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Environment and Safety
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Li-ion batteries safe for a lift truck?
Yes. OneCharge Li-ion Batteries fully match trucks’ specs and are safer for the truck as compared to lead acid batteries on different levels:
- No voltage drop during the normal discharge cycle to damage truck parts
- Single battery operation means the battery stays in the compartment and eliminates every day shift changes
- Li-on cells are a closed system, so no sulfating the compartment and surrounding areas on the truck (no acid spills)
- No gassing occurs while charging, so no hydrogen to worry about
What are the cost benefits of Li-ion battery compared to lead acid?
The total cost of ownership of Li-ion battery compared to both lead acid and internal combustion powered trucks is generally 20-40% lower over the course of 2-4 years.
How long does it take to charge Li-ion battery?
Generally speaking, we set up the combinations we provide so they will charge from zero power to full in two hours or less. A typical shift would normally include two 15 minute breaks and one 30 minute lunch. Putting the battery on charge during these times will put back 50% of the battery capacity. OneCharge also highly recommends opportunity charging whenever the battery is not in use.
Is it OK to leave a Lithium Ion battery plugged in to the charger?
YES! You can leave the battery plugged into the charger whenever it’s not being used! The charger will be automatically turned OFF by the battery management system when the battery is FULL.
What about “Memory Effect” with respect to a Li-ion battery?
OneCharge lithium-ion batteries do not have a charge memory, or “Memory Effect”. There is no set charging procedure required, except to put it on charge whenever it’s not being used.
Do you have to “water” a Li-ion battery?
No
Do you have to cool a Li-ion battery after charging?
No
When will a Li-ion battery get so hot it catches fire?
A Li-on battery that uses LifePo4 chemistry will experience thermal runaway (catch fire) at 518 F degrees. The OneCharge battery management system would shut down the battery if it were to reach 150 F degrees. OneCharge emphasizes that its batteries are unlikely to catch fire based on the combination of multiple cells used in the batteries. The LiFePo4 chemistry is 20 plus year-old technology, widely tested, used and is the safest chemistry that exists for the lift truck market.
Do you need a ventilated room for Li-ion batteries?
No
Do you need to equalize-charge a Li-ion battery?
No
Do you have to unplug the Li-ion battery from the lift to charge?
No. OneCharge batteries have a separate charging port located next to the Battery Management System.
Is there any required daily or weekly maintenance for a Li-ion battery?
No. All OneCharge Li-ion Batteries are WiFi enabled for online monitoring and trouble-shooting.
Is it OK to fully discharge a Li-ion battery?
Yes, but we don’t recommend that you do that. The cells perform better and will last longer with lower depths of discharge, which is why we recommend opportunity charging.
Can I use my old/existing charger to charge a Li-ion battery?
Possibly. Check with your OneCharge representative and/or the OneCharge engineering department regarding the make and model of the charger you want to use. If it can be programmed to work with our battery, we’ll test and approve it for use.
Do Li-ion batteries weigh the same as lead acid batteries?
Individual Li-ion cells are much lighter and ballast is added to the battery case to match the correct weight needed for the truck to work properly. OneCharge makes custom batteries to match the specs listed on the manufacturers data plate of each lift. Final weight can be adjusted to accommodate the usage of certain lift truck attachments (paper roll clamp, carton clamp, bale clamp, etc.).
Can Li-ion batteries operate in cold temperatures?
Yes. OneCharge offers 2 different Frost Packages that will allow Li-ion battery operation in extremely cold conditions(as low as -22F degrees). The FROST packages will ensure optimum performance without capacity or run-time lossesnormally associated with lead acid.
How do you recycle a Li-ion battery?
Currently, OneCharge has a program in place that will return the battery, disassemble components, recycle metals and electronics. Spent cells will be sent back to the manufacturer for recycling or re-purpose, with the appropriate documentation delivered to the end user to prove proper disposal.
How long can a Li-ion battery stay inactive / be stored and still function normally when required?
Usually 9-12 months, stored with the battery fully charged, then turned OFF during the storage period. We also recommend that you put the battery on charge at least once very 3 months during the storage period. This feature is especially good for seasonal business or rental fleets.