Kalmar has launched its next-generation Gen 2 battery system for Kalmar electric straddle carriers. The new lithium-ion battery boasts increased energy density, improved thermal stability, and longer equipment runtime. Developed to address growing customer demand for safer, more efficient, and more sustainable material handling technologies, the solution is now available to customers worldwide.
The Gen 2 battery features improved cell chemistry, significantly extending its service life and reducing total cost of ownership by reducing the frequency of battery replacements. The new system’s nominal capacity is 533 kWh, a 25% increase over the previous generation, with a usable capacity of 453 kWh. This significantly increases equipment autonomy and improves environmental sustainability throughout the equipment’s lifecycle.
The extended energy reserve gives operators greater flexibility in their charging strategy, including a combination of stationary charging during breaks and wireless charging during shifts, enabling continuous operation. Kalmar electric straddle carriers with the Gen 2 battery can operate for up to 10 hours without recharging, depending on energy consumption. Along with the launch of the new battery system, Kalmar implemented a megawatt MCS charging system at its test site in Tampere, Finland, confirming the technology’s readiness for high-power charging infrastructure.