BSL Battery: Industrial expands testing and product validation capabilities
Ground support equipment (GSE) is traditionally powered by internal combustion engines (ICs), just like the aircraft they support. The burning of diesel, gas, or propane, however, results in carbon emissions that negatively impact the environment. Airlines and airports are replacing diesel-fueled ground support equipment (GSE) with lithium-ion battery-powered machines to meet evolving environmental requirements. By switching from diesel-fueled equipment, we reduce carbon emissions, fueling and engine maintenance costs, as well as the health risks associated with internal combustion engine emissions and noise. BSL Battery – Industrial Expands Testing and Product Validation Capabilities with Field Shaker To make sure the truck is “revived” immediately and the life expectancy is excellent after a “heart transplant”, BSLBATT Battery team conducts strict performance tests to assure all BSLBATT battery products meet industrial standards for quality and compatibility for every applications. Announcing Last month an expansion in-house with all the testing required to meetUL 2580 and UN/DOT 38.3compliance Testing and product validation capabilities for equipment, including field shakers. To learn more about UL 2580 testing and UN38.3 certification with BSL Battery – Industrial, keep watching our video or read on! As they work to convert their existing ground support equipment into more energy-efficient electric vehicles, key players in the aviation industry support the development of these safety standards.Retrofitting lithium-ion batteries into more traditional diesel-powered equipment when upgrading existing fleets is also addressed in the Standard. Most ground support equipment today is powered by gasoline or diesel engines, and some by lead-acid batteries. Emissions from internal combustion engines can harm the environment and ground personnel. Over the next three decades, airports around the world have committed to removing all diesel-powered vehicles from their apron and airside. A $640,000 (USD) grant was awarded by The Chicago Department of Aviation toward United Airlines’ $1.43 million (USD) joint investment with the Environmental Protection Agency to purchase 26 new zero-emission GSE vehicles.United Airlines will save more than 1.4 million gallons of diesel fuel and reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the primary air pollutant in the generation of greenhouse gases, by more than 16,000 tons (as well as other byproducts of fuel emissions). The Voluntary Airport Low Emissions Program (VALE) offers financial incentives for airports to reduce their carbon emissions.According to the FAA, this program has funded 121 projects at 56 airports since September or 2020.Many airports around the world are eligible for grants. Retrofitting GSE lithium batteries Some aviation GSE is already powered by lead-acid batteries. However, lithium batteries are significantly lighter, smaller, and offer better energy storage and physical space than lead-acid batteries. Because of these reasons, the aviation industry is retrofitting its lead-acid-powered GSE fleets with lithium batteries. Since lithium retrofit batteries are not closely regulated, the aviation industry is particularly concerned about their safety. In order to address this concern, the Standard provides for the retrofitting of lithium batteries into more traditional diesel and lead-acid powered equipment. Maintenance and operations at airports Unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries require no maintenance other than charging. Due to the prevalence of lead-acid powered GSE in their fleet inventory, most airline operations facilities already have charging equipment. Lithium battery chargers, new battery charging stations, and their facilities can be tested for safety compliance and for fire, electric shock, and explosion risks. In the aviation industry, managers of dangerous goods and ground support teams agree that prevention is the best way to increase safety. Haley Ning said: “UL’s comprehensive testing facility enables in-house qualification of everything from the smallest to the largest battery system, eliminating the need to outsource any testing aspects of UL or UN certification and speeding up the process. ”BSL Battery – Industrial Chief Operating Officer. “Our strong relationship with UTL, an Underwriters Laboratories compliant laboratory, coupled with these strong testing capabilities, enables BSL Battery – Industrial to rapidly develop and deliver world-class energy storage systems to critical applications for our end users. All BSL Battery – Industrial systems are designed and tested to meet the rigorous standards of the modern operating environment, with an unwavering focus on safety and reliability. We remain committed to providing clean energy solutions to this fast-growing market.” Lithium-ion Transition The first step in implementing lithium-ion battery technology is to assess the condition of the current fleet of ground support equipment. Consider these questions as a starting point: Is there equipment that is nearing the end of its useful life that would need to be replaced? Could you easily replace the lithium-ion battery pack on your existing electric GSE? You should evaluate the specifics of the fleet operations once you have answered the first two questions: What is the average number of hours per day that the GSE is used? Is there a requirement for battery charging infrastructure? What are the environmental and regulatory requirements? (not just today, but in the future as well) A detailed return on investment (ROI) calculation can provide insight into the economic benefits of switching to a lithium-ion or lead acid power source. Don’t forget to include maintenance costs, battery replacement costs, and refueling/charging infrastructure costs when calculating the total cost of ownership. GSE with zero emissions and high performance is in high demand. Because lithium-ion batteries provide significant benefits, IC engines are increasingly being replaced by lithium-ion batteries. In light of government regulations on emissions, now may be the right time to start looking at high performance lithium-ion batteries for GSE fleets.
UgoWork introduces UgoPilot: Transforming energy management and battery intelligence for industrial trucks
Innovative software platform enhances fleet performance, operator safety, and sustainability UgoWork™, a Canadian lithium-ion energy solutions provider specialized in the material handling industry, is proud to introduce UgoPilot™, an innovative energy and battery intelligence management platform designed exclusively for industrial vehicle fleets. With a focus on real-time insights and data-driven decision-making, UgoPilot heralds a new era in energy management, empowering organizations to maximize fleet efficiency while prioritizing performance, safety, and sustainability. “We’ve cultivated intelligence and harnessed our energy expertise through meticulous data collection from our cloud-connected batteries since Day 1,” said Philippe Beauchamp, president and CEO of UgoWork. “Today’s industry is shifting towards high performance products to meet safety, productivity and sustainability goals. The UgoPilot software suite is all about providing clarity. It generates the data-driven insights operations managers need to maximize the use of their fleets and enter into a new era of energy management that truly reduces carbon footprint and costs. Thanks to UgoPilot, batteries are not just black boxes anymore.” Pioneering fleet management transformation Capitalizing on proven field results, UgoPilot will unlock multiple opportunities that include: Secure: Safe and efficient equipment operation through real-time data Reduce: Comprehensive fleet data to confidently eliminate underused equipment Optimize: Predictive analytics to maximize fleet throughput and asset life Support: Instant access to energy experts dedicated to helping you boost operational performance and achieve your mission-critical KPIs A better battery is just the start Beta testers are already praising UgoPilot as a game-changer for the industry. An early adopter of UgoWork solutions and beta tester operating one of the largest 3PL operations in Canada shared, “UgoPilot’s analysis of raw data provides insight that translates into action. Its prioritized features such as real-time fleet status, instant notifications, and personalized reporting have revolutionized our operations. UgoWork’s Energy Experts provide unparalleled support, helping us reach our fleet reduction and productivity goals.” UgoPilot is set to reshape industries such as food and beverage, third-party logistics (3PL), warehousing and manufacturing. Designed for companies operating medium to large sized fleets, with each truck logging over 2,000 operational hours annually, UgoPilot stands as a beacon for businesses seeking enhanced fleet visibility, optimized performance, and significant energy savings. Elevating industrial battery management UgoPilot redefines energy management and battery intelligence for industrial trucks. With a phased rollout to select existing customers that started in the summer, the platform is now globally available, providing organizations the tools to harness actionable insights for unparalleled fleet performance.
KION Group closes recycling loop for lithium-ion batteries
Intralogistics Group’s batteries now being recycled by strategic partner Li-Cycle in Magdeburg, Germany Sustainable process recovers up to 95 percent of the battery’s valuable minerals and materials KION Group CTO Henry Puhl: “We are helping to drive forward the transition to a low-carbon economy.” The KION Group is now sending lithium-ion batteries that have reached the end of their useful life to its strategic partner Li-Cycle Holding Corp. (“Li-Cycle”; NYSE LICY) for recycling. The Group’s objective is to have a total of up to 5,000 tonnes of end-of-life battery material professionally and sustainably processed at the Li-Cycle recycling plant in Magdeburg, Germany, by 2030. This tonnage is equivalent to around 15,000 large lithium-ion batteries of the kind used in forklift trucks. “We firmly believe that lithium-ion is the drive technology of the future. That is why it is so important to us to make the technology part of a closed loop – from manufacturing and usage through to resource recovery,” said Henry Puhl, Chief Technology Officer of KION GROUP AG at the official opening of Li-Cycle’s first recycling plant in Europe. The KION Group produces its own lithium-ion batteries at the KION Battery Systems plant in Karlstein am Main. These are then installed in the electric-powered industrial trucks of the KION brand companies Linde MH, Fenwick, STILL, and Baoli, as well as in automated warehouse logistics systems. “Together with Li-Cycle, we are now closing the loop and ensuring that nearly all of the valuable materials, including lithium, cobalt, copper, and nickel, are recovered from the lithium-ion batteries used in our trucks. These resources can then be used to make new batteries.” Puhl emphasized that the partnership with Li-Cycle will strengthen the KION Group’s sustainability credentials and further extend its market-leading position in electric-powered industrial trucks. While 88 percent of all industrial trucks sold by the KION Group brands last year were electric, the figure for the global market as a whole was just over 70 percent. “Not only are we helping to drive forward the energy transition, but we are also leading the way in the recovery of critical materials and the recycling of advanced lithium-ion batteries.” “We want to ensure that lithium-ion batteries do not end up in landfills, but instead that all their components are recycled in an environmentally responsible manner,” explains Richard Storrie, Li-Cycle’s President for the EMEA region. “The agreement with KION is an excellent example of a sustainable, long-term cooperation. Acting as a strategic partner, Li-Cycle will support the KION Group in hitting its recycling targets while at the same time helping it to meet EU requirements for battery management.” Modern and environmentally friendly recycling process Li-Cycle uses an innovative and sustainable two-stage process to recycle lithium-ion batteries and recover critical battery materials. In contrast to energy-intensive smelting methods, Li-Cycle uses non-thermal liquid-based size reduction technology. Li-Cycles technology can be used to process all types of lithium-ion batteries – regardless of shape, size, or chemistry. This liquid-based process is safer and avoids potential hazards such as fires. After the plastics and metals (copper, aluminum, and steel) are separated, they are rinsed, dried, and packaged ready to be shipped. The remaining intermediate, known as black mass, is then dealt with in stage two. In this hydrometallurgical process, materials such as lithium carbonate, cobalt sulfate and nickel sulfate are recovered from the black mass so that they can then be used in new batteries. The Li-Cycle process at its recycling facility in Magdeburg produces only minimal landfill waste, low air emissions, and no wastewater discharge. It has processing capacity for up to 30,000 tonnes of lithium-ion battery materials per year.
Lithium forklift batteries make a good business case for rental dealers and renters
The electric forklift rental business model benefits greatly from switching the equipment to lithium batteries from widespread lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries have longer lifespans, are more economical and durable, and require less maintenance, resulting in improved profitability for forklift dealers and helping customers achieve their sustainability objectives. As forklifts become increasingly electrified and rental fleets expand, lithium batteries are a wise investment for both dealers and renters. Long-term rental of forklifts When renting forklifts for extended periods, the switch to Li-ion batteries provides similar advantages as leasing or buying own equipment. These benefits can be summarized as follows: Reduction in labor costs for maintenance (no need for daily watering and synchronization charges), resulting in 20-40% savings on the total cost of ownership of material handling equipment. Lower electricity use, leading to lower carbon emissions during operations, due to higher efficiency of energy conversion of lithium batteries. Improved overall efficiency in operations with less downtime and better forklift performance. A cleaner and safer workplace when compared to using flooded lead-acid battery packs. Companies may choose to buy new or select used electric forklifts in online classifieds and get all these benefits of lithium technology. But what about those operations that opt for short-term rental of their forklifts? Short-term rental of forklifts When it comes to renting forklifts for shorter periods of time, dealers face unique challenges. Renters have no incentive to invest in the proper maintenance of the batteries, often neglecting to water them regularly or synchronize their charge, returning them “dry” at the end of the lease term. The renter is required to run the tests and discuss the potential reimbursement for the damage and service labor, which no one likes to do. Here is how Eddie Burke, President and owner at Combilift Depot in Houston, TX, describes the problem: “We rent equipment all over the country, and can’t send technicians for daily watering. Most machines are rented out monthly, and when they come back, we inspect the battery, if it is damaged it is hard to determine whose fault it is… You can’t prove (if it is the customer’s fault), and I don’t want to argue with the customer over the damage to the battery. We are switching to li-ion, so the conversation is more like – “Is there a hole (in the battery)? No? We are good!” It’s just so much easier to do the testing (of a lithium battery) and make the judgment call.” Combilift Depot spends 4-6 hours of technician labor per lead-acid battery for diagnostics and service each time it is rented out and returned. Taking into account the much longer cycle life of a lithium battery, the savings are impressive. Eddie Burke continues: “In a perfect world a well-maintained lead-acid (battery) lasts 5-6 years, in rental conditions, it is great if it gets to 2-3 years when you start replacing cells. With OneCharge Li-ion (battery) we expect 10 years (of cycle life), it is a no-brainer”. A dealer would typically sell used equipment after 5 years, and the value of a lead-acid battery by this time is zero. With an advanced forklift battery, such as OneCharge, a buyer gets a full picture of the cycles left in a battery and can calculate how many years it can be expected to power the truck he buys. Rental contracts can be irregular, and if left idle for even a few weeks, a lead-acid battery can lose its charge and suffer permanent loss of capacity if not cared for properly. The worst thing that can happen to a lithium battery is if an operator forgets to charge the battery pack. Compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries are much more energy-dense and do not lose voltage with discharge. This means that a lithium battery with a lower Ah capacity can still cover most needs of a diverse pool of forklift renters, significantly reducing the cost of purchasing batteries for dealers. Additionally, lithium battery chargers are much smaller and lighter, which makes them easy to install or wall-mount around the facility. Growing popularity of equipment rentals In a recent article published by Forkliftaction, Rod Dayrit – the Business Development Director at Delta-Q Chargers – highlights the increase in equipment rental growth. He explained that forklift buyers see very long lead times for new equipment, and dealers are facing challenges in meeting demand due to economic factors such as high inflation rates and supply chain disruptions. Due to the rising costs and low availability of the new equipment, more and more end users are opting to rent instead. This helps them have fixed costs, and avoid potentially depreciation costs related to the unstable economic situation. Eddie Burke says the growth of the rental business started before COVID, but has accelerated in 2020: “We’ve seen a steady increase over the last 5 years. The current economic uncertainty with a war starting in one country and a government overthrown in another, with the US presidential election next year, pushes customers towards the rental model”. According to the American Rental Association (ARA), equipment rental revenue in the United States is expected to continue growing. In their 2023 update, the ARA projected a 7.6% increase, which would amount to $60.4 billion in revenue for construction and general tool rentals. Conclusions Lithium forklift batteries offer unique benefits for the burgeoning market segment of forklift fleet rentals by completely eliminating the pain of irregular service and maintenance. Lower required capacity, long cycle life, and significant savings on the total cost of ownership help accelerate the electrification of equipment and improve dealers’ bottom line while helping their customers achieve their sustainability and safety goals. Eddie again: “For the renters, the change to lithium (technology) means no maintenance, no obligations to watering, which is always a big mess, lower electricity use, and no damages discussions. And – safety guys do not like lead-acid batteries!” About the Author: Tim Karimov, President of OneCharge Lithium Batteries
LFP from Nano One’s commercial size reactors lead to fast-tracking customer samples
Commencing shipment of samples for partners to validate tonne scale LFP in Q4 Repeated One-Pot LFP trials demonstrates technology at commercial size reactors Accelerated retrofit of Candiac for continuous production of LFP 200 tpa reactors installed and optimization underway Building pipeline of potential customers for LFP product orders Nano One® Materials Corp is a clean technology company with patented processes for the production of lithium-ion battery cathode materials that enable secure and resilient supply chains by driving down cost, complexity, energy intensity, and environmental footprint. The Company is pleased to report that One-Pot trials over the past few months in the existing reactors at the Candiac plant have produced lithium iron phosphate (LFP) at commercial scale with performance results consistent to lab scale. Nano One has leapfrogged to full commercial size reactors and its LFP can be shipped to select customers in Q4 for evaluation. Additionally, the 200 tonne per annum (tpa) reactors have been installed and optimization is underway for scale-up. “We are ready to send qualified LFP materials to our partners for evaluation at tonne scale from our commercial scale reactors.” said Nano One’s Chief Commercialization Officer Mr. Denis Geoffroy, “These reactors performing are an important milestone in our commercialization strategy, to provide tonne scale samples to strategic partners and boost the confidence in our technology’s scalability. I am very proud of our team who achieved these results in a very short timeframe.” 2,000 tpa Commercial Reactors (existing): Nano One has continued to optimize trials in the existing commercial scale reactors, reproducing lab and development results. This demonstrates the One-Pot process can scale to commercial volumes and advances the de-risking of the technology at commercial scale. This rapid advancement allows commercial scale LFP samples to be sent to qualified customers, ahead of schedule, for thorough evaluation and validation for the purposes of entering binding offtake agreements for both the existing Candiac plant and the first full commercial line to be built next door. Optimization will continue and the results have helped identify key processing parameters and will expedite the commercial scale-up process. Successful repeatable LFP trials in the existing commercial scale reactors will lead to an accelerated refurbishment of the plant to automatize the use of the existing reactors for the One-Pot process. This will enable continuous production capabilities up to 2,000 tpa level toward the end of 2024. 200 tpa Pilot Reactors (new): In parallel, the team has continued to work on the reception, installation, and commissioning of the 200 tpa One-Pot reactors. These reactors will provide important information to improve the processes and support validation in a cost-effective manner as the Company continues to innovate. They also allow Nano One to have a baseline automated production capacity of 200 tpa, ready to deliver to customers once they have validated the product. “The experience of our team has been invaluable in achieving these important milestones.” said Alex Holmes, COO, “Working concurrently with both the 200 tpa reactors and existing commercial scale reactors has fast tracked our commercialization efforts. We are setting the foundation for growth that can secure market share and enhance shareholder value. This couldn’t have been achieved without the unwavering dedication of our team and showcases the amazing talent we have at Nano One.” “Being ahead of schedule and producing high-quality LFP cathode material is what we needed to fast-track Nano One’s progression to profitability.” said Andrew Muckstadt, VP Business Development, “While attending The Battery Show in Novi Michigan this week, we are able to talk to select customers about taking orders and potentially supplying them with LFP for their business plans in the future. As major players are still determining their supply chain and partners, we are demonstrating we have a viable product that can be produced in North America and replicated around the world.”
Episode 419: Navigating Fleet Electrification with Kevin Kushman of Electrada
The New Warehouse Podcast is excited to bring insights from Kevin Kushman, CEO at Electrada. Kevin is a leading authority in fleet electrification. Electrada is a trailblazing company helping warehouse operators seamlessly transition to electric fleets. If you’re grappling with how to steer your warehousing operations into the future of electrification, this is a conversation you can’t afford to skip. Energy Planning: The Critical Backbone of Fleet Electrification Kushman couldn’t emphasize it more: “When you’re building out an electric fleet, you’ve got to start thinking about energy at the same time you start thinking about vehicles.” In an industry where time is money, delays in energy infrastructure can cost you dearly. According to Kushman, taking 8 to 12 months to deploy charging infrastructure is not uncommon. It’s clear that energy planning is not merely an ‘add-on’ but forms the critical backbone of your transition to an electric fleet. The planning shouldn’t be an afterthought but a parallel process to vehicle acquisition. Understanding the Challenges of Fleet Electrification Kushman offers caution for those thinking of going alone: “We’re finding opportunities to come in and help those folks.” He adds, “Electrada takes a surgical look at what we call load shape, which translates to what the energy capacity needs look like for fleets of all sizes and how that translates to power.” Challenges include: Multi-site interactions with utilities Inability to scale further Understanding the new realm of energy risks and the cost of power Bandwidth constraints Identifying the lowest cost per mile Bottlenecks in progress caused by the DIY approach Electrada develops and invests in the solution, acting as the infrastructure owner while providing charging as a service. This approach takes all risk away from the fleet owner, covering technology, reliability, and cost. 360 Charging as a Service 360 Charging as a Service is a comprehensive electric vehicle charging solution encompassing system design, operation, and maintenance under a multi-year contract. The service aims to provide reliable and sustainable electric fuel at a competitive cost compared to traditional fuels. Eliminating extra fuel stops also enhances operational efficiency. Kushman adds, “What we’re describing with 360 as a service is a fully wrapped, capitalized, and guaranteed performance environment where we come in and design the system.” Electrada is technology agnostic and requires technology providers to live up to the commitment of 99% uptime and are One Charge Point Protocol (OCCP) compliant. The focus is on demonstrating cost savings and reliability to facilitate the transition to electric fuel. Key Takeaways Robust energy planning should coincide with vehicle acquisition to avoid costly delays. Electrada offers a comprehensive charging service, acting as the infrastructure owner and risk-bearer, which provides clients with a predictable fuel cost under a performance contract, removing all technological and energy risks. Early consultation with experts can save you from common pitfalls and help you navigate the complex landscape of warehouse electrification. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 419: Navigating Fleet Electrification with Kevin Kushman of Electrada
BSLBATT®completes delivery of lithium-ion batteries to distribution and 3 PL in the Philippines
A BSLBATT® Filipino client consolidated its small warehouse in Manila into two large distribution centers and replaced the fleet of forklifts at both locations from previously using lead-acid batteries to lithium-ion batteries. And make their facilities safer and cleaner. A detailed cost analysis shows that lithium batteries offer significant cost savings compared to LPG (propane) and lead-acid batteries. After more than half a year of impeccable performance of BSLBATT® lithium-ion batteries, the company’s forklifts have switched from lead-acid batteries to lithium batteries as the main power source for forklifts, which is an important step in improving distribution and sustainable development of 3PL. Founded in 2012, Lazada Group is Southeast Asia’s leading eCommerce platform. With a presence in six countries –Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam– BSLBATT® connected this vast and diverse region through our technology, logistics and payments capabilities. Today, they have the largest selection of brands and sellers, and by 2030, BSLBATT® aims to serve 300 million customers. In 2016, Lazada became the regional flagship of the Alibaba Group, and is backed by Alibaba’s best-in-class technology infrastructure. In early March 2023, Lazada Philippines consolidated some of its smaller existing warehouses across the Philippines into two large warehouses in Manila and Cebu, totaling 1.5 million square feet. “By consolidating our current footprint into two large fulfillment centers, we are gaining efficiencies to serve our customers more effectively,” Lazada Philippines said in a company PR press release at the time.
UgoWork signs pan-Canadian distribution agreement with Liftow
UgoWork®, a Canadian energy solutions provider specialized in the material handling industry, has announced that it has signed a pan-Canadian distribution agreement with Liftow Limited, Canada’s partner for end-to-end Toyota forklift and material handling solutions since 1960. In an effort to quickly expand Liftow’s offering, its sales and technical teams in Ontario and Québec have already been trained on UgoWork products. Under the official agreement, Liftow will offer UgoWork’s complete line of lithium-ion batteries for electric forklifts. In addition, Liftow customers will be able to take advantage of UgoWork’s flexible pay-for-performance consumption model. Also known as Energy as a Service, this industry-first consumption model offers an array of benefits, including minimized upfront costs and capital expenditures. Companies only pay for what they use, which contributes to healthier bottom lines. Furthermore, UgoWork’s team of battery experts works alongside customers to proactively monitor their lithium-ion batteries’ state of health to optimize fleet uptimes as well as drastically reduce unplanned maintenance and replacement costs. “We are thrilled that Liftow, as a reputable Canadian leader, recognizes the tremendous value UgoWork can bring to material handling teams—in terms of productivity, capacity and cost-savings,” said Philippe Beauchamp, President and CEO at UgoWork. “Thanks to this agreement, companies throughout Canada can speed up their material handling throughput without breaking the bank. We look forward to working alongside the Liftow teams as they continue to expand their service offering with innovative new technologies and operational approaches that are adapted to today’s customer challenges.” UgoWork convened in late 2022 in Toronto, where key representatives from Liftow Limited including Amanda Coulson, General Sales Manager – Central Division; Sean McBurney, Equipment Sales Manager – Central Division; and Red Andal, Marketing and Customer Experience Manager; to formalize the important distribution agreement.
Value-added services can add an additional revenue stream to your dealership
Back in February’s edition of Wholesaler, I wrote about ‘forklift battery management’ to your dealership’s services offering as a one-stop shop solutions provider. Subsequently, the topic of optimizing forklift battery management as a value-added service to your end-customer while being an additional revenue stream for your dealership. I recently got the opportunity to catch up with Dustin Love, Business Development Manager, at Flight Systems Industrial Products, and he was able to provide some inspiration and content for this month’s article. So, with that, let’s dive into battery chargers, charging lead-acid vs charging lithium-ion batteries, and the intricacies of charging. As technology advances, the demand for batteries continues to grow, and with it comes the need for efficient charging solutions. Lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries have distinct charging requirements. Understanding these differences and offering specialized services, your dealership can increase service revenue while providing optimal charging solutions for your customers. Prolong Battery Life A battery’s performance is only as good as its charger. When paired correctly, a quality battery charger will prolong battery life and provide maximum run time. When selecting the right charger for your end-customer’s application, there are many variables to consider, such as: Vehicle type (for example, industrial vs golf car) Power Source Battery Type (Lead-Acid – Flooded, AGM, Gel or Lithium-Ion) Battery Size (Voltage & Amperage) Connectors and Accessories Charging time and specifications Charging Lead-Acid Unlike lithium-ion, there is no special communication technologies or internal battery monitoring systems (BMS) monitoring the cells and communicating with the charger. To charge a lead-acid battery you can simply supply current at the correct rate using the main battery’s positive and negative connections. Regular maintenance, such as equalization charging and periodic water level checks, testing, and monitoring healthy charging tendencies is crucial to ensure optimal performance and extend battery life. It is important to use a charger designed for lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid batteries can be charged using older technology from the 1950s–60s, which is very dependable, but they can also benefit from using a newer high-frequency switching charger. High frequency chargers typically require more maintenance, but they offer higher efficiency, healthier charging, and up-to-date technology with programmable charge curves. Charging Lithium-Ion Lithium-ion batteries also benefit from a charge rate based off its amp-hour capacity. Proper charging tendencies are not as crucial with lithium, so it can be charged faster and still be considered a healthy rate. It’s important to avoid overcharging or discharging the batteries excessively. Additionally, temperature monitoring during charging is crucial to prevent overheating. These batteries should be charged using chargers that are specifically designed for lithium-ion technology and set to the recommended voltage and current levels. Lithium-ion battery technology sometimes is marketed as being maintenance free, but those with experience know that is not the case, it’s just a different kind of maintenance needed. Instead of cycling and equalizing charging to ‘boil out’ lead-acid sulfation, the ‘maintenance’ aspect of it is more programming adjustments to the lithium charger and BMS technology on the battery, such as updates and troubleshooting. Setting Up the Battery Charger Follow the battery manufacturer’s guidelines and use chargers specifically designed for the battery chemistry when setting up a charge for both lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries. Following the recommended charging practices ensures optimal performance, maximizes battery life, and ensures safety during the charging process. A lead-acid charger will need to be set with the correct voltage, output current, and standard connector type. More advanced lead-acid operations will use a battery identification device (BID) on the charger that can program itself automatically for various kinds of lead-acid batteries and monitor its performance. A lithium charger’s set-up is determined by the battery manufacturer’s design. In the material handling industry, there is no standardization for chargers such as DC connectors, auxiliary connection pinouts, BMS protocol signals, etc. Setting up a charger for lithium entails working directly with the battery manufacturer to develop a working charger that communicates with their battery specifically. Safety In both battery types, you must incorporate safety considerations when setting up a battery charger. Charging lithium-ion batteries requires extra caution. Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to temperature extremes and can be damaged or even become a safety hazard if charged improperly. Lithium batteries are equipped with an integrated battery management system (BMS) to optimize their performance and ensure safety. Acting as the control center for individual batteries, the BMS prevents overcharging and over-discharging, safeguards against potential hazards, monitors battery health, balances charge across cells, and promptly shuts down the battery if unsafe conditions are detected, protecting both the battery and the user. Lead-acid batteries are generally less sensitive to charging conditions, but proper ventilation and monitoring for hydrogen gas are still essential for safety. Also, be sure to check the battery manufacturer’s specifications for recommended charging voltage thresholds. As Dustin Love mentions, “Maintain to sustain! Properly maintaining your batteries is important for their longevity. A battery that is routinely serviced will significantly outlast a neglected battery. Knowing how to maintain your battery is the first step.” So, consider adding ‘forklift battery management’ to your dealership’s service offering to enhance the longevity of your customer’s electric forklift fleet’s batteries, reduce downtime, and ultimately boost their productivity. About the Author: Chris Aiello is the Business Development Manager at TVH Parts Co. He has been in the equipment business for 16-plus years as a service manager, quality assurance manager, and business development manager. Chris now manages a national outside sales team selling replacement parts and accessories in various equipment markets such as material handling, equipment rental, and construction/earthmoving dealerships.
BSLBATT Battery joins SPE Elettronica Industriale Charger Compatibility Program
BSL Battery just announced that it has joined the Compatibility Program of SPE Industrial Electronics Charger Manufacturer in Crevalcore, Bologna, Italy, with the help of Flight Systems Industrial Products (FSIP), the exclusive SPE agent in Pennsylvania, USA. The program provides BSLBATT Battery with the tools to pursue new opportunities with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). “As part of the compatibility program for SPE charger manufacturers, BSLBATT can present its integration with SPE Elettronica Industriale in a curated network of tested and compatible batteries and charging solutions”. said Dustin Love, Executive Business Development Manager, Flight Systems Industrial Products. FSIP is excited to have developed chargers for BSL Battery, three-phase and single-phase. “We had a battery in-house for a couple of weeks to fine tune their firmware files, and I will say that these batteries are the real deal. Thank you BSL Battery – Industrial for the opportunity” added Love. How Does This Benefit You? The program Charged by SPE Elettronica Industriale is a great fit for us and we are excited to be part of this effort with SPE. We are eager to continue growing with SPE and are eager for the opportunity to provide outstanding solutions to industries that work with the SPE product line. BSLBATT will receive a “SPE Elettronica Industriale” logo for use on its products and marketing materials. This logo signifies to OEMs that BSLBATT’s battery was iteratively tested and validated by SPE’s team of engineers. It also offers BSLBATT the opportunity to target electric vehicle and industrial equipment and machine industries that SPE Elettronica Industriale currently operates in. “SPE Elettronica Industriale offers a unique way for battery and BMS partners like BSBATT Battery to generate more business by signaling a level of quality and compatibility that OEMs can rely on. Currently, there is no other resource available that offers OEMs a one-stop-shop with this level of curated solutions,” said SPE Managing Director presso Alessandro Poletti. To learn more about the BSLBATT solution offered at SPE Elettronica Industriale, visit https://www.lithiumforkliftbattery.com/charger/charged-by-spe-elettronica-industriale.html.
Industrial Batteries Australia Pty Ltd, Inc partners with BSLBATT
BSL Battery – Industrial, a world supplier of lithium-ion batteries for the material handling industry, just announced a partnership with Industrial Batteries Australia Pty Ltd, Inc., Australia’s largest independent supplier of power/forklift batteries and chargers. The agreement will see Industrial Batteries Australia add BSLBATT’s forklift lithium battery products to its current offering of power solutions for forklift dealers and end users looking to improve their forklift. “As Australia’s nationally leading supplier of power/forklift batteries and chargers, we are always looking for opportunities to form mutually beneficial partnerships, and that’s exactly what BSLBATT provides,” said Managing Director | David Cooper Founder of Industrial BatteriesAustralia Pty Ltd, Inc. “As a leader in lithium iron phosphate battery manufacturing, BSLBATT is looking to partner with local Industrial Batteries Australia Pty Ltd for companies looking to improve material handling, paper and packaging, food and beverage, refrigerated storage, manufacturing, fresh produce, wine and distribution and 3PL application battery customers to provide high-quality lithium battery solutions.” Cooper added. The advantages of BSLBATT’s LiFePO4 forklift batteries include greater power, lighter weight, significantly longer life, longer run times than conventional lead-acid batteries, and the ability to deliver more energy for higher consumption. Another significant benefit is that they are maintenance-free, whereas lead-acid requires active maintenance or a shortened lifespan. Our aim, through our partnership with Industrial Batteries Australia Pty Ltd, is to provide Australia with a trusted source to ensure the highest quality, most compatible power solutions and ultimately expand their business. ” “Our battery reseller program helps partners like Industrial Batteries Australia Pty Ltd build credibility and trust with consumers by leveraging the proven quality and reliability standards of UL Solutions and TUV Rheinland. We are excited to continue our longstanding relationship with Industrial Batteries Australia Pty Ltd, and further demonstrate the value of their lithium solutions.” said Haley Nin, Marketing Manager at BSLBATT. Industrial Batteries Australia Pty Ltd will supply customers with BSLBATT’s most popular lithium products including 24V, 48V and 80V batteries to power all types of equipment. “BSLBATT is a leading manufacturer of Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries across a wide range of applications and their high quality products will fit perfectly with our other power solutions,” said Cooper “BSLBATT’s batteries are great for customers looking to get the most out of their electric forklifts. Lithium batteries are a popular battery in the motorhome market today and Industrial Batteries Australia Pty Ltd is proud to offer the BSLBATT’s long-lasting, reliable power.” To learn more about Industrial Batteries Australia and BSL Battery – Industrial visit industrialbatteries.com.au and lithiumforkliftbattery.com
Green Cubes announces Preferred Supplier Agreement with Doosan
Green Cubes Technology to provide Lithium SAFEFlex batteries to power Doosan electric forklifts as sole Lithium-ion battery supplier of choice Green Cubes Technology (Green Cubes), a provider in producing Lithium-ion (Li-ion) power systems that facilitate the transition from lead-acid batteries and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) power to green Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery power, today announced that Doosan Industrial Vehicle America Corporation (DIVAC) named Green Cubes as preferred power systems vendor to support its electric forklift product line. The DIVAC group supplies quality material handling equipment for the North American network of 105 independent authorized and trained dealers. Doosan authorized dealers operate over 250 sales and service locations throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The Industrial Vehicle product line includes 133 separate models of 82 various engine/battery configurations of Internal Combustion and Electric-powered vehicles. Under the agreement, Green Cubes will provide its Lithium SAFEFlex batteries and chargers for these electric industrial trucks. “As the only manufacturer to offer a complete solution for the user including a charger, Green Cubes was the clear choice for our electric fleet,” said Andre Marshall, Product Manager for Doosan. “The Lithium SAFEFlex drop-in replacement batteries make upgrading from Lead Acid to Lithium simple for our customers who rely on safe, long-lasting power.” “We’re pleased that companies like Doosan recognize the innovation and high performance of our power systems, and we’re proud to be Doosan’s sole battery supplier of choice for customers who want to utilize green, efficient power for their fleets,” said Mike Davis, Chief Revenue Officer for Green Cubes. Lithium SAFEFlex is a comprehensive battery solution designed to meet the cost, performance, efficiency, and durability requirements of the rugged warehouse environment. It includes application-specific cell chemistry and intelligent battery management electronics. FBP-1000 series Lithium SAFEFlex battery systems are high-cycle life, maintenance free solutions for industrial vehicles to fulfill the most demanding requirements. Batteries are sized to fit the standard motive power lead acid battery, along with meeting the truck battery weight requirements.
BSLBATT Battery joins Fronius Charger Compatibility Program
BSLBATT Battery has announced that it has joined Fronius Perfect Charging’s new partner program “Charger Compatibility”. The program provides BSLBATT Battery with the tools to pursue new opportunities with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). As part of Fronius Charger Compatibility, BSLBATT can showcase its integration with Fronius Charger in a curated network of tested and compatible batteries and charging solutions. BSLBATT’s lithium battery products were iteratively tested and validated by Fronius team of engineers. “We are delighted to have been selected to join the Fronius Charger Compatibility Program,” said BSLBATT Battery Marketing Director Haley Ning. “We stand alongside several reputable companies, whom we admire, and hope that our association with Fronius Perfect Charging takes our relationships with OEMs to the next level.” Affiliation with the program will increase BSLBATT’s visibility among leading OEMs in search of solutions that offer electric forklift with best-in-class performance, prolonged battery life and maximum uptime. Through the program, OEMs can view optimized BSLBATT Battery algorithms with Fronius Perfect Charging such as the one developed for BSLBATT’s MH Series products. “Fronius Perfect Charging offers a unique way for battery and BMS partners like BSLBATT Battery to generate more business by signaling a level of quality and compatibility that OEMs can rely on. Currently, there is no other resource available that offers OEMs a one-stop-shop with this level of curated solutions,” said Fronius Account Manager of Business Development Kai Wan.
Eternity Technologies
EnerSys® expands NexSys® iON battery offering with addition of 80 volt model
EnerSys®, the global provider of stored energy solutions for industrial applications, has expanded its line of virtually maintenance-free, high-performance NexSys® iON Lithium-ion batteries with the addition of its 80 Volt model. Engineered for fast recharge, long run times and to deliver high energy capacity in a smaller footprint, the latest NexSys® iON battery model provides customers with a premium power solution catered to meet the energy demands of a variety of heavy-duty applications, including those converting from LP- and diesel-fueled equipment to fulfill sustainability requirements. “We strive to provide our customers with solutions that are tailored to their unique operational demands,” said Harold Vanasse, Senior Director of Marketing, Motive Power Global at EnerSys. “Sometimes that can include a large warehouse that’s operating on a 24/7 basis and requires the utilization of a variety of heavy-duty equipment to keep up with their business schedule. It’s important that we can offer these operators a complete range of power options that provide high productivity and lower Total Cost of Ownership. We are excited to be able to support our customers with the addition of our NexSys® iON 80V battery.” Other notable design features of the NexSys® iON 80V battery include: Capacity: 17.8 to 35.7 kWh (222-444 Ah) Can maintain a high State of Charge (SoC) as a result of its fast recharge capability and longer forklift truck run time Eliminates battery changes for peak productivity Maintenance free – no watering, battery cleaning or long equalize charges Integrated Battery Management System (BMS) is designed to Automotive Functional Safety Standard ISO 26262 BMS supports greater safety, reliability and battery life by performing auto-diagnosis, voltage limitation (charge and discharge) and communication of performance data Optional forklift truck integration via CAN protocol Engineered with multiple layers of safety CE certified to meet EU safety, health and environmental protection requirements EnerSys® NexSys® iON batteries are available in multiple voltages, including 24V, 36V, 48V and now 80V. Additionally, fast- and opportunity-charging NexSys® iON batteries with high output NexSys®+ chargers provide added user convenience and enhanced fleet efficiency. Utilizing a proprietary EnSite™ modeling software, EnerSys can work directly with the customer to right-size a NexSys® iON battery and NexSys+ charger to their vehicle fleet, helping to eliminate the unwanted downtime and unnecessary stress associated with premature battery failure from improper installation, equipment fitting or charging practices.
BSLBATT and Montacargas SERV-IMAN S.A. partners in Panama
Hyster Distributor – Yale Distributor Panama Grupo El Iman is a supplier of a full line of industry award-winning lift trucks, including narrow aisle lift trucks , order pickers, three-way trucks, electric forklifts, stackers, trailers, and counterbalanced trucks, announced a million-dollar industrial lithium battery order from BSLBATT®, a forklift lithium battery manufacturer located in Huizhou, China. The battery module uses an innovation award-winning stand-alone IoT lithium module, and the BSLBATT automotive-grade module is made of commercial-grade steel. Lithium battery modules are secured by nickel-plated busbars to ensure long-term performance. They are designed with premium components to withstand freezing temperatures and controlled by an on-board computer to keep the forklift up and running even in refrigerated applications. It has excellent safety, higher energy density, wider operating temperature range and longer service life. BSLBATT is a Chinese company focused on sustainable energy solutions designed to execute multi-shift warehouse applications. “We offer the most advanced, cost-effective and proven GPRS cloud platform management system in the material handling industry. To achieve this level of excellence, we use automotive-grade industrial PDU battery solutions in our BSLBATT products due to their industry-leading safety, energy density and power density,” said Eric Yi, CEO of BSLBATT. “Reducing the supply chain carbon footprint is BSLBATT’s mission, and automotive-grade industrial PDU battery solutions can help our customers improve operational efficiency while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.” “We are very excited about our partnership with BSL Battery and equally excited about the GPRS cloud platform management system,” said JC, Director at Grupo El Iman / Expert in Forklifts / Movement of Materials. “Director at Grupo El Iman / Expert in Forklifts / Movement of Materials company is eager to witness the success of GPRS cloud platform management system and this strategic cooperation.” BSLBATT’s new through the cloud system on the batteries, GPRS, GPS function, users are able to see key parameters such as battery location, status, BMS information, discharge current, charge current, and charge status in real-time. Simple, traffic-light-style reports enable energy consumption and productivity to be optimized. The software also notifies users immediately of any issues in the fleet using state-of-health information, allowing corrective action to be taken before uptime is affected. Preventative maintenance can also be scheduled automatically. BSLBATT has a wide range of technologies and expertise to help you embrace the path ahead in intralogistics. This includes market-leading battery technologies, chargers, charging algorithms, battery management systems, consulting, and support. BSLBATT’s chargers enable both fast and opportunity charging and are specially optimized to work with GPRS, GPS, and BSLBATT’s range of material handling batteries. 24V, 36V, 48V and 80V BSLBATT solutions for the material handling industry combine high energy density with ultra-fast charging from Fronius chargers to keep electric material handling equipment such as forklifts, reach trucks, pallet jacks and order pickers running 24/7. 7 Runs without interruption. “Electrification and robotics in factories, warehouses and industrial environments are making organizations cleaner, safer and more efficient. GPRS cloud platform management system are ideal for achieving the superior performance BSLBATT needs and delivers.” BSLBATT Haley Ning, director of marketing, said. “Industrial automation and electrification are accelerating, creating more opportunities for our storage solutions across industries.” Industrial automation and industrial electrification are key trends shaping the global energy transition. According to McKinsey, multiple factors are contributing to the rise of electrification including cost reduction opportunities and a regulatory environment which is increasingly mandating zero emissions operations. “We are delighted that Montacargas Serv-Iman S.A has joined the BSLBATT family”, said Ning. If you are interested in our industrial lithium battery in Panama, you can contact him via info@serv-iman.com!
EnerSys® 24-Hour Quick Ship Program makes Motive Power Battery Charger models available for immediate shipment
EnerSys®, the global provider in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, is pleased to announce the 24-Hour Quick Ship Program for its Motive Power portfolio now includes many of the most popular IMPAQ™ and NexSys®+ battery charger models. With this expansion of the 24-Hour Quick Ship Program, sixteen charger models are now available for shipment within 24 hours of receiving a purchase order. EnerSys developed the 24-Hour Quick Ship Program to help forklift and material handling fleets cope with ongoing supply chain challenges and be better equipped to handle unexpected fluctuations in operational demand. The available IMPAQ™ and NexSys®+ charger models will ship from the recently expanded EnerSys Distribution Center (DC) in Richmond, Kentucky. “Developed to streamline and speed up order fulfillment, our 24-Hour Quick Ship Program is another way EnerSys helps material handlers meet time-sensitive challenges,” said Chad Uplinger, Vice President Motive Power Americas at EnerSys. “When time is of the essence and your facility needs the fastest possible power solution, EnerSys has you covered.” EnerSys IMPAQ™ and NexSys®+ chargers are both high frequency chargers that provide exceptional energy efficiency and feature a modular design for better reliability. Both units are UL listed and comply with California Energy Commission (CEC) appliance efficiency standards. To learn what specific battery and charger models are offered in the 24-Hour Quick Ship Program, customers should contact their local Technical Sales Representative or call 1-800-ENERSYS for assistance.
BSL Experience – BSL dealerships use Lithium-ion technology in sales and service
BSL recently interviewed Director Winston Suhermin of Bekasi – West Java Indonesia forklift dealer PT. Sarana Mitra Luas Tbk. We sat down with him to learn about their business and how the BSLBATT lithium-ion battery pack has changed their business. BSL: Can you give a quick overview of your company? Winston Suhermin: My name is Winston Suhermin, I am the Director of PT. Sarana Mitra Luas Tbk. I have been with the company since 2020. PT. Sarana Mitra Luas has strived for excellence since 1996. Started as a small forklift rental company based in Cikarang, to one of the most reputable forklift rental companies in Indonesia with a fleet of over 3500 units; the key was simple, “Customer Obsession and Operational Excellence.”In PT. Sarana Mitra Luas, we have a massive obsession with customer satisfaction combined with a deep passion for innovation. We strive for the best customer experience because we don’t just provide forklifts. We provide solutions. BSL: How long has your company been in business? WS: All forklift sales and rentals in material handling equipment have been around since the early 90’s. BSL: How many sites do you service? WS: We have built a strong network of customers all across Indonesia in locations such as Jakarta, Bandung, Cirebon, Semarang, Jogja, Surabaya, Lampung, Palembang, Jambi, Riau, Medan, Batam, Padang, Banten and Pontianak. BSL: What is unique about your dealership? WS: I would have to say our service support is really what differentiates us. We are the No.1 rental company in Indonesia with more than 3500 units of material handling equipments and served more than 15 cities in Indonesia. With our 27 yearsof experience, large enterprises such as Sinarmas, Indofood, LG, A etc have trusted their material handling needs to us because our main priority is good service and customer satisfaction. Because we do not only provide forklifts, we provide solutions. BSL: How long have you been working with BSL Battery? WS: We have been working with BSL BAttery for about 3 to 4 years. BSL: What challenges did you come across in your industry that led you to look for lithium-ion solutions? WS: Lithium-ion started growing more popular because of their ability to fast charge, no maintenance, and their long lifespan. We started to sell lithium around 3 years ago when we were approached for a project. We also had many of our customers asking about lithium which made us decide to pivot our business to supply and service lithium batteries. From that point on we have learned a lot about the technology and which lithium suppliers are the best, took a chance and tried BSL-BATT. BSL: What makes lithium-ion a good fit? WS: Well, I like to look at customer application. Do they have multi-battery operations? What is their usage? Do they do a lot of maintenance? Can they benefit from opportunity charging? From there I will look to see if there is opportunity for them to eliminate space, eliminate maintenance, and eliminate the fumes during charging. If all the boxes are checked off, I offer lithium. Most customers come in knowing and pushing to try lithium-ion technology. Sometimes customers want the technology even though it doesn’t make sense to integrate it in their application because of the low equipment usage in their facility. But these days businesses want to go green and that is probably the biggest push when customers come to me looking for a lithium-ion battery. BSL: How did you determine that BSL Battery was a good fit? WS: We started using other competitor batteries and we never got the best support from them. Our customers were just having too many issues with other battery supplier’s batteries. BSL battery’s excellent products and after-sales support helped us a lot, I like their excellent ability! BSL: Can you describe your selection process of why you chose to partner with BSL Battery? WS: The key to our success is very simple, “customer satisfaction and best service”. at PT. Sarana Mitra Luas, we focus on innovation to improve operational performance efficiency and provide the best service to our customers because we are not just a forklift provider, we are a solution provider. We really do want what is best for my customers, so we only want to sell the best product on the market. BSLBATT has outshined everyone with their product support, quality, and design. Especially the battery management system (BMS) and telematics. I base what type of lithium-ion batteries I sell by the battery supplier’s BMS. If the BMS is designed well it makes servicing the battery smoother and the customers don’t lose productivity. Different lithium battery suppliers have different BMS. Some are harder to service than others. secondly BSLBATT Automotive Grade Modules are fabricated out of commercial grade steel. The lithium battery modules are retained by nickel plated busbars to ensure long-term performance. They are designed to withstand freezing temperatures through the use of premium components and controlled by onboard computers that keep your forklifts operating even in cold storage applications. Not only does BSLBATT have a quality BMS and Automotive Grade Modulesthey have some of the best support when it comes to customer service. BSL: How do you measure the value that BSL Battery products provide? WS: To help OEMs, BSLBATT has developed 43standard modules for lithium batteries of different capacities, which can form parallel building blocks in forklift battery compartments. Up to 20 of these modules can be stacked in parallel, and the total capacity can be tailored to forklift OEM needs. The BMS and telematics measures it all. It makes servicing 10 times easier. Customers can make decisions to improve operations based on the data they see. BSL: What is your overall opinion of lithium-ion vs the traditional lead acid battery? WS: I am completely surprised by the efficiency, longevity, and the fast-charging capabilities lithium has compared to lead acid batteries. Quality & function wise, It is far more superior than regular lead-acid battery. As I said before, It has a lot of advantages in which lead-acid batteries don’t. Such as fast charging, longer life-cycle, maintenance free, opportunity charging, etc. But price is the only problem, it is far more expensive :’) Yes, the upfront cost of them is high, but what you
BSL Battery and Eternity Technologies launches first Toyota Air Tow Tractor with BSL lithium batteries
Today, BSL Battery in Huizhou, China, in cooperation with Eternity Technologies in South Africa has launched the first Toyota Air Tow Tractor equipped with BSL lithium batteries, which can easily meet any challenge in a new way. This innovative technology has been engineered into proven Toyota tractors to deliver the same uncompromised 60,000 lbs towing capacity while delivering zero vehicle emissions for improved sustainability, reduced maintenance for greater labor efficiency, and greater Save costs and increase safety benefits. “The partnership with Eternity Technologies South Africa has instilled nearly five years of learning, refinement and electrical expertise into the all-new Toyota CBT4.6 air tow tractor,” said Bella Chen, Sales Director, BSL Battery. “Combined with Eternity Technologies South Africa’s 10+ years of industrial forklift battery manufacturing experience, the ground support business gains a disruptive cutting-edge solution that increases productivity and total value.” Haley Ning, Marketing Director of BSLBATT Battery, said: “We are very pleased to be able to combine the trusted Toyota CBT4.6 tractor and BSLBATT’s mature lithium battery manufacturing capabilities with this new lithium-ion technology for ground support.” The competitive advantages of BSLBATT air tow tractor lithium battery include: Higher continuous capability, delivering 15,360 watts of power for up to two minutes Low-temperature performance enables seamless, safe charging in temperatures as low as -4°F Internal heat sink prevents critical components from overheating and extends battery life With the BSLBATT Li-ion Guarantee Plus, we give you a long-term performance promise of up to 8 years on our high-quality lithium-ion batteries, so you can completely concentrate on your tasks without worrying BSL BMS with intuitive software to calculate state of charge and state of health IP67 housing fits almost anywhere while being waterproof “As airports and airlines and warehousing companies continue to raise their sustainability goals, this Toyota air tow tractor with BSL lithium batteries can help customers meet and exceed their goals without sacrificing productivity said Ning. “Although we have been replacing customers’ original lead-acid battery systems in southern Africa for many years, the cooperation with BSL Battery has enabled the air tow tractors equipped with BSL lithium batteries to be rolled out on a large scale to meet the rapidly growing customer demand, ” added Ning. The Toyota CBT4.6 Lithium-Ion Tractor greatly reduces the number of parts that need to be serviced, repaired or replaced, which simplifies maintenance and completely eliminates costly fuel bills. Fewer parts also contribute to a longer-lasting drive system – up to three times that of a gas or LPG-equivalent tow tractor. And the customer said that in a typical ground support application, investing in a lithium-ion Toyota air tow tractor equipped with a BSL lithium battery only takes 12 months to pay for itself. At the same time, the electricity required to charge lithium-ion batteries is up to six times more cost-effective than natural gas or LPG fuel. With all these advantages, it’s easy to see why lithium batteries are the perfect choice for powering your fleet of air tow tractors. All new features of the Toyota CBT4.6 Li-Ion tow tractor include programmable regenerative braking which extends vehicle range and reduces brake pad wear. The on-board diagnostics quickly and easily diagnose issues – increasing uptime and eliminating unnecessary downtime. Additionally, a smart industrial charger enables a full recharge in only two hours, further reducing downtime and keeping operations moving efficiently. “Our BSL air tow tractor range of lithium batteries has been amazingly successful and we are delighted to be able to meet customer demand for this new model in the range,” added Haley Ning.”At BSLBATT, we pay attention to the challenges our customers face and really listen to their feedback. This allows our team to stay at the forefront of our customers’ needs and deliver an intuitive lithium experience so they can focus on the journey ahead.”
Delta-Q Technologies expands RQ Series with new high-performance charger
The RQ700, a 700 W battery charging solution, provides high-performance charging and machine uptime for battery-powered light e-mobility, industrial and commercial equipment Delta-Q Technologies, a provider of battery charging solutions, have announced the release of the RQ700. The latest product is an expansion to the company’s RQ Series of chargers designed to meet the requirements of light electric vehicles (LEVs), outdoor power equipment and industrial pallet trucks. “We designed the RQ700 to meet the evolving requirements of our OEM customers’ applications and growing production volumes,” said Lloyd Gomm, Vice President of Business Development and Marketing at Delta-Q Technologies. “The RQ700’s simplicity, compact size and ease of on-board integration is a game-changer for high-volume OEMs seeking a cost-effective charging solution.” Delta-Q’s RQ Series includes the RQ350 and now the RQ700. With a 700 W power output, the new RQ700 is available in 24, 36 and 48 VDC options. It offers exceptional power density compared to other chargers on the market, optimizing installation in environments with space constraints. The charger also features a 12 VDC, 400 milliamp (mA) auxiliary power supply to operate system components. For example, after a battery management system (BMS) enters sleep mode, the charger can wake up the BMS and power telematics and other components to ensure the battery is operational even after powering down. This feature enables flexibility, safety, and seamless integration with lithium batteries. The RQ700 has a user-friendly design complete with installation cables that are tested and validated by the company’s engineering team to ensure they meet industry and customer requirements for cables and connectors. This bundle eliminates the extra time, expense and effort for customers to procure their own cables, adding convenience for high-volume applications. The new solution embodies all core features of the RQ Series of battery chargers. The RQ700 is designed to withstand automotive shock and vibration and is fully sealed, with an IP67 rating to protect against water and dust ingress. The on-board microprocessor delivers precise charging even at a low state of charge and supports Unified Diagnostic Services (UDS) — the ability to use standardized services and diagnostic tools. The charger comes with three built-in LEDs to indicate charging status, errors, and faults and a push button to select charge algorithms in the field or on customers’ production lines. The RQ700 is now available for sampling. For more information, visit https://delta-q.com/our-products/rq-series/