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Lithium-IRON. The New Dominant Lithium Chemistry of the 21st Century.
February 20, 2024
Why Lithium-IRON is Taking Over -VS- ION Batteries
For the last 10 plus years lithium ION has been a constant force in the world, UNTIL NOW. Lithium IRON Phosphate (LFP for short) batteries will now become the new dominant force in all industrial and commercial equipment for the foreseeable future.
To understand why this is taking place, we need to understand why lithium-ION batteries have had such success. Below are some key points that will help ex-plain this:
1. What is a lithium-ION battery?
- A lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery is a type of rechargeable battery that relies on the movement of lithium ions between the positive and negative electrodes to generate electrical current. Li-ion batteries are widely used in various electronic devices, from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and energy storage systems. They are popular due to their high energy density, low self-discharge rate, and rechargeable nature.
2. Key Components of a Lithium ION Battery
- Anode – this is the negative electrode usually made of carbon graph-ite material. During discharge (usage) lithium ION’s move from the anode to the cathode (positive electrode) releasing electrical energy.
- Cathode – this is the positive electrode made of metal oxide such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), lithium manganese oxide. During dis-charge the lithium ions move from the anode to the cathode releas-ing electrical energy.
- Separator – permeable membrane that separates the anode and cathode while allowing the passage of lithium ions. Prevents direct contact of the electrodes that could cause a short circuit.
- Electrolyte – Non-Aqueous solution of lithium salt dissolved in a sol-vent that helps the movement of lithium ions from the positive to the negative electrodes.
Here is a picture to help with the long description outline above. Relatively simple system that operates in a similar way to lead acid.
3. Principles of operation
- Discharge – when the battery is being used for operation of a piece of equipment as described above. This movement of IONS generates the electrical current used by the equipment.
- Charging – the reverse effect of discharge where the IONS move in the opposite direction when connected to a charger.
4. Benefits of this type of power plant
- Sealed System – batteries are sealed shut – there are no external cells or systems other than the connector and some external sensors that are exposed.
- Maintenance free – for the most part, these batteries do not need anything in the way of maintenance.
- No water needed.
- No equalization of the battery.
- No resistance to charge (battery memory in lead acid)
- Long cycle life – unlike lead acid batteries, lithium batteries can be “topped off” with a short charge to keep the battery in a constant state of charge with no negative effects on the battery itself.
- Opportunity charging – designed for this method vs traditional cycling like lead acid.
- Fast charging – 2.5 times as fast as a conventional lead acid battery.
- High energy density – lithium-ION batteries pack a lot into a little package making them ideal for phones, laptops, and other types of products. Small battery with lots of power.
- Made them ideal for initial use in about everything.
- Rechargeable nature – Designed for opportunity charging!
- Breaks, lunch, shift changes, bathroom, etc. the more you plug them in = the more runtime you have!
- Nontraditional “cycle life” vs a lead acid battery
Note – these are all good things with lithium ION, right? So why is this going to be the outgoing technology with IRON Phosphate taking its place?
Because Lithium-ION batteries are susceptible to HEAT.
- Small devices are high demand and high drain on the battery causing excessive heating of the battery itself. Older first-generation Lithium batteries caught fire, or the packs expanded and burst open due to the heat developed by the devices they were installed in.
- Industrial equipment is no exception here as hydraulic demand and constant loading of the battery will generate heat. They may not catch fire, but the heat will erode the battery.
Lithium-ION batteries have HIGH ENERGY DENSITY –
you can get a lot in a small amount making them powerful but LIGHT in weight.
This made it difficult to develop an industrial battery as counterweight needs to be 80% of the combined weight to offset the load capacity. Lithium just is not heavy enough without additional iron slabs being added to compensate.
Example:
LITHIUM ION BATTERY – Can have as much as 150+ Watts per Kilogram
Flooded Lead Acid – Can have as much as 30-40 Watts per Kilogram
Lithium IRON Phosphate – Can have as much as 90+ Watts per Kilogram
So why would a lesser powered system in IRON Phosphate be used?
Some reasons why:
- Safety – if there is too much heat developed in Lithium ION = Unstoppable Exothermic Chain Reaction resulting in FIRE. This can also happen if the battery is punctured or damaged.
- From 140-284F the battery could release all its en-ergy at once! This is what happened see pic:
- Lithium ION is hazardous to skin, eyes etc. deadly if swallowed.
- Specialty recycling requirements
- Precious metals like cobalt and nickel used here are hazardous, can be toxic to human health. Limited re-sources will run out.
Remember this from 2016 Samsung Galaxy phones?
This is the same technology in an industrial lithium-ION battery, but now it's also pushing the limits of the battery capacity for power and fastest charge.
Lithium IRON Phosphate does not have this WEAKNESS!
- LFP has excellent thermal and chemical stability!
- Will not combust when short circuited or damaged!
- Nontoxic materials are used in construction = safer.
- Longer cycle life & longer shelf life when not in use.
- Stays cooler when being used and charged.
- Less costly vs Lithium ION.
This is what you will see with NOBLELIFT lithium IRON batteries. The blue box is the battery sealed shut with minimal connections. There are some key features to this battery:
Key Features of the NOBLELIFT lithium IRON Phosphate Blue Battery:
- Data Plate - all information regarding the voltage, specifications, amperage etc. of the battery (Yellow Arrow below)
- QR Code - located below the data plate, can be scanned to show the current state of charge of the battery as it sits. (Red Arrow below)
- App is called "Battery Pack Assistant"
- iPhone, Android Compatible
- QR Code Icon
- Battery Alarm - this is the audible alarm that would alert an operator to put the battery on charge. (Yellow arrow below)
- Activated at a 10% S.O.C (State of Charge) this is the last effort to get the battery plugged in.
- Lift lockout will occur before 10% power as a safety precaution.
- Safety information – (Light blue arrow below)
- Antenna – Communicates with Bluetooth for App (Cream arrow below)
- Handles – help guide in the event of removal of the battery (Orange arrow below)
- Maintenance Free and designed to be OPPORTUNITY CHARGED
- 10 Year or 20,000 hour battery cell warranty on all 48 and 80V Lithium-IRON Phosphate batteries
The transition to zero-emission technologies is accelerating across the United States, and California is leading the way with its Zero-Emission Forklift Regulation. This new rule by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will significantly impact how forklifts are operated, sold, and manufactured in the state. Forklift dealers, buyers, and rental houses should take note of these upcoming changes to stay ahead of the curve and prepare for similar regulations that may be implemented in other states. Understanding the Zero-Emission Forklift Regulation CARB has set forth a regulation that phases out large spark-ignited (LSI) forklifts in favor of zero-emission alternatives - electric and lithium electric forklifts. Here's a breakdown of what this means: Manufacturing and Sales Restrictions: Starting in 2026, manufacturers will no longer be allowed to produce or sell Class IV and Class V LSI forklifts with a rated capacity of up to 12,000 lbs—categories that largely operate on propane, gasoline and natural gas Phase-Out Schedule for Fleets: Large fleets (26 units or more) must begin phasing out spark-ignited forklifts starting in 2028. Smaller fleets will follow suit in 2029. The phase-out applies to forklifts that are at least 10 years old. Exemptions and Compliance Extensions: There are exemptions for low-use forklifts, emergency operation units, and forklifts used in agricultural or forestry operations. Extensions are available for delays related to infrastructure construction, site electrification, and other operational challenges. The Impact and Benefits of Zero-Emission Forklifts CARB's regulation addresses over 89,000 spark-ignited forklifts currently in use in California. The transition to zero-emission forklifts is expected to significantly reduce NOx emissions, with anticipated reductions of over 2 tons per day by 2031. Additionally, about half of the forklifts being sold in California today are already zero-emission models, signaling a growing trend towards cleaner technology. Why Prepare Now? While this regulation is specific to California, it sets a precedent that other states might soon follow. Forklift dealers, buyers, and rental houses across the country should consider: Exploring Zero-Emission Options: Start evaluating zero-emission forklift options suitable for your business needs. Familiarize yourself with the range of models available and their operational benefits. Plan for Infrastructure Needs: Consider the infrastructure requirements of transitioning to electric or other zero-emission forklifts. This includes charging stations and potential upgrades to your facilities. Stay Informed: Keep track of similar regulatory developments in other states. Being proactive will give your business a competitive edge when changes occur. California's move towards zero-emission forklifts reflects a broader trend towards sustainability and environmental responsibility in the industry. By preparing now, you can ensure your business is ready to adapt and thrive in this evolving landscape. Give us a call at 847-595-7100 or email sales@nobleliftna.com and we will connect you with a NOBLELIFT dealer near you to start a conversation. 
If your warehouse is running out of space, you may be considering converting to a narrow aisle layout in order to make better use of the area you have. Converting to a narrow aisle layout is considerably less expensive than adding additional warehouse space. Narrow aisle forklifts have gained a lot of popularity in the last decade and are specially designed for these types of applications and can offer many benefits for your operation. What is a Narrow Aisle Forklift? A narrow aisle forklift is a type of forklift for moving materials in very tight spaces. Narrow aisles are defined as 10 ½ feet or less. Forklift types include reach trucks, order pickers and very narrow aisle forklifts or VNA (also called turret trucks). 3 Main Benefits of Narrow Aisle Forklifts 1. Increased Storage Capacity The most obvious advantage of using a narrow aisle layout and a narrow aisle forklift is that it increases the storage capacity of your current warehouse without increasing the amount of floor space you have. It does this by expanding your storage space upwards and by reducing the width of the aisles, allowing you to have more storage rows in your warehouse. You can store more per square foot and utilize your warehouse space in the most optimized manner without spending money on additional and expensive warehouse space. 2. Improved Safety Narrow aisle forklifts can help improve safety in your warehouse. Wider aisles tend to be more dangerous because there is more room for vehicles, pedestrians and the potential for accidental collisions. Additionally, guidance systems and on-board cameras are available to navigate accurately and optimize visibility within your warehouse. Narrow aisle forklifts create a safer working environment for your employees and result in less damage to product. 3.Increased Efficiency Narrow aisle forklifts are more efficient than their counterparts because they allow you to move more product in less time. With wider aisles, forklifts must travel further distances in order to pick up and drop off products. This additional travel time can add up and lead to decreased productivity levels. Narrowing the aisles can help reduce travel time and increase efficiency in your warehouse operation. Types of Narrow Aisle Forklifts REACH TRUCKS Reach trucks are the most common type of narrow aisle forklifts. They are used to move pallets into high racks and are often characterized by long mast heights, compact design, and optimal all-around visibility for operator safety. Reach trucks can handle the highest load capacity within the narrow aisle category. See our RT35-45R Electric Pro Range Narrow Aisle Reach Truck . ORDER PICKERS Order pickers are the most unique narrow aisle forklifts and are used specifically for order fulfillment. Operators ride on a platform that is raised and lowered to the desired rack level and help the operator "Pick" from both sides of the aisle. See our OP8.5 Lithium-iron Order Picker . VERY NARROW AISLE FORKLIFTS or VNA (Turret Trucks) Very narrow aisle forklifts are equipped with articulating forks that can be rotated by 180 degrees. You can easily move pallets on both sides of the aisle without the need for turning the equipment. As a result, very narrow aisle forklifts require minimal space for operating and can help you greatly increase storage capacity at your warehouse. See our OPX 33 Very Narrow Aisle Heavy Duty Electric Forklift . CONCLUSION Narrow aisle forklifts are helping the warehousing industry maximize storage space while improving the efficiency and safety of their operations. Take advantage of these specialized pieces of equipment and make a huge impact on your bottom-line. Our nationwide dealer network are experts at helping you maximize your storage capacity and your warehouse efficiency. Call 847-595-7100 to locate a dealer near you or email sales@nobleliftna.com .
As any business owner knows, a forklift is an essential piece of equipment for moving heavy loads. But forklifts can be expensive and buying one outright may not make financial sense for your business. Here are five reasons why renting a forklift may be the better option: 1. Cost-Effective: Renting a forklift can be a more cost-effective solution than buying one outright. Your rental cost is based on how many days or weeks you expect to use it. When you buy a forklift, you pay for 100 percent of the equipment even if you only use it a few weeks per month. 2. Less Maintenance: When you rent a forklift, the rental company is responsible for maintaining it and ensuring that it is in good working condition. This can save you time and money. 3. Flexibility: Rental is ideal for short term projects or unplanned increases in business; especially if you’re not sure the increase in business will last. Renting gives you the flexibility to choose the right forklift for your needs without being locked into a long-term commitment. You can also try out different models before deciding which one to purchase. 4. Maximize Your Available Credit: When you finance equipment, it can reduce your ability to borrow. Renting keeps your credit line clear. 5. Focus on Your Business: Knowing that you can rent a forklift whenever you need one can give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on your business instead of worrying about equipment repairs or maintenance. Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Forklift Rentals NOBLELIFT'S nationwide network of factory trained, independent dealers specialize in material handling and can help you select the right rental equipment for your business. They offer daily, weekly, and monthly forklift rentals, as well as rentals of other material handling and warehouse equipment. If you do decide that purchasing a new forklift makes more sense for your business, our dealers have new forklifts for sale. They also provide service, parts, and support, helping you to maximize the service life of your purchase and the return on your investment. They share our strong commitment to customer satisfaction. To locate a Dealer near you, call 847-595-7100 or email sales@nobleliftna.com
If you are in the market for a new forklift, you may be wondering if a Lithium-ion battery powered forklift is the right choice. Lead acid batteries have been the standard for many years, but Lithium-ion batteries are becoming more and more popular. So, which one is better? Let's discuss the advantages of Lithium-ion batteries over lead acid batteries. Lithium-ion batteries have a longer lifespan than lead acid batteries. They can be charged and discharged more times before they need to be replaced. This is important because it means that you won't have to replace your battery as often, which can save you money in the long run. Another advantage of Lithium-ion batteries is that they charge faster and can be opportunity charged. This means that you can charge them during breaks or at the end of the shift. This increases productivity by allowing you to get multiple shifts out of one forklift. Lead acid batteries need to be fully discharged before they can be recharged, so opportunity charging is not an option. Lithium-ion batteries are also more environmentally friendly than lead acid batteries. They don't contain any toxic materials and can be recycled. Lead acid batteries need to be disposed of properly because they contain lead, which is a toxic material. There are many other advantages of Lithium-ion batteries over lead acid batteries, but these are some of the most important ones. If you are considering a new forklift, make sure to consider all of your options before making a decision. Forklifts are a big investment, so you want to make sure you choose the right one for your needs. Lithium-ion battery powered forklifts provide an excellent return on investment. At Noblelift, we use Lithium-Iron Phosphate batteries, the longest lasting and safest lithium-ion battery available. Additionally, all of our lithium-iron batteries are equipped with a Battery Management System (BMS) that manages charging and discharging data to ensure safety throughout its life cycle. BMS communicates with the truck’s management system through CAN. CAN protocol uses that data to monitor the battery, diagnose and repair through software. Our Class I Lithium-Iron Phosphate batteries carry a 10 Year 20000 Hour Warranty. To see a “Total cost of Ownership” comparison of Lithium-ion -vs- Lead Acid -vs- Internal combustion, along with an expanded view of Lithium-ion -vs- Lead Acid advantages, click here .
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