Vanguard (a Briggs & Stratton company) has launched its highly- anticipated Vanguard Lithium-Ion 48V 1.5kWh* Commercial Battery (Si1.5).
The move follows the company expanding its Vanguard battery portfolio with swappable (Si Series) and fixed (Fi Series) battery pack configurations aimed at meeting an even wider range of application and equipment needs.
The latest in Vanguard battery technology
The Si1.5 Battery, which is now available to order, features an innovative, self-contained package with a handle on top for easy on-site swapping between equipment, or equipment and charger. Backed by the robust Briggs & Stratton dealer network, this globally distributed product focuses on convenience for the end user. The ability to swap between multiple machines helps to reduce equipment downtime and total cost of ownership.
Designed with safety and durability in mind, the Si1.5 features a tough diecast aluminum casing that reduces vibration and shock response. At the same time, the Si1.5 is built to deliver a safe, powerful performance in extreme temperatures and regardless of debris and moisture levels.
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) looking to incorporate the Si1.5 into their machines can benefit from the battery’s brand-agnostic, standard interface design that adds flexibility while minimising integration costs.
Swappable interface, endless application potential
As a power solutions provider at the forefront of off-highway electrification, Vanguard understands and appreciates the challenges OEMs and end users face when adopting electric equipment, especially range anxiety and charging infrastructure. When looking for innovative ways to address these concerns, Vanguard turned to tried-and-tested technology from the handheld cordless tool market – swappable battery packs.
The product and brand agnostic approach of Vanguard’s Si1.5 packs not only allows for easy swapping between multiple applications. At the same time, the batteries can be used across a range of brands, in turn providing increased flexibility and cost efficiencies.
OEMs across a variety of markets have seen the undeniable potential of the Si1.5. Vanguard is actively working on Si1.5 integration projects with manufacturers across the construction, commercial turf, golf, fire and rescue, industrial and recreational vehicle industries.
David Frank, Vice President of Electrification at Briggs & Stratton, said: “We have been developing and investing in innovative battery technology for years. We’re building on this commitment to electrification by expanding our configuration options to include a high-power, swappable battery pack that will enable more OEMs to start their journey in offering battery-powered equipment.
When designing this configuration, we leveraged learnings from our fixed battery series to create a solution that offers a great lifecycle with an impressive run time and that can operate at high amps. With this new option, we’re able to bring the efficiency, versatility and reliability our batteries are known for to more customers across a diverse range of applications.”
Rental-ready engineering
Offering the ability to swiftly swap freshly-charged packs from application to application, plus a rugged, built-to-last exterior, the Si1.5 is ideally suited for the rental market. Additionally, the battery’s advanced Lithium-Ion chemistry delivers a 1,000-cycle lifespan with no maintenance. This enables rental equipment to stay out in the field and operators to stay at work. With its swappable nature and a standard charge time of less than two hours, rental equipment powered by the Si1.5 eliminates range anxiety.
Paul Bramhall, Director of Electrification/Rental — EMEA at Briggs & Stratton, adds: “In an industry where uptime is everything, the flexibility and durability offered by the Si1.5 is going to be a game-changer for those in the equipment hire sector and end users alike.
It will enable equipment hire companies to have more freedom over their equipment’s service and maintenance needs while offering end users the peace of mind that may have otherwise seemed out of reach for rented electrified products. Plus, users can run Vanguard-powered equipment with confidence, knowing it’s backed by the trusted Briggs & Stratton brand and global service network.”
Fixed or swappable, Vanguard has it covered
The Si1.5 is one part of an increasingly diverse battery product portfolio from Vanguard. The company’s journey to electrification started in October 2019 with the introduction of its 48V 5kWh* Commercial Battery. Since then, Vanguard has released a competitive range of seven power options, including 1.5kWh, 3.8kWh, 5kWh* and 10kWh* in varying configurations for maximum integration flexibility.
Offering high power and a great cycle life in one compact package, the Si1.5 unlocks application potential across a diverse range of industries looking to embrace electrification.
*Total energy measured using a 0.2C discharge per IEC 61960-3:2017
