Industrial battery technologies and markets

Industrial battery market segments generally fall into two major categories--traction batteries, also called motive power batteries; and stationary batteries, also referred to as standby power batteries. The major industrial battery subcategories are discussed. Industrial trucks and rail and mine vehicles represent two major subcategories of motive power batteries. Industrial trucks include forklifts, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), various types of towing vehicles, floor cleaning equipment and so forth. Battery-powered rail and mine vehicles are used in mines where gas is present that could be ignited by spark ignition engines. Locomotive starting batteries and railcar emergency power batteries are also included in the second subcategory. The distinction is beginning to blur between valve-regulated industrial batteries and golf cart or marine batteries. Both industrial and SLI(starting/lighting/ignition)-derivative batteries are competing for markets in the future. The future trends in industrial battery production in Japan, USA and Europe are discussed.<>