Linde says the lithium-ion batteries are perfectly matched to its vehicles

Linde Material Handling has expanded its range of equipment powered by lithium-ion (Li-ion) technology.

In addition to the previously available T16 ION and Linde T18 ION pedestrian pallet trucks, the company is offering pallet trucks with stand-on platform, low-level order pickers and initial tow tractor models with Li-ion technology. Also on offer are new and more powerful batteries with a capacity of 4.5 or 9.0 kWh. Previously, the maximum capacity was 3.6 kWh.

The new model offerings include the T20 ION pedestrian pallet truck, the P30 C ION and P50 C ION tow tractors with towing capacities of 3.0 and 5.0 T, the T20 SP/AP ION, T24 SP/AP ION and T30 ION stand-on platform pallet trucks and the N20 ION and N24 ION low-level order pickers.

The batteries can be recharged quickly and easily via the standard, lateral charging plug without the operator having to open the battery cover.

Linde says the lithium-ion batteries are perfectly matched to these vehicles. The battery management system (BMS) fitted in the batteries communicates with the vehicle and the recharging device via a CAN bus interface. The BMS indicates the state of charge and the remaining battery life to the driver on the display. In addition, the BMS ensures that the battery is neither completely discharged nor overcharged and thus contributes to its optimum service life.

Preparations are already under way in Linde's development department for the first generation of counterbalance trucks featuring lithium-ion batteries. Unlike the current warehouse trucks, these will not be designed for 24 V battery voltage but for 48 V, as is usual for forklifts.