All charged up
Terry Kendrew, Managing Director at Impact
Handling, brings some balance to the hype
surrounding Lithium-ion and looks at the latest
developments in Lead Acid technology.
It’s seems hard to escape the headlines latest power train advancements. No FIRSTLY, SAFETY
around Lithium-ion at the moment. There more so recently, than with electric truck Lithium-ion can run hot when strained or
is certainly a great deal of excitement battery technology. used towards and beyond its limits. As a
and frenzy around its arrival on the lift
result, it is imperative when evaluating its
truck scene. But while it is undoubtedly As a result, across our portfolio of use in your applications that you are very
a great technology, is it really the perfect equipment ranges, we offer both realistic about the likely demands you will
solution to every electric truck users’ Lithium-ion and Lead Acid battery power place on the equipment, including any
needs, as some may suggest? in differing machines. Applying the potential misuse by drivers.
relevant technology where we and our Care must also be taken with charge levels,
Before I start, I should probably clarify manufacturers believe it is best suited, particularly when equipment is not in use
where my allegiances lie. I certainly within the confines of the technology as it and most importantly in avoiding a full
wouldn’t want to be accused of having an stands today. discharge of the battery. In fact, battery
axe to grind, nor for anyone reading this to
manufacturers recommend that a machine
think I have an agenda to push them one As a result, I do not favour one technology is never left unattended with a fully
way or the other. And I certainly wouldn’t type over another, per se, but rather feel discharged Lithium-ion battery on board.
wish to be exposed to the highly-charged that each has applications it is better We have recently even seen instances
wrath of those who have decided to place suited to than the other. of insurance implications when Lithium-
all their eggs into one basket.
ion technology is used in certain
However, I am a little concerned that operational environments. This may be
At Impact, the brands we represent Lithium-ion has been somewhat over- an overreaction to exploding smartphone
have all spent – and indeed continue to sold by some recently, and that as a result batteries but it is nonetheless worth
spend – a great deal of time and money some very important considerations have checking with your insurers before making
developing, evaluating and testing the perhaps been overlooked. any final commitments.
4 FDPP - www.fdpp.co.uk