion battery power, freeing space in the operator compartment and reducing truck weight for significant ergonomic and efficiency benefits.” The Hyster J60XNL weighs over 700 pounds less than the equivalent lead-acid battery powered model and has a lower center of gravity, offering improved acceleration and maneuverability, while reducing energy consumption. It also offers a lowered seat and floor plate, making entry and exit easier and adding 3.5 inches of head room, while still accommodating a taller seat with air suspension for a more comfortable ride. The integrated lithium-ion design also offers more space under the operator seat to provide increased freedom to position feet during operation. The Hyster J60XNL brings all the benefits of lithium-ion power to a counterbalanced forklift, including efficiency gains, no battery maintenance requirements, consistent power delivery and long battery life. Opportunity charging and the ability to fully charge in approximately one hour make lithium-ion power an ideal solution for heavy-duty applications. The lithium-ion battery technology is also FDA compliant, with zero emissions in operation and no gassing during the charging process, making it a strong choice for operations subject to high hygiene standards, like food, beverage and pharmaceuticals. The battery can also communicate with the truck and adjust performance based on operating temperature, allowing the J60XNL to operate in a wider range of temperatures than other lithium-ion products. The J60XNL is known as the Hyster J3.0XNL integrated lithium-ion counterbalanced forklift in Europe. The IFOY competition enters the evaluation phase in February, with testing of all nominated products for productivity, energy efficiency, safety, ergonomics, design and more.
EnerSys®receives MHEDA 2020 Most Valuable Supplier (MVS) Award
EnerSys® , a global provider in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, has earned the 2020 Most Valuable Supplier (MVS) Award from the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA). Each year, this prominent industry accolade is granted to fewer than 10 percent of all member companies and acknowledges organizations that have demonstrated a strong commitment to their dealer network, employees and community in 2019. “For years, we have admired MHEDA’s mission to provide the industry with access to important resources, networking and training programs in order to better serve our colleagues, customers and community,” said Chad Uplinger, Vice President, Motive Power Americas at EnerSys. “We are honored to receive the 2020 MVS award. As we embark on the new decade ahead, we will continue to work closely with partners like MHEDA to offer innovative education services and support that ensure our team members stay up-to-date on the latest trends and business practices.” To qualify for the 2020 MVS Award, EnerSys was required to meet a series of criteria in the key areas of Industry Advocacy, Distributor Advocacy, Business Networking, Continuing Education and Business Best Practices. In addition to confirming an ongoing commitment to safety and employee training, award recipients also participated in MHEDA’s Learning Management System (LMS), which provides member access to professional development courses.
Flux Power accelerates momentum with major order and multi-year purchase agreement
Flux Power Holdings, Inc., a developer of advanced lithium-ion battery packs for industrial applications such as electric forklifts and airport ground support equipment (GSE), announced that it has received an order for several hundred GSE Packs for a global airline. The order was facilitated by Flux Power’s GSE distribution partner Averest, Inc. The nearly $6M order, on a retail basis, will be delivered in scheduled shipments throughout 2020 (subject to cancellations and/or change orders). The 80V, 300Ah lithium-ion battery packs will be deployed to power a fleet of baggage tractors at airports across North America. “Airlines are increasingly looking for energy solutions for their GSE fleets that provide high performance, no emissions, and no water maintenance requirements,” Flux Power CEO Ron Dutt commented. “The GSE Packs deliver all those benefits and provide a lower total cost of ownership for large fleets.” Additionally, Flux Power announced that it has signed a Master Purchase Agreement with one of its existing Fortune 500 global heavy equipment customers. This new multi-year contract covers a broad range of lithium-ion battery packs for use in material handling equipment. Flux Power has been shipping packs to this customer beginning in Fall 2018, which has led to this agreement.
MCFA launches CAT® Lift Trucks lithium-ion battery technology
Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc. (MCFA), the provider of Cat® lift trucks in the United States, Canada and Mexico, just announced the offering of its highly-efficient Lithium-ion batteries for its electric pneumatic tire forklifts. When compared to traditional batteries, Lithium-ion power solution offers zero maintenance, are compact and long lasting. “Lithium-ion batteries are revolutionizing the electric lift truck market,” said Jenna Reed, Product Marketing Manager at MCFA. “With extraordinary endurance and consistently higher efficiency ratings, Lithium-ion batteries can provide the needed performance while saving on power costs.” Energy Efficient With opportunity charging, Lithium-ion batteries are able to run 24-hours a day, 7-days a week without the need to stop during a shift and change the batteries. Lithium-ion batteries can last up to three times longer than traditional stored energy units. Out Performs Lead Acid Lithium-ion batteries can save up to 20 percent more energy with regenerative braking. Communication between the battery and the charger ensures efficient charging. Even with a low charge, Lithium-ion power solutions maintain constant voltage and more power than lead-acid batteries. Zero Battery Maintenance Lithium-ion batteries eliminate the need for routine battery maintenance, watering, battery servicing and other infrastructure requirements. These batteries do not emit gas and are maintenance free.
OneCharge and ECOTEC listed as approved vendors for Charge Ready Transport Program
OneCharge Lithium Ion Batteries and ECOTEC chargers listed as approved vendors for “Charge Ready Transport” program, which provides financing for fleet electrification infrastructure OneCharge Inc., a provider of lithium motive batteries for the material handling industry, and Ecotec, a provider of world-class, energy-efficient battery charging solutions, has announced that their Southern California customers are eligible for Southern California Edison’s “Charge Ready Transport” program. This SCE program covers most or all of the customers’ costs for electric infrastructure needed up to the charging station. The five-year program has authorized up to $30 Million for forklifts specifically. These are the main criteria for program eligibility, applicants must: be within the SCE service territory; purchase or lease two or more electric forklifts within 18 months of signing the agreement; procure, own, install, and operate the charging stations for 10 years; easement will be required. These are the zero-emission voucher incentive benchmarks for clean off-road equipment projects: Forklift lbs. Lift Cap Funding 8,001 – 12,000 $15,000 12,001 – 20,000 $20,000 20,001 – 33,000 $50,000 >33,000 $150,000 Electric Forklifts have lower operating costs Electric forklifts cost less to own over their lifetime than comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) forklifts. A typical ICE forklift is about 3-5 times more expensive to operate than its electric counterpart. And with fewer tune-ups, a reduction in engine parts and no tank refills, electric forklifts are also more productive than legacy forklifts. Lower operating costs, reduced maintenance and improved safety make electric forklifts a better investment. Electric Forklifts are just as powerful Modern electric forklifts perform side- by-side with their ICE counterparts, while being safer and less expensive to operate under most circumstances. Electric Forklifts reduce pollution With virtually no fuel expenditure, electric forklifts fit modern “earth-friendly” initiatives. With manufacturing trending green, electric forklifts are a smart, cost-efficient option. Plus, workers are not exposed to harmful tailpipe emissions with electric forklifts. The bottom line: less carbon footprint, more healthy work environment. Electric Fleets don’t require space-wasting battery changing rooms Fast chargers eliminate the need for battery-changing rooms. Batteries are charged during scheduled breaks and shift changes without ever leaving the vehicle. Fast charging won’t harm batteries With unique algorithms, battery monitoring and heat management technology can actually extend the life of your batteries by almost 40% and reduce your battery inventory by 50%. Energy security Energy efficiency and security is perhaps the most underrated of all the advantages of electric forklift trucks. The U.S. still imports millions of gallons of oil on a daily basis. Slowly and surely, electric forklifts (along with electric cars) are helping reduce the need for the U.S. to rely so much on foreign imports. Electric forklifts are helping to fill the void with reliable, safe, and efficient transportation – all with a better overall economic benefit. Additional application requirements apply. Visit: https://www.sce.com/crt
Food producer Allan Brothers Fruit boosts operation effectiveness with Li-ion Technology
Summary This is another example of a team effort that produced a great outcome for the customer. Papé Group / Pape Material Handling introduced Allan Brothers, Inc. to the lithium solution. Bill Dorsett and Tim Gosser brought the idea to life. Then once Onecharge was brought in, Pape’s Walter Tapia, Ron Scott, OneCharge’s Nate Hyatt, Brian Burciaga and Mark D’Amato made the installation happen. OneCharge Li-ion Batteries has helped Allan Brothers to save over half a million USD upgrading its lift trucks with Li-ion technology. Not unlike its own fruit, Allan Brothers Inc. is growing healthily. In 2018, as the vertically integrated fruit company prepared to install a new state-of-the-art fruit packing line – the biggest in the world – management realized that the costs associated with the lead acid battery-powered electric lift trucks in the operation’s fleet were adding up. Time spent on changing the batteries during shifts was costing $56,000 a year and another $7,600 a year in watering maintenance costs. The expansion required a new battery room which would cost another $440,000. Allan Brothers found itself in need of new battery technology solution. All of these costs were cut by switching from traditional lead acid to lithium batteries by OneCharge. By equipping its 30 lift trucks with OneCharge Li-ion Batteries, Allan Brothers was able to save on both the ongoing maintenance costs and the investment needed for expansion. About Allan Brothers Allan Brothers manages its own farm acreage, growing apples, cherries and wine grapes. In diversifying its business portfolio, the company purchased the Washington iconic vineyard, Sagemoor Vineyards, located in Pasco. The business began over a century ago and a fourth generation of family members are involved in the business today. The genesis of the operation was when the Allan family started planting around Naches, Washington. 20 row crops were converted to cherry orchards and the fruit operation began, growing to eventually include around 3,500 tree fruit and wine grape acres. Today, the business is led by CEO Miles Kohl, who assumed the position in 2007. From the Allan family, Travis Allan oversees the fruit operation and Tom Allan works on the storage side of the business. There are four members of the Allan family on the company board. The operation grows their own fruit, packages, and ships it along with third-party fruit to locations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and other countries. Kohl said the fruit business has focused on moving away from commodity varieties and into apples like Honeycrisp, Jazz, Envy and Pink Lady. Allan Brothers purchased Sagemoor Vineyards in 2014 and now has about 110 winery customers, according to Kohl. The business has 600 full time employees, and 2,500 workers during peak harvest season. Its packing operation is situated on 30 acres in Naches, and the company recently completed a 300,000-square-foot building expansion. The Challenge In 2018, the company had installed a new apple packing line. The line, featuring cutting edge technology, is the largest in the world. At the same time as this expansion, the business was deciding on the next lease term for its lift trucks. But the company’s growth meant an unexpected demand for new battery space to accommodate a fleet of lift trucks powered by lead acid batteries, a cost expected to amount to $440,000. Now with 30 trucks covering two shifts and each truck requiring a change of battery per shift, company management figured maintenance was racking up 750 minutes of down time daily. This was costing the business up to $56,000 yearly. And the weekly preventive maintenance the batteries required in the form of watering was estimated to cost another $7,800 a year. The Solution Management closely looked into the available options and zeroed in on the efficiency and quality that Li-ion batteries could provide. Compared to the costs associated with lead acid batteries, the company’s leaders realized how much could be gained by opting for lithium-ion batteries for its lift trucks. Li-ion would provide savings not only by sparing the expense of adding to the physical space for battery room, but in the time and money spent on battery maintenance and in the improved lift truck efficiency from better battery performance. Added to this was the benefit of lower costs from employees not working with hazardous lead acid batteries, and safer conditions for both the workers and the company’s food product lines. Allan Brothers selected OneCharge, which offers over 550 unique model parts to fit material handling lift truck battery needs, as the right fit for a large and expanding material handling operation. The Results The benefits of using lithium-ion were apparent soon after the Allan Brothers’ fleet of electric lift trucks were equipped with Li-ion batteries. Batteries plugged in overnight were completely charged by the start of a new shift at 3 a.m. Quick hit opportunity charging was used during 15-minute breaks and 30-minute lunch breaks to increase efficiency and function of the batteries. The costs of downtime during battery charging were eliminated. Also gone were the dangers associated with battery maintenance that had previously been a concern. There had not been any major accidents at Allan Brothers involving personnel changing the batteries, but the potential risks the procedure presented caused frequent concern. Lead acid batteries present risks surrounding spills and possible toxic fumes from the equipment require additional ventilation. The crane used for battery changing at Allan Brothers was used by all truck drivers resulting in wear and tear and possible liabilities. The reduced health risks in an operation using lithium ion meant lower insurance rates for all 30 truck operators, totaling $6,000 in savings per year. And doing away with this concern ensured better conditions for the food products in the handling process by eliminating hazardous materials in the food packing facility, including the possibility of fumes or acid spills from the previous batteries. Allan Brothers’ management also appreciated the power of Li-ion, as the batteries continued to operate at close to 100 percent of the original capacity throughout shifts. The company’s lead acid batteries, by comparison, had gradually
MCFA launches new Jungheinrich® Lithium-Ion battery technology
Lithium-Ion batteries are revolutionizing the electric lift truck market Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc. (MCFA), a manufacturer of forklifts under the Jungheinrich® brand, announced the launch of its Jungheinrich Lithium-ion battery technology. As compared to traditional lead acid batteries, Lithium-ion power solution offers superior energy efficiency, zero maintenance and long-life cycles for greater uptime and productivity. Today’s release includes a broad-range of lithium-ion battery solutions in addition to integrated batteries to support more than 40 electric forklifts across the Jungheinrich product line. Lithium-ion technology provides improved energy efficiency when compared to conventional lead-acid technologies. It offers a greater depth of discharge and a constant voltage, meaning more power is available even when the battery is running low. The batteries’ high level of efficiency when charging and energy recuperation during braking facilitates more than a 20 percent energy savings. “We’re excited to launch our Lithium-ion battery power solutions to the North American market,” said Jenna Reed, Product Marketing Manager. “The Jungheinrich Lithium-ion battery technology combines proven technology with an efficient battery management system. The combination is extremely powerful, translating into greater run times and increased productivity. Customers who are seeking to transition from lead-acid to Lithium-ion technology can also save considerably on overhead expenses, such as battery supply, chargers and in some instances even fleet size.” Additionally, Jungheinrich Lithium-ion batteries can last up to three times longer than traditional energy storage units. Their extraordinary endurance and consistently higher efficiency rating can save on power costs. Furthermore, the new Lithium-ion battery solution is maintenance-free and does not emit gas. This capability eliminates the cost of battery upkeep, maintenance and infrastructure needs, resulting in a lower fleet management cost depending on the application.
Battery Durability improvements strengthens global interest in Nano One
Nano One’s patented coated nanocrystal innovation provides improvements to the durability and cost of lithium ion battery cathode materials, and is adding to the opportunities with global automotive manufacturers and suppliers. This interest originates from Nano One’s news release of August 21, 2019, outlining the ability to form protective coatings on individual crystals with the potential to increase the durability of lithium ion batteries. An unrelated publication from Tesla’s research team, released shortly thereafter, demonstrated the possibility of million mile batteries using single-crystal cathode materials with advanced electrolyte. “Tesla’s research provides evidence that batteries made with single crystal cathodes can last an order of magnitude longer than conventional composite cathode structures in battery cycle testing,” says Nano One CEO, Dan Blondal. “These results help to substantiate Nano One’s technology advantage and have spawned a great deal of interest in our coated nanocrystal innovation which produces our patented single crystal cathode powders. This has generated a measurable increase in strategic level discussions and forms the basis of current relationships with several automotive players and chemical companies. We are working hard to add these developing relationships to our existing list of joint development partnerships.” Nano One’s coated nanocrystal innovation is described in a 90 second animation and addresses a fundamental battery tradeoff between energy density and durability. Increased durability would provide electric vehicle manufacturers greater flexibility in optimizing range, charging rates, safety and cost. Increased durability also enables the reduction of cobalt in batteries to address cost, supply, and ethical issues. Each of Nano One’s cathode technologies – lithium iron phosphate (LFP); nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC); and high voltage spinel (HVS or LNMO) – form coated nanocrystals with a range of benefits and applications. Mr. Blondal added: “The automotive industry is increasingly committed to an electric vehicle transition, and Nano One is well positioned with its coated nanocrystal innovation to leverage the need for increased durability, stability and energy density.”
Revised BCI Battery Labeling manual now available
The Battery Council International or BCI has released a revised version of the BCI Battery Labeling Manual that is now available for purchase. This manual of recommended practices provides information on hazard warnings and other markings for lead batteries and packaging, as well as labeling and testing requirements for acid packs, for use in the U.S. and its major trading partners. The labeling recommendations reflect major nationally and internationally adopted laws and standards governing health, safety and the environment, as of January 2020. Updates to the January 2020 revision include changes to Prop 65 language, pictogram placement, guidance for including percentage-recycled labeling and more. Purchase your copy today.
Industry remains charged up about lithium-ion batteries
Though lithium-ion technology has been around for more than two decades, it’s just recently that this technology has been available in material handling applications. “We’re definitely in an evolution, if you think of it as crawl-walk-run adaptation, we’re still in that crawl stage,” says Jennifer de Souza, senior director of Energy Solutions & Procurement for Raymond. “There’s a lot of shiny objects.” But that interest and buzz is good for the industry, as lithium-ion does offer advances not available with lead-acid batteries. “Lithium-ion batteries offer a lot of advantages to the material handling industry but one of the most valuable benefits of this design is its ability to deliver a better overall end-user experience,” says Harold Vanasse, senior director of marketing, Motive Power Americas at EnerSys. “Nowadays, especially with rising real estate and labor costs, material handlers are searching for ways to cut expenses and boost productivity, which in turn is driving demand for lower maintenance lift trucks.” Vanass says that, for example, EnerSys’ NexSys iON battery eliminates watering requirements and enables fast, effective opportunity charging. “No watering means less labor and no risk of spills, and opportunity charging means no more dedicated battery changing rooms, further reducing labor while freeing up valuable floorspace for revenue-generating activities,” he says. Focus on Education The benefits are clear, but industry experts all note that much of the focus right now is really on educating customers to ensure that they not only understand this latest-and-greatest technology, but that they are able to separate the truth from the hype and find the right power solution for their own needs. “Everyone knows lithium ion batteries give longer battery life, save energy with less charging time and provide virtually maintenance-free operation,” says Frank Russo, vice president of sales, marketing, dealer development for HC Forklift America Inc. “It’s our responsibility as industry professionals to teach, train and involve our customers in the latest cost-saving technologies.” For example, de Souza says that not all li-ion batteries are created equally, and that can ultimately be a factor that’s not always considered. “Your battery should be UL certified or UL equivalent,” she says, noting that not all lithium-ion batteries are in the market. “Not all lithium batteries are made the same, and not everyone understands that.” Initial Investment One of the biggest initial hurdles in introducing lithium-ion batteries to forklift fleets is the upfront cost, but those companies that are dabbling in this new technology are looking at this investment a little differently. While some customers are piloting a few batteries to see how they work and what the return could be on this type of investment, others are crunching the numbers in advance and then making a more comprehensive switch. “We’ve been working with the larger fleets, with the companies that are looking to eke out more cost efficiencies,” reports Ron Dutt, CEO of Flux Power. “They’re approaching it from an ‘all-in’ cost perspective – not just the cost of the battery. When you do that kind of side-by-side comparison, that’s usually the tipping point.” Like all new technologies moving through the market adaptation process, the cost of lithium-ion batteries have started, and will continue, to decrease over time. “Costs for lithium-ion batteries have been dropping and will continue to drop as the chemistry of the compounds improve,” says Russo. “Understand that the lithium-ion battery and the manufacturing expertise of such is not equal across our competitors. We believe and can show a 50-percent lower cost of ownership with the use of lithium-ion batteries for most any application vs. other battery configurations.” The Green Factor Lithium-ion batteries offer an eco-friendlier power option, which is not going unnoticed by the industry. Dutt says that this incentive is starting to hit the radar of government customers as well as private/public companies who have made green initiatives a priority. “Especially in California, the costs [of lithium-ion batteries] have been offset by grants,” adds Mike Marzahl, president of XL Lifts. “For example, we just delivered our World Lithium forklifts to the Port of Stockton as part of the California Air Resources Board’s Zero and Near-Zero Emissions Freight Facilities Project.” Marzahl also notes that other grant funding is now being rolled out in that state: California’s Air Resources Board recently announced the Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project, a $44-million acceleration program that provides purchasers with point-of-sale incentives to purchase and deploy zero-emission off-road freight equipment. A Hybrid Environment Ultimately, there is likely room for both lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries in the material handling workplace. “At the same time lithium-ion has been entering the marketplace, there have also been advances in lead-acid technology,” said de Souza. “I think there’s a definitely a middle ground there.” She notes that Raymond offers a power study to customers, which meters power usage and gathers data on how fleets are using it. From there, customers are able to see which battery sources are the most appropriate for their needs. “I think we’ll eventually see room for both, in terms of power usage,” she said. “It’s the usage that justifies the power application, whether it is lead-acid or lithium-ion.” Laurie Arendt is an award-winning business writer based in Wisconsin. Her writing regularly appears in national trade publications in a variety of industries. To contact Laurie Arendt email editorial@MHWmag.com.
Sam Morovati named Vice President of Sales at Delta-Q Technologies
With more than 20 years of sales, marketing and strategic leadership experience, Morovati will oversee global sales growth and customer satisfaction Delta-Q Technologies (Delta-Q) has announced that sales veteran, Sam Morovati has joined the company as vice president of sales, responsible for leading Delta-Q’s global sales channels. “As Delta-Q continues to pursue growth within the global battery charger and broader technology markets, we are excited to welcome Sam to our team,” said Sarah MacKinnon, chief financial officer and executive vice president of Delta-Q. “Sam is a seasoned and results-driven leader in the technology sector, and we are confident his leadership will support Delta-Q’s and our customers’ missions. He has a proven track record and offers tremendous leadership, mentoring and coaching skills, which will be valuable assets for us going forward. We are counting on him to ensure that our strategic sales plans will firmly align with our corporate vision, mission and values.” Morovati has more than two decades of sales, marketing and technology management services expertise. He brings significant skillsets to his new post, including experience driving the go-to market strategies with enterprise operating in the telecommunications, enterprise software, automation, renewable energy, smart-grid, industrial control, and industrial Internet of Things. He will lend that expertise to propel Delta-Q into new markets and industries. Prior to joining Delta-Q, Morovati served as sales director at Honeywell, in Toronto, helping its Ontario customers optimize operations with Honeywell security, building automation, software and services. He also spent six years at Schneider Electric as a Territory sales manager, and national business developer for the wind renewable market. Sam earned his electrical and electronics engineering degree from Bogazici University in Istanbul, Turkey and his Master of Business Administration in Management of Technology from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, BC. “I am excited to be a part of Delta-Q’s dynamic team,” said Morovati. “Delta-Q is powering the global adoption of battery-powered technologies and I look forward to strengthening their position in electrification market. I am eager to work closely with our global sales team, customers and partners to help them achieve their objectives and contribute to a greener world for our future.”
Three key positions filled on NREL leadership team
New deputy director and chief operating officer, chief human resources officer, and chief counsel to join team guiding the strategic direction of the laboratory. The complement of leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is complete now that three vacant positions have been filled. “Whenever I have the opportunity to add a member to our leadership team, my goal is to not only bring on an individual with unique skills and expertise, but someone who will embrace our mission and guide our operations as we grow the NREL family,” said NREL Director Martin Keller. Julie Baker is now deputy laboratory director and chief operating officer for the lab. She succeeds Bobi Garrett, who retired at the end of 2019. Already employed at NREL as associate laboratory director for Facilities and Operations, overseeing the Site Operations; Environment, Safety, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q); Security and Emergency Management; and Information Technology directorates. She joined NREL in May 2016 after 27 years at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), where she most recently served as director of business at INL’s Materials and Fuels Complex. “The entire leadership team knows Julie well, and we’re thrilled she’ll be leading our daily operations as we begin a new decade as the leading laboratory in the advanced energy space,” Keller said. Carin Casso Reinhardt will join NREL as chief human resources (HR) officer. She steps into a position held in an acting capacity by NREL’s Kris Green since mid-July. Her most recent position was as the executive head of HR at Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. Casso Reinhardt’s extensive career as an HR leader also includes nearly two decades at ASRC Federal, a federal government services contractor operating in the technology, engineering, sciences, and professional services business spaces. “Carin brings deep expertise in human resource management to our laboratory leadership team,” Keller said. “We look forward to leveraging that expertise as we seek to acquire and retain the best talent necessary to accomplish our mission.” John Stolpa is now NREL’s general counsel. He fills the position vacated in September with the retirement of Steve Silbergleid. He joined NREL in 2008 as a senior counsel in intellectual property (IP) and has served as deputy general counsel since 2018, managing compliance related to IP and procurement law, as well as technology transfer and export control. Before coming to NREL, Stolpa was a patent attorney practicing at IP law firms in Washington, D.C., and Denver, Colorado. “I have had the opportunity to work frequently with John in his previous roles in our Office of General Counsel,” Keller said. “I know that we are in good hands as he takes on this larger role here at NREL.” NREL is the U.S. Department of Energy’s primary national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. NREL is operated for the Energy Department by The Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.
Nano One patents a new durable Cobalt-Free Battery material
Dr. Stephen Campbell, Chief Technology Officer at Nano One has announced the issuance of Taiwanese patent number I672852 relating to lithium nickel manganese oxide (LNMO) cathode material, also known as high voltage spinel (HVS). In addition to the increased durability shown below, Nano One‘s LNMO also eliminates cobalt from the battery, thereby addressing the ethical and supply chain issues related to artisanal cobalt mining in Africa for use in lithium ion batteries. Dr. Campbell said “This addition to Nano One’s patent portfolio is an important, low cost durability improvement to LNMO. This material operates at high voltage with fast rates of charge and discharge, compared to other cathode materials. Our technology treats the surface of the discrete cathode crystals and it mitigates instabilities common to spinels including LNMO and enables elevated operating temperatures that are typical in electric vehicle batteries.” This represents the sixteenth patent in Nano One’s IP portfolio which extends to the U.S., Canada, China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan.
Plug Power receives $172M order for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Solutions
Plug Power Inc., a provider of hydrogen engines and fueling solutions enabling e-mobility, received an order at the close of 2019 from a Fortune 100 customer for hydrogen fuel cell deployments across their distribution network over the next two years. This contract, valued at more than $172 million, is for Plug Power’s GenDrive fuel cell power, GenFuel hydrogen fuel, storage and dispensing infrastructure, and GenCare aftermarket service and support. The global total available market for material handling is currently valued at $30 billion. Plug Power’s turnkey hydrogen and fuel cell solutions are attractive in high utilization environments, where they have a distinct advantage as compared to batteries. Hydrogen fuel cells are adopted to increase productivity, lower operational costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Plug Power customers have reported a 15% productivity increase, and savings per year greater than $1 million in sites with approximately 200 forklift trucks. Expansions with material handling customers like that announced today, combined with developing sales channels and continued growth in the European market are key drivers for achieving Plug Power’s $1B plan for gross billings in 2024. Plug Power’s CEO Andy Marsh comments, “The material handling industry remains our core growth market in the near-term. This sizable contract signifies continual market validation to customer’s rapidly moving material handling business thus far. We commend this customer for its leadership in hydrogen and fuel cell adoption throughout the logistics business.” Marsh continues, “Coupling this growth with already unfolding market expansion in stationary power and on-road electric vehicles well positions Plug Power to achieve our $1B gross billing goal for 2024.” Plug Power, the leader in deploying hydrogen and fuel cell systems into broader logistics markets, has deployed more than 30,000 fuel cell units into commercial applications. The company has built more than 80 hydrogen stations and, as the largest user of liquid hydrogen, consumes more than 24 tons daily. Plug Power’s manufacturing facility for the GenDrive and GenFuel products is its headquarters in Latham, New York.
Delta-Q Technologies new VCIM product expands capabilities to support standard charging stations
Delta-Q Technologies (Delta-Q), a provider in battery charging solutions for electric vehicles and industrial equipment, has announced the launch of its new Vehicle Charge Interface Module (VCIM), expanding the company’s power charging capabilities to support electric vehicle AC charging stations or Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSEs). Complementing Delta-Q’s recently released Stackable Charging System, the VCIM is a hardware addition that opens the capabilities of Delta-Q chargers to include compatibility with standard EVSEs. The product assists with negotiating the EVSE AC current limits and communicating its electrical information to the “master” charger of the Stackable Charging System. The VCIM addresses the needs of electric vehicles plug-in to the ever-expanding EV charging station infrastructure. It supports the European EN 61851-1 mode 2 and 3; and North American SAE J1772 AC Level 1 and 2. “Our new VCIM product will open doors for our customers and prospects,” says Lloyd Gomm, vice president of business development at Delta-Q. “OEMs will now have an option to design systems that can utilize the growing public charging infrastructure with their end products, giving users more freedom and flexibility to charge anywhere.” The VCIM module communicates with the Stackable Charging System over CAN bus to fill the need of for higher power onboard charging solutions that are modular, scalable and can be distributed across the vehicle or equipment. This system uses proprietary software to link two to six Delta-Q chargers together to create a charging solution that can deliver up to 7.5 kW. Delta-Q Technologies Stackable Charging System
World Forklift West and XL Lifts unveil second-generation lithium forklift
World Forklift West, a World Lift master distributor, and XL Lifts, specializing in zero and low emissions forklifts and a World Lift dealer, today announced the 2020 World Lithium forklift, the industry’s first low-capacity lithium electric forklift for indoor and outdoor use. The second-generation all-weather World Lithium Forklift is designed specifically for use with lithium batteries and outside use. Other standard brand forklift companies are still offering a first-generation converted lead-acid forklift that uses steel plates inside the lithium battery housing as counterweight to compensate for the weight of a lead acid battery. The result is a significantly heavier, wider and bulkier lift that does not work outside or inside tight turning radius quarters. Because the 2020 World Lithium is designed for lithium, it boasts a streamlined footprint that enables the forklift to operate in small working areas or sharp turning radius requirements, without compromising on lifting capacity. For example, the World Lithium 8,000 lb. capacity requires the same space/area as a conventional 5,000 lb. or 6,000 lb. LPG forklift. “Beyond the upfront cost savings, the newly designed World Lithium forklift utilizes fast charging lithium ion batteries making World Lithium forklifts one of the first lower-capacity zero emissions forklifts to run continuous shifts with brief opportunity charging on breaks, lunches and between shifts,” said Peter Vaz, President of World Lift. “The result is minimal downtime for increased productivity without the bigger and bulkier footprint of older lead-acid battery converted forklifts. We are thrilled to introduce this innovative electric forklift to the market.” “XL Lifts (a World Forklift dealer) is excited to offer its customers a second-generation zero-emission forklift alternative that can be used in all-weather conditions — even in the rain and snow. This innovation means that companies no longer need to purchase two forklifts, such as an LPG/diesel and an electric forklift, one for outdoors and one for indoors,” said President of XL Lifts Mike Marzahl. “Plus, with the ability to be charged outdoors*, companies no longer have to allocate precious and expensive indoor space or battery rooms to house and charge their World Lithium forklifts, like they currently need to with their lead-acid electric forklifts.” Currently, some industries, have had no choice, but to purchase multiple forklift fleets of forklifts for indoor and outdoor use. For example, agriculture and warehousing companies need to move produce or product from field outside trucks using LPG or diesel forklifts, to a staging area, and finally to and inside the cooling plant or enclosed warehouse using an electric forklift. But now, with the all-weather, zero emissions World Lithium Forklift, agriculture and warehousing companies can unload produce and product from field trucks and move pallets of inventory directly into the cooling plant(s) or warehouse using just one forklift, saving significant time and money. This would also apply to companies who are in the material handling business – such as freight, transportation, distribution, warehousing Key features and benefits of the new World Lithium Forklift include: Lower price point compared to other lithium battery forklifts All weather usage and charging*, designed for use both indoors and outdoors Eliminates need for large indoor space to house and charge electric forklifts Smaller footprint — without compromising on lifting capacity — for small work areas or sharp turning radius requirements (e.g. the 8,000 lb. World Lithium is the same size as a standard 6,000 lb. LPG) Battery control system so users can regulate speed, lifting capacity and battery productivity Simple wireless and configurable cloud monitoring that provides daily, weekly and monthly reporting on key metrics such as charging cycles, usage and energy Zero emissions = clean & quiet Able to run continuous shifts with opportunity charging Regenerating brake and hydraulic system for longer battery life Bundling with charge stations available, with Level I, II or DC Fast Charge Safety features like daylight strobes and white noise generator EPA compliant; CE certified; meets or exceeds all ANSI B56.1 Range of sizes with up to 20,000 lb. capacity Customized exterior colors