SECONDLY, DISCIPLINE As a result, it has made some By the way, don’t be afraid to contact
Remember most Lithium-ion batteries surprising and significant battery manufacturers directly. They’ll be
HAVE to be, rather than CAN be, technological developments of late, most happy to talk to you and it’s a great way
opportunity charged. Be sure that this will of which seem to have gone unnoticed, to better understand the technology or
always be convenient within the material but are certainly worthy of your attention. to clear up any specific concerns you may
flow fluctuations of your operation. If
have regarding battery use or suitability.
you run two or even three shifts your Did you realise, for example, that Lead Acid operatives will have to be extremely batteries can now be opportunity charged. The great news for electric truck users
disciplined in their charging schedule for Yes, that’s right CAN be opportunity though is that there has never been
Lithium-ion to be a viable option, be sure charged. Giving users the flexibility to more choice. Both Lithium-ion and the
this can be a workable reality. You will do so or not as best suits fluctuations in latest Lead Acid solutions are bringing
need to be ship-shape from day one. their material handling needs. With Lead enhanced levels of efficiency, reduced
Acid this is achieved with no danger from maintenance and new levels of flexibility
THIRDLY, COST under or over charging and with a high to handling equipment users.
Lithium-ion is a significant investment, level of operator safety.
not just in terms of the equipment
The competition between the two has
itself, but also in terms of its supporting The Intelligent battery chargers which created a new generation of machines,
infrastructure. Not only will a greater make this possible are microprocessor- a choice that removes many of the
number of battery charging points be regulated, which brings with it the drawbacks of the past and makes
required, but mains power infrastructure additional benefit of prolonged battery life electric trucks a genuinely viable
may also need to be upgraded to cope – delivering the flexibility of Lithium-ion alternative to gas and diesel. Even within
with the higher peak demands generated while further lowering costs. the most demanding of applications and
by Lithium-ion chargers. There have also been innovations in hostile of environments.
These can draw up to 500amps each. battery change-over systems, which The batteries themselves are also more now helpfully remove much of the time Just make sure you scratch beneath
expensive, on average costing over four and hassle previously associated with the surface – and look beyond the hype
times as much as their equivalent Lead battery management. The availability of – to find the one that’s right for you.
Acid counterparts. These additional costs advanced encapsulated batteries further Thoroughly evaluating their practicalities
all add up to make the technology a more minimises maintenance hours, reducing and suitability within your operation.
expensive option than Lead Acid. time spent on replenishing water, That way you’ll avoid any nasty shocks in
cleaning and inspection, which makes the future.
Don’t forget either that Lithium-
them virtually maintenance free.
ion technology in lift trucks is still
in its infancy and as such much of Let’s not forget, that although Lead Acid
its performance is unproven. When has always had an environment stigma
calculating total life costs remember to attached to it, the batteries can be
build in some contingency in case battery recycled. Unfortunately, we don’t have
life falls short of predictions. the same clarity on the future disposal of
www.impact-handling.com
Lithium-ion cells, so it’s environmental
Lift trucks do not give batteries an easy credentials remain unclear. Also, rather
life, often subjecting them to dramatic amazingly, lead is still required in many
temperature changes, physical shock Lithium-ion fitments as a counterbalance
loading, heavy vibration and enormous ballast material beneath the battery.
peak power demands. It is too soon to be
certain how all of this will really impact on Looking ahead, there is also at least
Lithium-ion battery life. one innovative hybrid solution that
is currently being developed which
FINALLY, THERE’S STILL SPARK IN LEAD combines both Lead Acid and Lithium-
ACID ion. The idea being to remove any of
While no one seems to want to write the disadvantages while building on the
a headline about poor old Lead Acid advantages of both battery types. We
anymore, behind the scenes it’s been very much look forward to announcing
working hard on its image. further details on this breakthrough in
the near future.
FDPP - www.fdpp.co.uk 5