TVH
Company utilizing AI in Li-ion battery technology receives new financial support to generate over 60 jobs in Quebec
UgoWork receives $3.2 million in financing from the Government of Quebec’s Essor program to create quality jobs in the electrification of industrial vehicles sector UgoWork™, a pioneering company at the forefront of AI-driven Li-Ion battery technology for material handling, has announced that it has secured substantial new financial support aimed at advancing its mission to deliver the most cost-effective energy-as-a-service solution. This support will not only propel the company’s growth but also create more than 60 job opportunities within the province of Quebec in the next 36 months. The new funding, provided through the Essor program managed by Investissement Québec on behalf of the Québec Government, reflects the recognition of UgoWork’s cutting-edge technologies and its significant potential to revolutionize how the material handling sector addresses their energy consumption. This financial support will enable the company to accelerate its research and development efforts, further optimize software systems, and expand its operations to meet the growing demand for clean, efficient, and cost-effective energy solutions. The funds received by UgoWork will have a direct impact on job creation within Quebec. With this financial support, the company plans to expand its workforce in all departments at its Quebec City headquarters. The creation of highly skilled jobs in energy management, artificial intelligence, automation, production and engineering disciplines such as electrical, mechanical and software, will contribute to the local economy and provide valuable opportunities for professionals in the clean energy sector. “Thanks to its innovative, clean and high-performance material handling solutions, UgoWork is boosting the productivity of many businesses,” added Jonatan Julien, Minister of Infrastructure and Minister for the Capitale-Nationale region. “The creativity and ingenuity of our entrepreneurs are helping to promote Quebec and its expertise in the electrification of transportation around the world.” “To succeed in our energy transition, we need to support promising projects that further our efforts to decarbonize our economy,” said Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister of Regional Economic Development and Minister for the Greater Montreal Area. “The progress of companies such as UgoWork, with their new green technologies, demonstrates that Quebec has the expertise to excel in the field of industrial electrical equipment.” “We are thrilled to have received this support, which serves as a testament to the groundbreaking work our team has accomplished in developing AI-driven Li-Ion battery technology,” said Philippe Beauchamp, CEO of UgoWork. “This financial support will not only allow us to advance our technology but also create meaningful job opportunities within Quebec, fostering economic growth while simultaneously addressing the pressing need for sustainable energy solutions.”
Our Next Energy (ONE) and Nano One sign Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to strengthen North American Supply Chain for LFP Batteries
Nano One and ONE to jointly develop Nano One’s LFP CAM for potential use in ONE’s LFP batteries. Collaboration aims to qualify & validate LFP CAM for binding offtake agreement. Combined innovations are aimed at increasing range while lowering cost, environmental footprint and offering a North American solution. Nano One® Materials Corp. (“Nano One”), a provider in the sustainable production of lithium-ion battery cathode materials, and Our Next Energy (ONE), a Michigan-based energy storage technology company, have signed a joint development agreement (JDA) to collaborate on the validation, qualification and production of a North American supply of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode active materials (CAM). The CAM will be produced at Nano One’s Candiac, Québec, pilot and future commercial facilities for potential use in ONE’s production LFP cells used in Aries and Gemini batteries. Nano One’s Candiac facility is currently the only LFP CAM production plant in North America and its production milestones are aligned with ONE’s battery production growth projections. Working together, ONE and Nano One aim to qualify and validate the LFP CAM from its previously announced 200tpa pilot, potentially leading to a binding offtake agreement from the future commercial production facility. “Establishing a North American supply chain for LFP batteries is one of the pillars on which we founded ONE ,” said Mujeeb Ijaz, CEO & Founder of ONE. “Nano One’s innovative and localized CAM process is aligned with ONE’s efforts to grow our local material supply chain while minimizing cost, complexity and environmental footprint.” Nano One is repurposing the Candiac plant to use its patented One-Pot process for the pilot production of LFP CAM, with re-commissioning scheduled for Q3 2023. This move gives Nano One a multi-year head start and a significant competitive advantage in the race to differentiate and commercialize a clean, green and secure North American LFP supply chain. Dan Blondal, CEO and Founder of Nano One stated,“We look forward to collaborating with ONE and co-developing a robust and economically resilient LFP battery supply chain that is decoupled and environmentally differentiated from the dominance of the overseas market. This is great news for our shareholders and also for our government supporters, and it is another important step forward for Nano One in the process to securing offtakes and monetizing our technology. We want to work with well-funded companies that have the backing of global industry leaders, and the battery technology and production experience to capture significant market share, so it is with great confidence that we are adding ONE to our ecosystem of trusted partners.” ONE began production of its Aries LFP battery pack earlier this year. The company is also building, ONE Circle, its first battery cell factory. ONE Circle is a 20 GWh battery cell factory that will be located in Van Buren Township, MI and begin operation in 2024. Both ONE and Nano One are confident the companies can work together to meet or exceed stringent industrial validation standards. There is solid alignment and support from Governments in the United States and Canada, and each company brings valuable strategic partners and shareholders that include Auto OEMs, multinational critical mineral suppliers, and leading chemical companies.
Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. launches new FR-E800 Series Inverter for facilities with only a 120 Volt source available
The FR-E810W inverter complements the existing FR-E800 series inverter family by operating from a 120V source – a common voltage source available throughout North America. Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. has just launched the FR-E810W, an expansion of the FR-E800 series inverter lineup providing 120V service solutions. FR-E810W offers the improved safety, energy savings, and operation reliability of FR-E800 inverters to an additional voltage class. Traditionally, customers using Mitsubishi Electric Automation’s 240V inverters, with 120V service, were required to purchase an external step-up transformer to increase the supply voltage from 120V to 240V. The FR-E810W provides 120V service solutions, saving on unnecessary added costs. FR-E810W inverters offer the same capabilities and benefits as the other inverters in the FR-E800 series, including supporting CC-Link IE TSN technology, two Ethernet ports, enhanced predictive maintenance, and AI fault diagnostics. A significant benefit of the FR-E810W is that it relieves customers of the added cost of purchasing additional materials when only 120V service is available. “With some of our customers only having 120V available at their facilities, it was important that we offer an inverter that would provide them the quality and performance of our other FR-E800 inverters, but with a capability of operating in a lower voltage environment,” said Tom Henfling, product manager at Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.
EnerSys® supports 2023 National Forklift Safety Day with Power Solutions designed to enhance operator protection
EnerSys® is honoring once again the Industrial Truck Association (ITA) in support of National Forklift Safety Day (NFSD), providing customers with highly-sophisticated, virtually maintenance-free motive power solutions engineered to enhance operator protection. To help reduce exposure to workplace injuries, EnerSys® provides battery options that support converting material handling operations from liquid propane (LP) to electric power – eliminating risk of musculoskeletal injuries from handling, lifting, and changing LP tanks. “Forklifts are valuable pieces of equipment that support industry and our global supply chain; but powered industrial trucks violations were among OSHA’s ten highest citation areas last year,” said Harold Vanasse, Senior Director of Marketing, Motive Power Global at EnerSys. “And our customer’s safety is top priority here at EnerSys, so we are constantly striving to develop solutions to not only simplify the operator experience, but also take into consideration their safety, health and overall well-being. Like the ITA, we share a similar desire to spread awareness of the importance of forklift safety education, training and the need for innovative solutions to help reduce exposure to potential injury, and we are proud to support their ongoing efforts during National Forklift Safety Day.” Today marks the ten-year anniversary of NFSD and this historic milestone is being recognized through several events throughout the United States, including a special keynote presentation at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. ITA established National Forklift Safety Day in 2013 to reflect its mission to raise awareness on best practices in manufacturing and warehouse environments and to emphasize operator training, promote greater pedestrian awareness, and share resources about forklift safety. For more information about National Forklift Safety Day, click here. *Source: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/safety/oshatop10.html
BSLBATT Lithium Battery Factory -Nothing is Impossible
China’s manufacturing displays great power across the world. As one of the leading lithium Battery manufacturers in China, Specifically designed for perform in multi-shift warehouse applications. Here at BSLBATT Battery we have been growing rapidly across our global dealer network and this means we have been developing our manufacturing to accommodate this. Our Factories all play different roles in manufacturing the BSL Product portfolio from start to finish and are a colorful display of the process of bringing our products to the #materialhandling market! About BSLBATT factory The BSLBATT factory currently has three bases in Huizhou, Guangdong, Dongguan, and Jiangxi in China. The total land area of the existing production base is about 12,000㎡. Our current total production capacity is 2.5 GWH. Among them, energy storage batteries accounted for 1GWH, Motive Power lithium batteries accounted for 1GWH, 12V lithium batteries, and lithium batteries in other special fields accounted for 0.5GWH. Each BSL lithium battery is mainly composed of cell material selection, cell combination, module, laser welding, assembly, measurement, BMS, debugging, sealing, debugging, testing, aging, labeling, communication, inspection, packaging, and delivery 17 processes complete the manufacturing. 1000 sets of equipment on the assembly line including laser welding, module line, testing line, and packaging line work continuously. In recent years, BSLBATT is adding a new type of automation line, which has the advantages of environmental protection, high module consistency, low cost, and high quality, and is very advanced in China today. So what role does each factory play? BSL Huizhou Factory mainly produces lithium forklift battery, AGV lithium battery, Golf cart lithium battery, Lithium Solar Battery, and other products production. BSL Dongguan Factory, currently mainly produces Lithium RV battery, Lithium Marine battery, Lithium Floor Machines battery, and other products production. BSL Jiangxi Factory East mainly produces micro-grid energy storage batteries. This year many of our dealers will have the opportunity to visit our factories and get more closely connected with our team and resources. Will we see you in China this year? Our Strength BSL is an innovative company, and its strength is in design. BSL will regard the materialization, generalization, and modularization for each product at the beginning of the design process. The first one is the core parts; we must develop and produce independently. The second one is our important parts; our factory has the advantage of our own design, according to our require Module selection design and independent research and development of BMS. This gives full play to our capacity for independent innovation and also makes full use of the production advantages of our suppliers. Thirdly; our products are designed to be generalized and standardized, which greatly increases the number of batches of an overall product from the supplier, with our investment in molds, we will greatly reduce the cost. This is the advantage of our overall design and development. The future In the future, as our factory expands into a larger production scale and pursues a more complete industrial chain, the focus will be on progressively improving toward digital intelligence and mechanized production. We will improve production efficiency, ensure product quality, improve environmental requirements, ensure safe production, and allow our employees to work in a better environment. At the same time, through the perfect MES system of production control, we will be able to achieve faster conversion of sales orders and production orders, control all production processes, speed up delivery, and better serve the market.
Flux Power reports 3rd Quarter Fiscal 2023 financial results
Third Quarter Fiscal 2023 Revenue Increased 14% to $15.1 Million Third Quarter Fiscal 2023 Gross Profit Increased 146% to $4.7 Million Flux Power Holdings, Inc. a developer of advanced lithium-ion energy storage solutions for electrification of commercial and industrial equipment, has reported its financial and operational results for the fiscal third quarter ended March 31, 2023. Key Financial & Operational Highlights for the Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2023 Revenue (Shipments) increased 14% to $15.1M in Q3’23 compared to Q3’22 revenue of $13.2M. Achieved 19th consecutive quarter of year-over-year revenue growth. Gross profit increased 146% to $4.7M in Q3’23 compared to $1.9M in Q3’22. Q3’23 gross margin was 31% compared to 15% in Q3’22, reflecting gross margin improvement initiatives including sourcing changes, design cost reductions, and pricing recovery of pandemic-related cost increases. Operating Leverage continued its positive trend for the nine months ended March 31, 2023, of revenue growth and gross margin improvement compared with no increase in operating expense. Net cash used in operating activities decreased 16% in Q3’23 compared to Q3’22 and 73% for the nine months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the nine months ended March 31, 2022. Adjusted EBITDA loss decreased 80% in Q3’23 compared to Q3’22 and decreased 74% for the nine months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the nine months ended March 31, 2022. Customer order backlog totaled $25.0M as of March 31, 2023. Renewed the existing credit facility with Silicon Valley Bank, a division of First Citizens Bank of $14.0 million to support working capital requirements. Strategic Supply Chain & Profitability Improvement Initiatives continued to accelerate the path to cash flow breakeven. Added 2 new large fleet customers, reflecting customers’ desire to fulfill long-term fleet needs of replacing lead acid battery packs with lithium-ion. Backlog Summary Fiscal Quarter Ended Beginning Backlog New Orders Shipments Ending Backlog December 31, 2021 $ 19,433,000 $ 19,819,000 $ 7,837,000 $ 31,415,000 March 31, 2022 $ 31,415,000 $ 20,495,000 $ 13,317,000 $ 38,593,000 June 30, 2022 $ 38,593,000 $ 11,622,000 $ 15,195,000 $ 35,020,000 September 30, 2022 $ 35,020,000 $ 9,678,000 $ 17,840,000 $ 26,858,000 December 31, 2022 $ 26,858,000 $ 20,652,000 $ 17,158,000 $ 30,352,000 March 31, 2023 $ 30,352,000 $ 9,751,000 $ 15,087,000 $ 25,016,000 Management Commentary “We continued our successful cadence of year-over-year revenue growth with our 19th consecutive quarter of revenue growth, combined with a renewed credit facility providing additional cash to fund higher working capital requirements driven by increased customer demand and to meet our growth goals,” said Ron Dutt, Chief Executive Officer of Flux Power. “We also continued to improve gross profit, up 146% in the third quarter to $4.7 million, and gross margin expansion of 16 basis points to 31% compared to the year-ago period. Adjusted EBITDA loss decreased $0.2 million for the quarter on a sequential basis, and decreased $8.7 million, or 74%, for the nine months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the nine months ended March 31, 2022. “The positive trend of operating leverage during the nine months ended March 31, 2023, versus the prior year supports our profitability goals with revenue growth of 85%, gross margin improvement of 197% against the operating expense of a slight decrease. “To supplement our customer support services in response to this growth in nationwide sales, we recently announced the opening of our new Atlanta facility. The facility will enable faster response times to our customer base, with an effective service and call center capability. Investment in the Atlanta office broadens our geographic footprint to bring comprehensive and responsive services to customers in the eastern half of the U.S. while also, and importantly, resulting in lower service logistics costs incurred by our Company. “Although global supply chain disruptions have lessened, we increased our inventory to $21 million as of March 31, 2023, to accommodate the lengthening of forklift OEM delivery timelines being experienced in the material handling sector. To address disruptions and reduce excess inventory, we have improved lean manufacturing processes and supply chain management. We have launched an in-house automated modular production initiative to manage module SKUs and accommodate diversification of cell suppliers and also utilized lower cost, more reliable, and secondary suppliers of key components including cells, steel, electronics, circuit boards, and other production critical components. “We recently announced a renewal of the credit facility with Silicon Valley Bank, now a division of First Citizens Bank (“SVB Facility”), of $14.0 million to support higher working capital requirements related to increased customer demand. This renewal, along with our existing cash, will continue to meet our anticipated capital resources to fund planned operations. We also continue to explore alternative capital opportunities to enable us to meet the demands of our aggressive growth trajectory. “Looking ahead, we believe our strong purchase orders, backlog and continued expansion of margins through improved sourcing and supply chain management, continual process improvement, and pricing is leading us toward what we believe is a clear path to profitability. We are focused on the continuation of our growth trajectory through the advancement of our technology, capacity, and customer and partnership relationships, and expanding into new markets. I look forward to additional announcements, as well as a customer demo day we are planning, in the months to come as we strive to create long-term sustainable growth and shareholder value,” concluded Dutt. Q3’23 Financial Results Revenue for the fiscal third quarter of 2023 increased by 14% to $15.1 million compared to $13.2 million in the fiscal third quarter of 2022, driven by increased sales volumes and models with higher selling prices, including greater sales to existing and new customers. Gross profit for the fiscal third quarter of 2023 increased to $4.7 million compared to a gross profit of $1.9 million in the fiscal third quarter of 2022. Gross margin was 31% in the fiscal third quarter of 2023 as compared to 15% in the fiscal third quarter of 2022, reflecting a higher volume of units sold with greater gross margin and lower cost of sales as a result of the gross margin improvement
How lithium-ion forklift batteries are a game-changer for the paper and packaging industry
Industry Challenge A typical paper roll may be loaded, transported, and unloaded 4-16 times on its way from the paper mill to the printing press. All stages of this transport chain require powerful, dedicated handling equipment to minimize downtime and operating costs. Newsprint, coated paper, craft, or linerboard – high-volume, uninterrupted processing of paper rolls, pulp, and waste bales requires powerful equipment. The power supply usually needs to be so rugged and reliable that you can run it non-stop. Until recently, Class I and II forklifts using tilt and swivel attachments were primarily powered by LPG internal combustion engines or lead-acid electric motors. Both have their own set of problems, but three main ones are common: run time, high energy costs, and pollution. The pulp and paper industry is an “edge” industry for Li-ion technology. Its material-handling needs range between those industries where electric forklifts have traditionally been available, such as small warehouses and supermarkets, and super-heavy industries, such as mining, where huge machinery consumes so much energy that conventional wisdom says it cannot be used converted into electricity. “We’re proving that’s not true,” said Haley Ning, director of marketing at BSLBATT. “The paper industry was one of the first heavy industries to adopt lithium-ion batteries, but others will follow.” Pulp and paper facilities are ready for conversion because they generally have access to electricity and stable infrastructure with a consistent grid; in contrast, many mining operations are located in undeveloped areas. “Our battery offers great potential for paper processing,” says Felix Du. “Furthermore, where hygienic handling is a mandatory requirement – such as paper converting and packaging, including food packaging – the absence of harmful fumes and low maintenance are important.” How BSL lithium-ion forklift batteries are changing the paper and packaging industry Case 1 A Taiwanese paper mill is retrofitting new lithium batteries with a Yale ERP45VM forklift. 4500KG. The Electric Buffer Tire Trucks are all 83.2V powered by a 1400Ah BSL Li-Ion battery. Six trucks carry the rolls to the loading and unloading warehouse, where they are stacked in warehouses for distribution. There are also two trucks for excursions with rolls that need to be rewound. All eight trucks run on one battery, which will last all day, with quick opportunity recharging sessions during breaks and lunches. Case 2 A large Israeli paper mill is using a Yale ERP55VM6F2170 to retrofit new lithium batteries to feed the production line. The end of the line is served by eight Yale ERP55VM6F2170 forklifts, which have all recently switched from lead-acid powered electric trucks to BSL lithium batteries. There are 5500 KG capacity trucks equipped with 2267KG paper roll clamps and BSL lithium batteries with 2200KG installed. 8 Yale ERP55VM6F2170 forklifts do very heavy duty – 3 shifts per day, averaging 4,800 hours per year! This is well beyond any industry standard rental (approximately 1500-2000 hours per year). Powerful, durable BSLBATT lithium batteries are the best choice when you need to maximize uptime and safely handle paper and pulp products. Also for pulp and paper manufacturers, sustainability is another factor. It was a “eureka moment” for Haley Ning to realize that many of his clients had internal mandates to reduce their factories’ carbon footprint. “Forklifts may not even be an area they’re thinking about helping achieve those goals,” he said. “Switching from lead-acid batteries to lithium means switching from dirty to clean energy. Efficiency is common in every industry. You’ll save money along the way on lead acid. In Israel, it can cost 5-10 times more to run a truck with a lead-acid battery, depending on where you live and work. Our experience is that we can help someone reduce their total cost of ownership by 25-30% over five years,” he added. Summarize BSLBATT is known for producing some of the most durable, reliable, safe, and trouble-free Li-ion batteries for applications where durability, speed, and energy efficiency directly impact the bottom line. BSLBATT lithium-ion batteries help reduce downtime by taking advantage of breaks to opportunistically recharge when operations are most convenient. Zero routine maintenance and energy efficiency provide quick cost savings. Lithium-ion technology is the best forklift battery to help the paper and packaging industry achieve warehouse and operational efficiencies. The benefits of using lithium-ion batteries can help achieve these operational efficiency goals. Fleet managers in the paper and packaging industry can improve operational efficiency by implementing lithium-ion batteries in their forklift fleets.
Delta-Q Technologies commences full production of its 3.3 kW Battery Charger
The XV3300 battery charger XV3300 battery charger is a 3-in-1 on-board charging system offering stellar performance and features, suited for non-road mobile machinery Delta-Q Technologies (Delta-Q), a provider of battery charging solutions for electric vehicles and industrial equipment, has announced that its innovative mid-power charger, the XV3300, is now in full-scale production. With its unique 3-in-1 design, this highly efficient charging system integrates a 3.3 kW battery charger, a 500 W DC-DC converter to power the vehicles’ auxiliary loads, and an EV charging station interface. These key features encased in a ruggedized IP67 design, provide OEMs with an attractive package for simplifying electrification of their off-road applications. “No other 3.3 kW charger on the market also includes a DC/DC converter for auxiliary DC loads and an EVSE charging interface in such a compact size,” said Mourad Chergui, Senior Product Manager with Delta-Q. “As we start full-scale production, we can begin to fulfill the substantial demand we received since we first announced the initial development.” The 3.3 kW charging solution is available in 58.8, 65, and 120-volt DC models and is scalable, allowing OEMs to stack up to three chargers for power levels up to 10 kW. The XV3300 uses complex algorithms to deliver a precise charge to batteries of various chemistries and voltages, maximizing battery life and optimizing charge time. Key features and benefits of the XV3300 charger include: High Reliability: The XV3300 battery charger is compact, rugged, and IP67-rated. It is tested for automotive-grade shock and vibration. Its fully sealed aluminum die-cast enclosure protects the charger from dust, liquids, and the effects of immersion in up to one meter of water. Enhanced Protection: The XV3300 is a low-voltage charger that optimally charges all battery chemistries and nominal voltages between 48 V to 120 V. It is also protected against short circuits, over-voltage, and over-temperature to ensure safe operation. Flexible Power Options: The XV3300 is scalable and can be paralleled to provide between 3.3 kW to 10 kW of power for faster-charging options. The charger is also available as an on-board and off-board charger, providing OEMs with additional flexibility. Integrated DC-DC converter: It provides auxiliary power to operate vehicle accessories such as air-conditioners, controllers, lights, turn signals, navigation, and communication devices. It also eliminates the need for an external DC-DC converter, saving OEMs and equipment operators space and cost. EV Charging Station Interface: The XV3300 complies with SAE J1772 (levels 1 and 2) and IEC 61851 (modes 2 and 3) to charge from standard EVSE AC charging stations across North America and Europe. This feature provides end-users with more charging options and greater vehicle flexibility. To register for updates on the XV3300 battery charger or for specific details, including product specifications, visit https://connect.delta-q.com/xv3300.
California may ease the phase-out of non-zero-emission forklifts after the 2026 ban
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has updated the proposed new regulations aimed at achieving zero emissions from forklifts by 2035. This article is a review of recent changes to California’s ban on non-zero-emission forklifts, which we wrote about in 2022. Under the updated proposed regulation, fleet operators would still not be allowed to purchase new large spark ignition (LSI) forklifts as of 2026. LSI forklifts include all those powered by an internal combustion engine (except diesel-powered forklifts). However, the fleets would be subject to a model-year-based phaseout of 2025 model year (MY) and older forklifts starting in 2028 (rather than 2026), with the gradual replacement of these forklifts with zero-emission models over the next few years. As California pushes for a faster shift towards zero-emission forklifts, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has proposed a new set of requirements for fleet operators under a broader set of regulations aimed at achieving zero-emission forklifts by 2035. With this proposal, CARB is taking a comprehensive approach to reducing emissions from the industrial sector, which has significant environmental and health impacts. CARB held workshops on January 24 and March 22, 2023, to discuss the Zero Emission Forklift Measure. Under this measure, fleets would be subject to a model-year-based phase-out, affecting forklifts from the model year (MY) 2025 and older. During the workshops, CARB discussed postponing the phase-outs for Class IV and Class V forklifts, which will begin in 2028 and 2030, respectively— not in 2026 as originally proposed. This means that these forklifts will have a 10-year and 13-year lifespan, respectively, before they need to be replaced with zero-emission models. One of the significant changes in the proposed regulations is that there is no prohibition on fleet operators buying used forklifts from model year 2025 and older, as long as they have not been phased out yet. This provision provides some flexibility for fleet operators, who may not be able to replace all their forklifts immediately. However, fleet operators cannot purchase new LSI forklifts after January 1, 2026. The proposed regulations also introduce a model year grouping concept, which further delays the phase-out for some model years. For example, an MY2019 Class IV forklift can be kept until 2031, which is a 12-year lifespan instead of the standard 10 years. Similarly, an MY2018 Class V forklift can be kept until 2033, which is a 15-year lifespan instead of the standard 13 years. What’s next? The proposed regulations will go through a final all-stakeholder workshop before CARB staff prepares the final proposed regulation for presentation to its board members in the fall of 2023. Key Takeaways Starting in 2026, fleet operators would not be allowed to purchase new LSI forklifts. CARB proposes a model-year-based phaseout of MY2025 and older forklifts starting in 2028. Fleet operators can purchase used forklifts from model year 2025 and older, as long as they have not been phased out yet. The proposed regulations will go through a final all-stakeholder workshop before CARB staff prepares the final proposed regulation for presentation to its board members in the fall of 2023. About the Author: Maxim Khabur is the Marketing Director of OneCharge, Inc., based in Irvine, CA.
Flux Power renews $14 Million credit facility with First Citizens Bank
Flux Power Holdings, Inc., a developer of advanced lithium-ion energy storage solutions for the electrification of commercial and industrial equipment, has renewed the available credit under its existing facility with Silicon Valley Bank, a division of First Citizens Bank (“SVB Facility”), of $14.0 million to support higher working capital requirements related to increased customer demand. “First Citizens Bank is a top-tier financial institution, and we are pleased to now be partnering with them on our revolving line of credit,” said Chuck Scheiwe, Chief Financial Officer of Flux Power. “This renewal, along with our existing cash, is intended to meet our anticipated capital resources to fund planned operations.” Ron Dutt, Chief Executive Officer of Flux Power, added, “Our strong purchase orders, improving backlog and expansion of margins through improved sourcing and supply chain management, and operational process improvement is leading us toward our near-term goal of profitability. Combined with a recent successful showcase of our full product line at Promat 2023, the material handling and logistics industry’s premier global event, I have never been more confident about the future and long-term shareholder value of Flux Power.” On March 10, 2023, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) issued a press release stating that Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”) was closed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, which appointed the FDIC as receiver. On March 26, 2023, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) entered into a purchase and assumption agreement for all deposits and loans of Silicon Valley Bridge Bank, National Association, by First Citizens Bank & Trust Company, Raleigh, North Carolina. On March 27, 2023, the 17 legacy Silicon Valley Bridge Bank, N.A. branches began operating as Silicon Valley Bank, a division of First Citizens Bank. The Company’s other available financing resources include (i) the previously disclosed $5 million Credit Facility Agreement, dated May 11, 2022, by and among the Registrant and Cleveland Capital, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Herndon Plant Oakley, Ltd., and other lenders, which remains unused; and (ii) the Company’s At-the-Market (ATM) facility.
Concentric LLC acquires Industrial Battery Solutions
Concentric, LLC, the national provider of DC power management for the material handling and critical power industries, announced today the acquisition of Industrial Battery Solutions. Based in Waipahu, Hawaii, Industrial Battery Solutions is the only company in Hawaii to sell and service forklift batteries along with critical power products. This acquisition expands Concentric’s footprint past the contiguous United States and into areas that have historically lacked access to leading power management solutions. As an essential partner in maintaining Hawaii’s supply chain, Industrial Battery Solutions’ team of service leaders are specialized in battery replacement, chargers, watering systems, repairs, maintenance, and removal. Industrial Battery Solutions is led by Kathleen Moses Benson, President and Hank Benson, Vice President of Operations – who will both remain in leadership after the acquisition. “Industrial Battery Solutions is led by a strong management team with 50 years in the battery industry,” said Concentric Chief Operating Officer, John Winter. “We are looking forward to working with them and continuing to grow their presence while serving their customers across Hawaii.” “We are excited to join the Concentric team and expand the solutions we can provide to our forklift and critical power customers,” said Industrial Battery Solutions President, Kathleen Moses Benson. “Being an island nation, Concentric’s suite of critical power solutions provides an invaluable opportunity to provide energy security to Hawaii-based businesses.” For additional information about Concentric or this acquisition, visit www.concentricusa.com or https://www.concentricusa.com/partners/acquisition-announcement
Episode 374: Sustainable Power Solutions – EnerSys
In this episode of The New Warehouse, Harold Vanasse, Senior Director of Marketing at EnerSys, joins Kevin at ProMat 2023. Harold talks about the new EnerSys products and how they are helping warehouses with efficiency and sustainability. He also discusses some of the challenges warehouse managers face today and how they provide solutions to them. Be sure to tune in for this episode and learn about EnerSys and its innovative approach to powering the warehouse! ProMat 2023 – Trends and Challenges Harold and Kevin discuss their perspectives on ProMat 2023 and what they are hearing from attendees. Labor shortage continues to be an issue in the industry, and it remains a pressing challenge for companies to overcome. Equipment procurement also presents a challenge since it takes a lot of time, which affects productivity and operations. Sustainable power solutions have also been a big topic this year, with many companies looking for innovative solutions to minimize their carbon footprint and boost energy efficiency. At EnerSys, they have been receiving a lot of inquiries about how to achieve the goal of reducing emissions while improving operational efficiency. One way to reduce labor costs is through automation, with many companies looking for ways to automate some jobs and critical processes. This approach results from the difficulty in finding workers to fill roles, which is only getting more urgent. To stay competitive, companies are also prioritizing investment in the latest technology solutions and getting up-to-date on the total cost of ownership. Companies are looking for cost-effective strategies to maintain and operate their equipment. Overview of Automation, Electrification, and No Maintenance Some exciting trends in the industry include automation, electrification, and reduced maintenance. Electrification is a driving force for many industries in general, and with automation, this is becoming increasingly necessary, as reflected in power needs. The desire to minimize maintenance is another crucial factor contributing to this trend. At the EnerSys booth this year, they showcased a live wireless charger with an AGV from JBT. The highlight of this demonstration is using maintenance-free lithium batteries. This approach reflects the growing importance of automation, and you can see how automated-powered vehicles like the AGV lend themselves well to using maintenance-free products. For EnerSys, thin plate pure lead and lithium-ion batteries are ideal options since they have rapid recharge, high power, and require no maintenance. This is cost-effective and reduces downtime in the long run since a wireless charger has no wear and tear. These trends are exciting to watch as they point towards a future where automation, electrification, and no maintenance will become the norm in many industries, including material handling and logistics. Sustainable Power Solutions Lithium batteries’ reliability, longevity, and versatility make them particularly attractive for this market. EnerSys has just introduced a new 80-volt lithium-ion product in response to the growing demand in Europe and North America. By analyzing each customer’s power requirements and usage carefully, EnerSys can recommend a lithium, lead, or hybrid solution that will deliver the best results for the customer. Harold shares that EnerSys always considers the complete picture to ensure they can offer the most sustainable options while achieving optimal performance. Enersys believes in assisting customers with a comprehensive system approach, where the battery and charger work together seamlessly, monitoring the system’s performance to maximize its efficiency. This approach ensures the customer experiences a maintenance-free experience while delivering savings and sustainability across the vehicle’s lifecycle. Key Takeaways At ProMat 2023, automation was a major topic, with over 45% of seminars focusing on it. Going to a maintenance-free battery option can improve water conservation goals due to not needing to water the batteries. Only ~20% of S&P 500 companies issued sustainability reports a decade ago. Today, that number stands at an impressive ~95%. Similarly, ~80% of the Russell 1000 publicly traded companies now publish sustainability reports. It’s clear that this is not just a fad but an integral part of doing business in today’s world. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 374: Sustainable Power Solutions – EnerSys
EnerSys® debuts NexSys® AIR Wireless Charger at ProMat® 2023
EnerSys® unveiled its NexSys® AIR wireless charger during a special, onsite press conference at ProMat 2023. As the latest solution in the Company’s line of virtually maintenance-free motive power products, the NexSys® AIR wireless charger will help customers drive productivity with a safe, convenient, hands-free charging solution. Suitable for a variety of applications, the NexSys® AIR wireless charger is chemistry independent and capable of charging flooded lead acid, Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL), and Lithium-ion batteries. The NexSys® AIR wireless charger also offers exceptional operational flexibility by eliminating connection hardware, enabling the unit to charge a variety of equipment. “The new NexSys® AIR wireless charger delivers the convenience of a reliable, hands-off charging solution,” said Harold Vanasse, Senior Director of Marketing, Motive Power Global at EnerSys. “Along with charging a range of equipment and battery technologies, our NexSys® AIR wireless charger can drive safety and productivity by eliminating the need for extra personnel to physically plug-in automated equipment, something especially important with today’s labor market.” In addition to flexible operation and installation, the NexSys® AIR wireless charger also offers advanced safety features such as Foreign Object Detection (FOD) and Live Object Detection (LOD) capabilities.
Raymond expands energy solutions portfolio with new 48V drop-in lithium battery
The new battery offers reduced maintenance, easy installation, and full integration with Raymond® chargers and telematics The Raymond Corporation has expanded its line of advanced energy solutions with the launch of the Energy Essentials Distributed by Raymond® 48-volt drop-in lithium-ion battery (48V LIB), which is available in multiple configurations to meet a variety of customer demands. “The 48-volt drop-in lithium-ion battery offers customers a smart alternative energy solution to upgrade existing or new lift trucks,” said Damon Hosmer, senior product marketing manager, energy storage technology and integration, The Raymond Corporation. “This new product solves three of the biggest concerns our customers tend to have when adopting alternative power sources: footprint, power, and run-time. This battery delivers higher energy density in a smaller footprint, which creates more power, decreases charging times, and increases run-times.” Designed as a direct, plug-and-play replacement for conventional lead acid batteries, the new 48V LIB fits lift trucks with battery compartments of 13 inches and larger and requires no additional modifications. The new battery also provides for continuous data exchange between Raymond® lift trucks and chargers, giving customers easy access to critical operating metrics — and to the Raymond portfolio of telematics and intralogistics solutions. “Our chargers, LIBs, and telematics packages all work together to optimize performance and data acquisition,” Hosmer said. “Used in conjunction with Raymond’s Power Source Integration and iWAREHOUSE platform, this new battery gives users access to a more holistic view of their operation, allowing for better decision-making, boosting battery life span, improving operational efficiency, and increasing productivity.” The new 48V LIB is suitable for a variety of environments and is designed to deliver a strong business case for alternative energy adoption, including: Increased productivity from convenient opportunity charging, longer run-times, and faster charging Reduced maintenance thanks to the completely sealed battery design, which eliminates the maintenance requirements of traditional lead acid batteries The lowest total cost of ownership with the longest cycle life in the industry Reduced energy and operating costs due to the decreased need for spare batteries or lift trucks Easy installation and implementation thanks to a drop-in design that’s compatible with the entire Raymond fleet of new or existing electric lift trucks Enhanced peace of mind from the UL® 2580 listing and a six-year or 5,000-cycle warranty “As the lithium-ion battery market develops, customers will have many options to choose from,” Hosmer said. “But Raymond offers an integrated solution no one else can. Every component works in tandem to maximize the positive effects of lithium-ion technology on your business. More uptime, greater productivity, and lower total cost of ownership — everything you need from your LIB solution, end-to-endless — all from Raymond. And when you’re ready, our LIBs are fully recyclable at the end of the battery’s life. Raymond will even help customers take care of the final disposal of any LIB purchased from us.”
Wiferion North America Inc
Learn the six most common myths about the Industrial Lithium-ion Battery
The global lithium-ion battery market size is projected to expand by over 18 percent between 2021 and 2030, compared to the projected 5 percent growth in the global lead-acid battery market size during that same time period. Lithium-ion batteries have multiple advantages that make them ideal for any operation. The battery's unique properties allow businesses to improve safety, and efficiencies, and significantly improve ROI. Lithium-ion batteries have multiple benefits over their IC and lead-acid counterparts, including faster recharge times, opportunity charging, long cycle life, and full cloud data reporting (BSL GPRS+GPS). Li-ion batteries virtually eliminate hazardous off-gassing and spills, making them safer and more eco-friendly than their competitors. We have examined and debunked the top lithium battery myths below to simplify the decision-making process. Myth 1: Battery-powered devices cannot withstand climate fluctuations To some, the idea that a battery can withstand a range of environmental conditions is unfathomable. For those who work in cold storage, the low-temperature freezer and refrigerator environment can put a lot of stress on lead-acid batteries, resulting in longer charging times and frequent interruptions to daily operations. They needed a lithium solution that could withstand the low-temperature factor, and lithium batteries have been proven to do this over the years, but it would be a mistake to underestimate that lithium batteries cannot be used at -25°. Batteries are increasingly being developed to withstand harsh environmental elements, greatly increasing the durability and durability required for these conditions. While extreme heat and cold, as well as strong vibrations and exposure to moisture, can damage a battery's charge, it does & #39;t prevent the battery from delivering optimal power performance. Enhanced testing capabilities for batteries allow manufacturers to expose batteries to harsh environments to ensure they will deliver effective and efficient performance no matter the weather. Tested at temperatures from as low as –25°C to as high as 60°C, the range in which BSLBATT batteries can deliver robust, consistent performance has increased. Myth 2: ALL Lithium-Ion Batteries Contain Cobalt Many people shy away from investing in Lithium-ion because of the ethical and environmental costs of mining cobalt. While many Lithium-ion batteries in everyday tech use cobalt, the truth is that not all Lithium-ion batteries are made with cobalt. In fact, the LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery chemistry is quickly surpassing NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) in popularity and performance for industrial equipment. LFP batteries are Lithium-Ion batteries that do not contain cobalt. Aside from not containing cobalt, LFP batteries are better for our environment due to the fact that they are much less toxic, with iron and phosphate readily available. LFP is one of the safest and most reliable chemistry options out of all possible alternatives for lithium-ion batteries. This is why LFP batteries continue to grow as the preferred battery choice. Myth 3: Industrial Lithium-ion Battery Tech is “Too New” It is commonly assumed that lithium-ion technology is too new to be the superior choice over legacy internal combustion and lead acid battery systems. In reality, Lithium-ion technology has come leaps and bounds from where it first started in 1991 and is continuously improving at a rapid pace. The last decade has seen industrial lithium-ion begin to take over due to its reliability, low maintenance, and long cycle life. Today, lithium-ion batteries cost 97% less than they did when they first came to market and can now run for 8+ hours straight. When comparing lithium-ion batteries to their lead-acid counterpart, for example, lithium-ion is already the more economical, eco-friendly, and efficient option for users to choose from. Lithium-ion batteries bring new technology and capabilities that have not been seen in the market previously. Each year these batteries are on the market bringing new developments such as improved lithium cell performance, BMS capabilities, and durability among others. Lithium-ion is already established as a better alternative and continued improvement will prove lithium-ion batteries are the power source of choice for the future. MYTH 4: Battery power is unreliable As traditional fuel-powered machines are widely considered the norm, there is a tendency to dismiss battery power as it is unknown. Concerns remain over the impact, potential downtime can have on a business as they work out how to fix the issues that have occurred. However, modern Li-ion batteries are designed to help the user should something go wrong. Built into the battery is a battery management system (BMS) that offers a wealth of data and insights surrounding battery health and performance that keeps the battery, and in turn, the equipment, functioning at its best. Being able to monitor this data helps to prevent downtime as users can constantly measure the state of the battery. The BMS serves as an onboard computer that monitors and measures information such as the pack’s temperature, charge/discharge currents, and voltages of each cell bank. As the BMS constantly monitors the battery’s health, it is a great tool for supporting users should something go wrong. The battery can communicate with you to identify the issue so you can get back to work as quickly as possible helping to reduce downtime. BSLBATT Li-ion batteries also feature internal contactors, which means when the equipment is off, the battery is off, helping to protect those doing maintenance to the battery. MYTH 5: Lithium-Ion batteries aren’t recyclable Recycling batteries is often considered impossible due to the difficulties of disposing of older nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries. These difficulties do not apply to Li-ion batteries that are in fact incredibly recyclable. Li-ion batteries often have a second life in them (roughly 80 percent of the battery capacity remains), allowing them to be repurposed for other applications at the end of their life cycle. Li-ion batteries do not contain the same heavy metals that used to be found in old batteries, which means that they can be safely recycled without fear of unwanted chemicals getting into your water supply. The bottom line Once the misconceptions around Li-ion batteries are removed, end users are left with a reliable, rugged, and sustainable power source that helps OEMs meet
KION Group and Li-Cycle agree to form Strategic Battery Recycling Partnership focused on circular economy
KION Group signs agreement with Li-Cycle, an industry leader in lithium-ion battery resource recovery Up to an overall 95 percent recycling efficiency rate in an environmentally friendly process KION Group CTO Henry Puhl: “The collaboration with Li-Cycle will further strengthen our position in the area of sustainability” KION Group has entered into a strategic partnership with Li-Cycle Holdings Corp. (“Li-Cycle”), an industry provider in lithium-ion battery resource recovery. KION Group and Li-Cycle held a signing ceremony at KION GROUP AG’s Frankfurt headquarters to finalize the definitive agreement for the partnership. It will initially remain in place until 2030. According to the agreement, the environmentally friendly recycling of lithium-ion batteries will begin in the second half of this year. KION Group brands sell such batteries worldwide with their electric industrial trucks and automated warehouse logistics solutions. With this new partnership, the KION Group ensures that the most important materials from the lithium-ion batteries it supplies can be recovered. Recycling will initially be carried out in a new Li-Cycle recycling plant in the Magdeburg area with expansion into other countries, including France. “With this strategic partnership we are taking an important step towards the circular economy that we want to implement for our products,” said Henry Puhl, Chief Technology Officer of the KION GROUP AG upon signing the agreement. “The collaboration with Li-Cycle will further strengthen our position in the area of sustainability.” Andreas Krinninger, member of the Executive Board of KION GROUP AG and responsible for the Industrial Trucks & Services segment, sums up the benefits: “Li-Cycle´s sustainable Spoke & Hub process enables up to 95 percent of the mass of a lithium-ion battery to be recovered and the critical minerals contained in those batteries to be used to manufacture new batteries. This makes us one of the pioneers in the material handling industry in the field of recovery and recycling of modern lithium-ion batteries.” “We are pleased to partner with KION Group, a proven leader in electrifying industrial truck solutions and one of the world’s leading specialists in the area of warehouse technology and automation,” said Tim Johnston, co-founder and Executive Chairman of Li-Cycle. “Li-Cycle is excited to be designated as KION’s preferred global recycling partner as we continue to grow and diversify our customer portfolio to advance our expansion plans in Europe and help drive a sustainable and localized battery ecosystem. Through our partnership, Li-Cycle expects to support both KION’s recycling needs and its ability to align with the EU’s battery regulations. Together, we build a circular battery supply chain and further support the clean energy transition.” Environmentally Friendly Recycling Process Li-Cycle’s Spoke & Hub business model is focused on an innovative and sustainable two-step lithium-ion battery recycling and resource recovery process. The first step of the process takes place at its Spoke facilities, which utilize Li-Cycle’s patented and sustainable submerged shredding technology. The process produces ‘black mass,’ an intermediate product that contains highly valuable metals. Li-Cycle does not use high-temperature recycling methods and its Spokes have a minimal environmental footprint. The second step involves a hydrometallurgical process that produces battery-grade materials such as lithium carbonate, cobalt sulfate, and nickel sulfate from the black mass. Li-Cycle’s process has minimal solid waste streams to landfill, zero wastewater discharge, and low air emissions. Li-Cycle currently operates four Spokes located in Canada and the U.S. that can together recycle more than 50,000 tons of lithium-ion battery material per year. The Company is also developing Spokes in Germany, Norway, and France. The Germany Spoke, with the capacity to process up to 30,000 tons, is expected to be Li-Cycle’s largest Spoke to date and is scheduled to be operational in 2023.
Delta-Q Technologies to give seminar and showcase On-Board Charging for Lift Trucks at ProMat 2023
As part of the ZAPI GROUP of companies charging experts, Delta-Q Technologies will educate attendees about on-board charging for Class I and Class II lift trucks and showcase its latest 3.3 kW charging solution for the material handling industry Delta-Q Technologies (Delta-Q), a ZAPI GROUP company, will exhibit at ProMat 2023 in Chicago, Illinois, from March 20 to 23, 2023. The company, under the collective banner of the ZAPI GROUP, will showcase its latest charging solutions for electric class I, II and III lift trucks at booth #S1798 in McCormick Place South. At ProMat 2023, Conway Hui, Delta-Q’s Director of Global Sales Application Engineering, will lead an educational seminar entitled “On-Board Charging for Class I and Class II Lift Trucks.” The talk is part of the show’s on-floor educational seminars on industry best practices and innovations and is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21, 2023, from 12:45-1:30 p.m. in Theatre H. Conway will discuss the benefits of onboard charging and provide practical considerations for implementation. Attendees will learn how advancements in lithium battery technology are transforming Class I and Class II lift truck systems and meeting the operational needs and challenges of warehouses, material handlers, and rental fleets. Conway will also cover the logistics of implementation, including the types of connectors required, the location and space of the onboard charger in the lift truck, and the challenges that could present during integration. “We’re excited to be at ProMat this year with the ZAPI GROUP of companies and share our knowledge of on-board charging for counterbalance lift trucks and pallet walkies,” said Lloyd Gomm, Vice President of Business Development and Marketing at Delta-Q. “We’re also proud to showcase our latest innovation in powertrain electrification, the XV3300. This solution is a compact, on-board charging system, perfectly suited for the demands of the material handling industry.” The XV3300 features a high-performance 3.3 kW stackable charger, an integrated DC-DC converter, and an electric vehicle (EV) charging station interface. This 3-in-1 feature saves space and cost and removes the need for extra components, which enables material handling OEMs to more easily transition to electrified powertrains. Its ability to comply with both SAE J1772 (levels 1 and 2) and IEC 61851 (modes 2 and 3) makes it compatible with standard EV AC charging stations across North America and Europe. Delta-Q’s sister company, BlueBotics, is also exhibiting at ProMat 2023 at booth #N6715. The company is showcasing its automation navigation solutions for the material handling industry and will lead “Building the Business Case for Mobile Robotics in Logistics & Manufacturing,” an educational talk on Wednesday, March 22 from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. in Theater I. The company will co-present with Bastian Solutions and Oceaneering.
Wireless AGV and AMR Charging Solution provider Wiferion enters North American Market
Wiferion, an energy solution supplier powering mobile robots and autonomous industrial vehicles through a wireless charging platform, has entered the North American market in response to the demand for power solutions to increase uptime, lower maintenance and improve autonomous vehicle fleet efficiencies. Wiferion maximizes the performance of industrial electric vehicles such as autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), forklifts and other autonomous industrial trucks, and collaborative robots. With its new Chicago office, Wiferion is ideally located to serve new and existing customers, including a leading U.S. industrial truck manufacturer. Mobile robot OEMs and end users must find reliable ways to keep vehicles active. Inductive wireless charging is emerging as the standard for mobile robots and industrial e-vehicles. Wiferion’s new North American subsidiary will allow the company to shorten delivery times, enhance its onsite services and support, and provide consulting services for North American companies in need of advanced charging solutions. Wiferion will officially launch the North American subsidiary with a ribbon-cutting event and rooftop reception during the major manufacturing and supply chain trade show ProMat in Chicago on Tuesday, March 21. Wiferion will also present two sessions at ProMat and showcase its technology at exhibition booth #N8318. Wiferion provides a system custom-developed wireless power supply solution for the mobile robotics industry; its offerings include: etaLINK 3000, a 3kW contactless inductive power supply etaLINK 12000, a 12kW scalable energy wireless battery charging system with an efficiency of 93% etaSTORE proving lithium iron phosphate and lithium-titanate battery options for AGV, AMR & mobile robots etaTRAY, a plug-and-play battery retrofit for forklifts and other industrial trucks etaHUB, a charge optimization platform for remote diagnostics to optimize battery life and vehicle performance “A strategic approach to power supply solutions is a natural priority for makers and operators of AMRs and AGVs. Navigation works. Tasks are completed. But current approaches to power supply strategy fall short and remain an area of need to deliver optimal efficiencies for fleets,” said Matthieu Ebert, Vice President of Wiferion North America Inc. “Wiferion technology significantly improves vehicle uptime and maintenance efforts, reducing cumbersome power supply and charging challenges. We are focused on a strategic solution to upgrade charging infrastructure and create a standardized process for automated vehicle power that works for any mobile robot or autonomous truck. Our new home base in the U.S. helps us implement, service, and engage with North American companies quickly and effectively.” From production logistics, through fulfillment and warehousing, to agriculture and shipping, Wiferion has already sold charging systems in more than 20 countries. The system has been designed into more than 100 different industrial EV, autonomous guided vehicles, and mobile robots, with thousands of units, sold globally, including installation in several renowned European and U.S. automotive manufacturing facilities. Wiferion’s revolutionary inductive charging systems supply energy to entire industrial vehicles fleets automatically, regardless of voltage, current, or battery type. The charging innovation increases productivity by up to 32 percent through automated in-process charging. Wireless charging has the potential to unburden the supply chain through uninterrupted operations and increased productivity and fleet efficiency.