LINDIG Fördertechnik GmbH and Wiferion have entered into a collaboration agreement that will enable industrial trucks to utilise Wiferion’s etaLINK contactless charging technology. This makes LINDIG a pioneer in Germany for the new charging technology in combination with a matched lithium battery as a complete solution.
LINDIG Fördertechnik GmbH, authorised dealer of Linde Material Handling, is further expanding its expertise in the implementation of efficient intralogistics. With immediate effect, the etaLINK 3000 contactless battery charging systems from Wiferion, which is be promoted under the brand name L.inductive, extends the range of services of the intralogistics expert.
Moving forward, the intralogistics specialist will therefore be able install the inductive fast charging solution in manned electric forklift trucks and tugger trains throughout Germany in the network of Linde dealers. The patented charging technology developed by the Freiburg-based start-up company enables what is known as in-process charging, which is where lithium-ion batteries are charged during an ongoing logistics process.
“Automation and efficiency improvements are top priorities for our customers. Contactless charging offers huge advantages over conventional charging technologies,” says Sven Lindig, managing director of LINDIG Fördertechnik GmbH.
In-process charging means that smaller amounts of energy are provided regularly, which is why only a small portion of the batteries’ capacity is needed to operate the industrial trucks. This enables an up to 30% reduction in battery capacity, offering huge cost savings. It also means that battery rooms, the process of replacing batteries along with the required trips, and additional batteries are a thing of the past. This all results in an up to 30% increase in vehicle availability.
In addition to integrating this solution into new vehicles, LINDIG can also provide retrofits for existing fleets. To support this process, Wiferion has developed etaTRAY, a battery tray consisting of an inductive charging system and a corresponding lithium-ion battery. “An important aspect we look at is that the systems meet high standards in terms of occupational safety and IP protection classes. That’s why Wiferion’s high-performance charging systems are the ideal solution for us,” says Sven Lindig.
For Wiferion, signing the framework agreement marks another big step towards achieving its ambitious targets.
“In LINDIG, we have a strong partner at our side who can now help us to drive forward the Germany-wide distribution of our systems,” explains Wiferion managing director Johannes Mayer.
End customers benefit from the first-class service and support provided by LINDIG’s logistics experts. Mayer is confident that “wireless charging will be in widespread use for electric industrial trucks in just a few years’ time. As a technology leader, we aim to set the standard and we will continue to develop systems and services that offer enhanced performance.”
Wiferion will showcase a 12 kW version of etaLINK for the first time at the LogiMAT trade fair.
