Industrial battery applications
Industrial batteries are used as the main power source by off-highway electric vehicles such as forklifts (Class 1, 2, and 3), construction equipment such as scissor lifts, cranes, and excavators; and agricultural machinery. These vehicles are used in a variety of industries, including construction, agriculture, and materials handling. They require batteries that can provide high power and long runtimes.
Ground-support electric equipment such as tugs and transporters are used at airports. These vehicles are used to move aircraft, cargo, and passengers at airports. They require batteries that can withstand harsh environments and frequent use.
Energy storage for renewable power generation such as wind turbines and solar panels. These systems require batteries that can store large amounts of energy and discharge it quickly when needed. They are essential for the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources.
Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), which provide backup power to protect critical infrastructure such as data centers, telecommunications, and hospitals. These systems require batteries that can provide reliable power for extended periods of time.
Aircraft such as drones and passenger planes. They are used to power lifting and steering engines of drones, and a variety of systems on planes, including navigation, lighting, and communication. These vehicles require batteries that are lightweight, powerful, and long-lasting.
Marine applications such as passenger and recreational boats. They are used to power a variety of equipment on boats, including engines, navigation systems, and lighting.
Consumer-type industrial batteries are used in flashlights, headlamps, and lanterns, as well as in different safety sensors, electronic equipment, and remote control units. There is no difference technically between, for example, Energizer Industrial vs MAX, the standard Energizer battery you’ll find on a shelf at the store.
Types of industrial batteries
There are two main types of industrial batteries: standard consumer batteries used in commercial and industrial applications and multi-cell industrial battery packs, which are much bigger and more powerful and durable than single-cell consumer batteries.
Unlike standard consumer-type single-cell batteries such as AA Duracell, Energizer, or Panasonic, an industrial power pack, such as a forklift battery, is often designed to be used with specific equipment and has custom specifications.
Multi-cell industrial battery packs
Multi-cell industrial battery packs such as OneCharge forklift batteries, Hawker, GNB, or Evergreen industrial batteries can have voltages and A/h capacities that are a hundred times higher than consumer batteries. They are used as a motive power battery for EVs, forklifts, excavators, and even trains. These are the two main industrial multi-cell battery packs chemistry types:
- Lead-acid: Lead-acid batteries are still the most common type of multi-cell industrial battery pack. They are known for their low cost and high availability. They are relatively inexpensive but require daily maintenance, and their lifespans are one-third to one-fifth of the lifespans of lithium batteries.
- Lithium-ion: Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive than lead-acid batteries, but they have a longer lifespan and they can be charged much faster and discharged more deeply (deep-cycle batteries).
Single-cell standard consumer battery types
Coin
Coin batteries are small, round batteries that are typically used in watches, calculators, and other small electronic devices. Duracell and Energizer consumer batteries are available in a variety of voltages, including 1.5V, 3V, and 3.0V.
AAA
AAA batteries are slightly larger than coin batteries and are typically used in remote controls, flashlights, and other small electronic devices. Duracell, Energizer, and Panasonic batteries are available in a variety of voltages, including 1.5V.
AA
AA batteries are the most common type of consumer battery and are typically used in flashlights, radios, and other electronic devices. They are available in a variety of voltages, including 1.5V.
C
C batteries are larger than AA batteries and are typically used in power tools, radios, and other electronic devices.
D
D batteries are the largest type of consumer battery and are typically used in flashlights, radios, and other electronic devices.
9V
9V commercial batteries are used in a variety of electronic devices, including smoke detectors, doorbells, and remote controls.
6V
6V industrial batteries are used in a variety of electronic devices, including emergency lighting and alarm systems.
Energizer, Duracell, and Panasonic industrial battery chemistry types
Alkaline
Alkaline batteries are the most common type of consumer-type battery and are known for their long life and high performance. They are available in a variety of sizes and voltages.
Zinc
Zinc batteries are known for their low cost and high availability. They are available in a variety of sizes and voltages.
NiMH
Nickel-metal hydride batteries are known for their high capacity and low self-discharge. They are available in a variety of sizes and voltages.
Lithium
Lithium batteries are known for their long life and high energy density, meaning that they can store a lot of energy for their size. They are available in a variety of sizes and voltages, but typically they are the standard consumer types, like coin, AA, AAA, etc.
Lithium vs. Lithium-ion batteries
Lithium and lithium-ion batteries both use lithium in their chemical composition. However, there are some key differences between the two types of batteries.
- Lithium batteries (or lithium metal batteries, as they were officially renamed after the invention of lithium-ion technology) are primary cells, which means that they are not rechargeable. They are typically used in applications where long shelf life and high energy density are important, such as in watches, cameras, and hearing aids. Lithium batteries are also used in some medical devices, such as pacemakers, cochlear implants, and insulin pumps.
- Lithium-ion batteries are secondary cells, which means that they can be recharged. They are typically used in applications where high energy density and long life are important, such as in laptops, cell phones, and electric vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries are also used in some medical devices, such as defibrillators.
Overall, lithium batteries are a good choice for applications where long shelf life and high energy density are important. Lithium-ion batteries are a good choice for applications where high energy density, long cycle life, and the ability to be recharged are important.
Rechargeable and non-rechargeable industrial batteries
Rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries are both used in industrial applications. Rechargeable batteries can be used multiple times, which can save money in the long run. However, they can be more expensive to purchase upfront, and they require industrial battery chargers.
Commercial consumer-type Duracell and Energizer alkaline batteries, and Panasonic nickel-metal hydride batteries are examples of rechargeable batteries used in industrial applications.
| Feature | Rechargeable battery | Non-rechargeable battery |
| Cost | More expensive upfront | Less expensive upfront |
| Energy density | Lower | Higher |
| Efficiency | Lower | Higher |
| Lifespan | Multiple uses | Single use |
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right industrial battery products for your application is to consult with a battery expert. They can help you to determine the specific needs of your application and recommend the best battery type for the job.
