Harnessing the Value of Lithium-ion battery powered Materials Handling Equipment.
In 1985, Japanese chemist Dr. Akira Yoshino filed a patent for the first rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The technology itself though has only been commercially available to the public since 1991. Relatively speaking then, lithium-ion technology is still in its infancy. However, the pressures of the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change over the past two years have highlighted lithium-ion technology as a viable, alternative energy and fuel source for companies’ business operations. Lithium-ion technology is, without a doubt, at the forefront of the alternative energy-source race as it ticks a number of important boxes:Â
1. Cost-efficient
2. AgileÂ
3. Environmentally friendly
ZERO IMPACT
ZERO EMISSIONS
ZERO DOWN TIME
Meet the best forklift in the world
Bringing this powerhouse forklift to the South African market is testament to VMH’s commitment to provide its customers with technologies and equipment that will help them build sustainable, competitive advantages. The Lithium-ion battery-powered equipment was developed by Hangcha, a trusted leader in the global Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) industry, and CATL, a world-renowned energy storage solution manufacturer with a focus on Lithium-ion Ferro Phosphate battery production.
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Why the need for Lithium-ion battery-powered materials handling equipment?
Traditional Materials Handling Equipment fits into three main categories of power, namely diesel, gas or electric. Diesel-powered equipment is powerful yet highly polluting and primarily used outdoors. Gas-powered equipment is great for both indoor and outdoor applications but is relatively costly. Electrically powered equipment is limited to indoor use only and is traditionally powered by lead acid batteries which present the following issues:
Gassing
Heat is generated when charging a lead acid battery. This releases potent fumes and exposes your staff to potential health risks.
Opportunity Charging
One of the main drawbacks of lead acid batteries is their inability to opportunity charge. Given that their charge time is 8 hours long with a 6 hour cooling down period, they are unable to opportunity charge for urgent or emergency use.
Maintenance
Lead acid batteries require skilled maintenance staff to charge, discharge and monitor water levels and maintain general battery health. Skilled staff are a necessity not an option; they are vital to ensure the longevity and proper maintenance of lead acid batteries.
Damages
Lead acid batteries require a full charge (100%) which takes 8 hours followed by a cooling period of 6-8 hours before use can resume. It’s a tedious process which means batteries are often undercharged. This compromises a battery’s life span and can cause functional errors which could be hazardous to both staff and equipment
The power of Lithium-ion battery-powered equipment
Lithium-ion battery-powered equipment works in both indoor and outdoor applications without any need for adaptation. Its power output is comparable with diesel but it is far less polluting resulting in a better choice for both people and the planet. What’s more, when comparing the benefits of a Lithium-ion powered battery to a lead acid battery performance and maintenance, there is no competition – and VMH customers agree.
1.5 Ton Electric Pallet Truck Lithium-Ion:
Lithium-ion battery benefits:
- The charging process is safe and requires no staff oversight.
- Charging is possible at any stage during the day for any required or available period. This benefit of opportunity charging is revolutionary as far as operational costs and time are concerned.
- Opportunity charging benefit includes a “quick charge” feature which provides a 100% fast charge in two hours.
- Can operate in a cold room (-25c) without any modifications.
- Manufactured with ferro-phosphate and contains no cobalt which ensures safety.
- No sulfation from prolonged periods of standing.
- What’s more, VMH provides a 10,000-hour warranty for 5 years on the Lithium-Ion batteries in its equipment.
The only thing that’s going to explode is your profit
In terms of affordability; the upfront costs of Lithium-ion-powered equipment are marginally higher than its traditional counterparts. However, the Value Materials Handling (VMH) team calculated the long-term cost of ownership and Lithium-ion outperforms with regards to overall cost-effectiveness, particularly when it comes to maintenance and fuel. Of course, no two businesses are the same so VMH always does a needs analysis to devise an asset management solution that is uniquely fit for purpose.
Innovation becomes the next energy powerhouse
Lithium-ion battery-powered Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) is new and innovative. As its superiority gains momentum and becomes more mainstream, demand will increase exponentially and lead to further advancements. Customers late to the game will face massive upfront costs when attempting to retro-fit their equipment and catch up. Added to which, falling behind the times with regards to innovation, environmental conservation and streamlining productivity can cause enormous reputational damage.
In keeping with Value Logistics’ industry leading customer commitment, Value Materials Handling (VMH) is ensuring that its customers have access to Lithium-ion technology from the get-go. This way, local companies can benefit from its innovation today and continue to reap the rewards for years to come as the technology grows into the energy powerhouse of the future.
Value Materials Handling (VMH) invites you to visit its Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) showroom in Isando, Johannesburg. The showroom includes demonstration areas which allow our customers to experience Lithium-ion battery powered equipment first-hand. If you are unable to visit the VMH showroom, the VMH team is available for an on-site demonstration at your warehouse.
