Drop-in lithium-ion battery supplier Navitas Systems has secured a contract to supply one of the world’s largest forklift truck OEMs, BEST understands.
Michigan-based Navitas said the forklift truck batteries would be rolled out in Europe first. Due to a non-disclosure agreement, no further details are forthcoming.
“Within this calendar year there will be a major announcement,” said Mil Ovan, chief marketing officer at Navitas (pictured).
Lithium-ion batteries for forklift truck batteries are expected to be a growth sector. Lithium’s fast charging capability and higher energy density versus lead-acid means forklift truck operators can mitigate battery handling and maintenance.
Ovan said Navitas is registering strong interest in its 6T battery for military applications, particularly in Scandinavia. However, the 6T needs prior approval from the US State Department before it can be exported.
Navitas recently moved in to a 50,000 square meters facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Employees were relocated before Christmas 2013 and manufacturing/R&D equipment is expected to be fully online by the end of Q1 2014.