MHI Advanced Energy Council held a seminar at PROMAT 2023 Expo that focused on the integration of lithium batteries with lift trucks. This seminar aimed to explore the three types of integration and their benefits. In this article, we will describe the three types of integration, the benefits of each, and the importance of a unified CAN standard among Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), as it was presented by OneCharge President Tim Karimov at the PROMAT information seminar.

The Three Types of Integration

The first type of integration is the drop-in lithium-ion battery with the battery discharge indicator. This type of integration is commonly referred to as playing in the lead-acid mode. Essentially, this involves taking a regular lift truck that is designed to work with a lead-acid battery and replacing it with a lithium-ion battery. It is cost-effective and requires minimal integration. However, there is limited communication between the battery and the vehicle, resulting in potential safety risks.

The second type of integration involves taking the same lift truck and using the same compartment to put the lithium-ion battery in. The critical difference between this and the previous type is the addition of a CAN network integration, providing additional features and benefits. This type of integration provides greater flexibility for the end user, and all the safety features that the truck OEM has envisioned are enabled.

The third and final type of integration is called the chassis-integrated lithium battery. In this integration, the lithium-ion battery is actually part of the chassis, and the whole vehicle is built in such a way that the battery is not designed to be removed or swapped out during operation. This integration provides ergonomic benefits and a lower center of gravity, translating to benefits for the operator of the vehicle. All communication is present between the battery and the vehicle, allowing for increased safety features.

Benefits of Each Integration Type

The drop-in lithium-ion battery with the battery discharge indicator provides cost-effectiveness and minimal integration. However, there is limited communication between the battery and the vehicle, resulting in potential safety risks.

The second type of integration provides greater flexibility for the end-user, and all the safety features that the truck OEM has envisioned are enabled.

The chassis-integrated lithium battery provides ergonomic benefits and a lower center of gravity, translating to benefits for the operator of the vehicle. All communication is present between the battery and the vehicle, allowing for increased safety features.

The Importance of a Unified CAN Standard

As the market for lithium-ion battery integration with lift trucks grows, it becomes more important to have a unified CAN standard among OEMs. This standard will allow for flexibility to be transferred across the industry and promote a certain level of safety standards and communication features. The Advanced Energy Council advocates for such a standard to benefit customers who can choose among different options and upgrades, including the freezer package, and get the most customized and optimal solution in terms of the lift truck working with the lithium battery.

Conclusion

The integration of lithium batteries with lift trucks is an important topic that is gaining traction. The three types of integration offer different benefits, and each has its place in the market. The Advanced Energy Council advocates for a unified CAN standard among OEMs to ensure that customers get the most customized and optimal solution for their needs. If you are interested in this topic, we invite you to join the Advanced Energy Council and participate in the conversation.