Hyster is offering Sunlight Group lithium-ion batteries as an option for selected Hyster forklifts and warehouse trucks in Europe.

The Sunlight Li.ION FORCE batteries, which will be available for selected 24 V, 48 V, and 80 V forklifts and warehouse equipment, are fully linked to the truck via the CANbus communication system to optimise battery management. In addition, Sunlight Li.ON FORCE batteries are fitted with the GLocal Cloud Management System, which offers remote access and insight from anywhere in the world.    

Sunlight Group batteries are well suited to intensive and multi-shift operations, as well as those where hygiene is a priority, such as food, beverage, and pharmaceutical production.

“In the right application, switching to lithium-ion batteries can help maximise uptime and efficiency,” says Paul Wells, director, commercial aftermarket, EMEA for Hyster Europe. “A single lithium-ion battery can replace multiple lead-acid batteries, freeing up charging space, while also enabling opportunity charging during breaks to maximise handling time and reduce overall costs.”

Depending on the application, a single-use lithium-ion battery can enable the truck to be used over two or three shifts, and convenient, short opportunity charging periods do not affect the battery life.

In addition, lithium-ion batteries are capable of faster charging than traditional lead-acid batteries, and as no battery exchange is required with integrated lithium-ion power, this may support higher uptime.

As the batteries integrate with the Hyster lift truck’s CANbus communication system, it is possible to optimise battery performance and life, and provide error reporting.

“As the Sunlight Li.ION FORCE batteries also feature a maintenance-free design, with no watering required, applications may find this helps reduce overall maintenance costs,” says Wells. “Only an annual check is required, and the modular design makes service interventions highly efficient.”