The properties of lithium-ion batteries sound fascinating. Their energy density is around four times higher than that of lead batteries. And they can be "refueled" in a very short time. Just twenty minutes, for example, results in a charge of around 25 percent; and after two hours, such a power storage unit is fully charged. They can also be charged or almost completely drained in between - without affecting their service life. In terms of efficiency, the new type of battery is also impressive: a lead-acid battery only provides around 70 percent of the electricity originally used; the modern equivalent, on the other hand, makes around 93 percent usable. This leads to significantly lower energy costs.

General recommendation impossible
Li-ion rechargeable batteries also have a much longer service life. Self-discharge hardly plays a role. In addition, the advanced storage technology eliminates the time-consuming refilling of water, battery changes and maintenance and cleaning measures. However, the new energy systems also have disadvantages. For one thing, in contrast to lead batteries, they have a disappointingly low recycling rate.

On the other hand, their purchase price is many times higher than that of a corresponding conventional energy storage system. A general overall cost comparison of the two battery types remains illusory: "You have to analyze each case on an application-specific basis," summarizes Thomas Schmehl. The Managing Director of Burger Hub- und Transportmittel does concede that lithium-ion batteries are most likely to pay for themselves in multi-shift operation. But even then, the right solution is not automatically determined.

The Münsterland-based manufacturer Benning supplies Hangcha with lithium iron phosphate batteries. © Benning

Better to rent Li-ion batteries
The general importer of Hangcha machines knows: "Li-ion doesn't stand a chance in practice without an appropriate time window for interim charging. No matter how favorable the cost calculation is." On the other hand, the innovative traction batteries are convincing even in applications where the lead solution would be more cost-effective. As an example, the engineer cites "smaller devices in ramp operation whose lead batteries are never serviced and therefore often fail".

If lithium-ion batteries were rented rather than bought, the technology would pay off - perhaps not in terms of life cycle costs, but certainly from an availability perspective. The trendy power storage systems are also highly attractive in sensitive working environments, particularly in the pharmaceutical and food industries: contamination from battery gases and acids is simply not possible.

New forklift creations
The characteristics of the high-tech batteries also make it possible to design new industrial truck variants. Hangcha's new products include the CBD12 low lift truck. This lifting device for the so-called "last mile" weighs 180 kilograms less than a similarly powerful lead model. And allows the delivery driver to transport substantially more freight with the same payload.

Schmehl now offers all electrically powered Hangcha models with an optional lithium-ion battery. The intralogistics specialist from Herborn has brought the Münsterland-based supplier Benning on board. The family-owned company relies on lithium iron phosphate cells. For chemical reasons, these modules are a particularly safe design. Each storage unit is characterized by a service life of around 3,000 cycles and an intelligent battery management system. as