Green Cubes Closes out 2023 with 10,000 Lithium SAFEFlex Battery Units Sold, Totaling 297MWh

The milestone follows the company’s celebration of ten years of motive power technology leadership for material handling and ground support equipment with Lithium SAFEFlex.

Green Cubes Technology (Green Cubes), the leader in producing Lithium-ion (Li-ion) power systems that facilitate the transition from lead-acid batteries and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) power to green Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery power, today announced the 10,000th sale of its Lithium SAFEFlex Battery. This flagship suite of solutions is designed to meet the cost, performance, efficiency, and durability requirements of the rugged warehouse, distribution, and airport environments. Lithium SAFEFlex industrial lithium battery systems are designed as drop-in replacements for traditional Lead acid batteries. They eliminate the need for watering and battery swaps and increase equipment up-time with fast opportunity charging.

This significant milestone was achieved shortly after the company celebrated a decade of motive power technology leadership with its flagship suite of electrification solutions for the material handling industry. Measured by total power shipped, the 10,000 batteries represent 297 Mega Watt Hours (MWh) which is enough to power 110 thousand pallet jacks, 27 thousand end riders, 12 thousand reach trucks, or 9 thousand Class 1 trucks.

“This achievement was made possible by the tireless efforts of Green Cubes’ world-class team,” said Michael Walsh, Chief Executive Officer for Green Cubes. “We are passionate about meeting our customers’ ever-increasing needs for high-quality state-of-the-art Li-ion power for motive equipment.”

In 2024, Green Cubes will continue to invest in technology innovation and manufacturing excellence while expanding its service and customer application infrastructure. Green Cubes recently added a 36,000-square-foot facility to produce Lithium SAFEFlex batteries and house engineering and service talent to support customers. Additionally, Green Cubes established a new Technology Center in Switzerland, to focus on product innovation. Together these teams are working to improve technology and service offerings based on a decade of field learning and experience.

ABOUT GREEN CUBES TECHNOLOGY

Green Cubes Technology develops and manufactures safe and reliable electrification solutions that enable its OEM and enterprise customers to transition from Lead Acid and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) power to Lithium-ion battery power. Green Cubes utilizes proven hardware and software platforms to build the most reliable Lithium power solutions in its industries. With over 300 employees across six countries, Green Cubes has been producing innovative, high-performance, and high-quality power solutions since 1986.

Comparing Lifecycle Costs: Lithium vs Traditional Material Handling Batteries

Imagine a busy place with machines moving stuff around. There are forklifts and pallet jacks in a big warehouse, working hard to keep up with the needs of today’s fast industries. Now, think about these machines slowing down, stopping, or even completely stopping because the battery they use isn’t good enough. That’s why choosing the right battery for material handling is most important.

There is an old favorite in the battery called the lead-acid battery. It’s known for being reliable and tough. But, as time goes on and things change, there is a new battery in the industry: the lithium material handling batteries. It’s not just a short-term trend; it’s a big change that promises to make things work better and brings lots of benefits for moving stuff around.

Let’s take a closer look at the dynamics of lithium vs lead-acid batteries to understand how lithium is shaking things up and making moving things more efficient and beneficial.

Overview of Lithium Batteries in Material Handling

Firstly know about what is lithium batteries. In material handling, lithium batteries are rechargeable power sources that use lithium ions to generate energy. They’re lightweight and commonly found in devices like forklifts.

Choosing lithium material handling batteries comes with a ton of benefits. These Lithium forklift batteries charge up faster, meaning less waiting time for your equipment. They last longer than regular batteries, saving you money in the long run, and they need less attention, giving your team more time for the actual work.

Overview of Traditional Material Handling Batteries

Traditional batteries, like those using lead-acid technology, are rechargeable power sources that have existed for a long time. These batteries store energy through chemical reactions and have been widely used in various devices. In the past, lead-acid batteries were commonly used due to their affordability and reliability, though they are heavier and have a lower energy density.

Traditional batteries, especially lead-acid ones, have been the top choice for material handling equipment for a long time. People liked them because they were some of the first reliable options available, even though they are heavy and need more maintenance. Their initial lower cost made them popular.

Which Battery’s Lifecycle is Better? Lithium vs Lead Acid Traditional Batteries

Take a deeper look at lithium and traditional batteries to see which is better for material handling in your industry.

Initial Cost:

  • Lithium Batteries: Lithium Batteries have a higher upfront cost. However, their longer lifespan, lower maintenance needs, and enhanced efficiency offset this higher cost. Lithium Batteries prove to be a smarter investment over time, offering better performance and cost savings throughout their lifecycle.
  • Traditional Batteries: When it comes to the upfront cost, Traditional Batteries are usually cheaper initially. It may seem more budget-friendly at the start

Maintenance Cost

  • Lithium Batteries: Lithium Batteries provide a hassle-free solution compared to Traditional Batteries. Lithium Batteries are easier to take care of. You don’t have to water them or worry about acid leaks, and their insides usually handle charging and discharging by themselves. This means you don’t need to do as much hands-on work to keep them running smoothly.
  • Traditional Batteries: Traditional batteries, especially lead-acid ones demand more attention due to lead-acid battery maintenance, needing frequent watering, cleaning, and specific charging routines, making them more complex to manage.

Specific Operational Requirements Cost

  • Lithium Batteries: Lithium Batteries are lighter, making them ideal for situations where weight matters. They charge faster, reducing downtime for material handling equipment. If your operations prioritize weight and quick charging, Lithium Batteries are the better fit.
  • Traditional Batteries: Traditional Batteries, while heavier and with slower charging times, might still be suitable for uses with less demanding operational schedules. For less intensive schedules, Traditional Batteries could still be considered, keeping the specific operational requirements in mind.

Energy Cost

  • Lithium Batteries: These batteries are better when it comes to performance. They boast higher energy efficiency and output, offering a more stable and reliable power supply for material handling equipment. Lithium batteries enable machines to work consistently without experiencing power fluctuations. This leads to smoother operations, increased efficiency, and improved overall performance.
  • Traditional Batteries: Lead Acid Traditional Batteries are reliable but less efficient than Lithium Batteries. They have lower energy efficiency and output, resulting in a less consistent power supply for material handling equipment. This can lead to fluctuations in performance, impacting the overall operational efficiency.

Total Cost96 of Ownership

  • Lithium Batteries: Lithium Batteries, despite a higher upfront cost, prove cost-effective over time due to longer lifespans and lower maintenance requirements. Lithium material handling batteries is like making a smart investment, saving money in the grand scheme by reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing ongoing maintenance expenses compared to Lead Acid Traditional Batteries.
  • Traditional Batteries: When considering total cost, Lead Acid Traditional Batteries may seem economical initially, but their frequent replacements and higher maintenance costs make them pricier in the long run.

Environmental Impact

  • Lithium Batteries: The environmental impact of Lithium Batteries has the edge over Traditional Batteries. Lithium Batteries are more eco-friendly. They have fewer harmful materials, are easier to recycle, and leave a smaller carbon footprint. Lithium material handling batteries are a step towards being kinder to the planet and contributing to a cleaner environment.
  • Traditional Batteries: Industrial lead acid batteries can be harmful as they contain toxic materials like lead and require more energy for recycling.

Safety Considerations

  • Lithium Batteries: Lithium Batteries are usually safe but can get hot in extreme temperatures and need proper care and storage.
  • Traditional Batteries: Traditional batteries, like lead-acid ones, have risky materials like sulfuric acid. These batteries need care because of harmful stuff.

Lifespan

  • Lithium Batteries: Lithium Batteries have a longer lifespan, enduring more charge and discharge cycles. This means they last longer before needing replacement, reducing downtime and costs. Lithium material handling battery ensures more extended use and fewer interruptions compared to the shorter-lived Traditional Batteries.
  • Traditional Batteries: Lead Acid Traditional Batteries have a limited lifespan and may require more frequent replacements.

Powering Efficiency: The Long-Term Value of Lithium Material Handling Batteries

When we think about the costs over the entire life of the batteries, Lithium material handling batteries are the better choice. Even though they might cost more at the beginning, they last longer and need less fixing. This makes them more affordable in the long run. Choosing Green Cubes Lithium batteries for material handling is a wise decision that enhances the efficiency of your machines while also offering cost savings.

Powering the Future: A Decade of Innovation with Green Cubes Technology – Episode 442 Exclusive!

Dive into the latest episode of The New Warehouse podcast, where Kevin sits down with Michael Walsh, the visionary CEO of Green Cubes Technology. Celebrating a remarkable decade with their SAFEFlex battery, this electrification pioneer has transformed the warehousing landscape. Discover the secrets behind 10,000 deployed SAFEFlex batteries, powering the material handling industry to new heights. Walsh unravels the fascinating journey, delves into the game-changing impact of lithium-ion technology, and offers a glimpse into the future trends shaping the industry. Don’t miss this exclusive conversation – click here to tune in.

ABOUT GREEN CUBES TECHNOLOGY

Green Cubes Technology develops and manufactures a complete portfolio of lithium power systems that enable its OEM and enterprise customers to transition from Lead Acid and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) power to Lithium-ion battery power. Green Cubes utilizes proven hardware and software platforms to build the most reliable lithium battery systems in its industries. With over 300 employees across six countries, Green Cubes has been producing innovative, high-performance and high-quality products since 1986. For more information, email info@greencubes.com or visit greencubes.com.