
Confused about “ATEX” compliant lithium-ion forklift batteries?
Using a lithium-ion battery to power a lift truck has many advantages in the right application, but (at the time of writing in June 2021) the requirements to assure lithium-ion batteries are safe for use in potentially explosive atmospheres is not clear. Some manufacturers have placed trucks with lithium-ion batteries into Ex applications but others, including Pyroban do not believe the technology is appropriate at this time. Steve Noakes, Managing Director of Pyroban and convenor of the EN1755 standards committee, explains the problem. We receive a growing number of enquiries for Ex-certified lithium-ion battery options, and for good reason. Lithium-ion batteries allow opportunity charging, require less maintenance, and offer longer operation between charges, so have proven to be po...