Safer battery operation

Many vehicles incorporate a battery compartment with side access and rollers in the floor while charging facilities are configured with battery beds at the same height. There is no need for any lifting and minimal effort is needed to push the battery in and out of position. 

For large numbers of battery changes, another option is to use special change carts that are designed as operator ride on battery changers. These offer additional flexibility and versatility by providing a safe battery change operation, speeding up battery change and increasing truck up times.

In advanced facilities, charging stations can be arranged on two, three or even four levels to minimise truck movements and time spent in charging areas which is safer for operators, pedestrians and bystanders. 

To minimise the small risk of arcing during disconnection or connection when swapping batteries, advanced chargers such as the Hawker LifeIQ range from EnerSys incorporate circuitry and programmable features.

Finally, automated filling equipment eliminates the need for any manual handling and lifting. As an alternative, the latest-generation batteries with gel electrolytes require little or no topping.