Inaugural Rental eSummit Takes Place in Amsterdam

The inaugural Rental eSummit recently took place in Amsterdam, marking a notable milestone for the rental industry. Organized by Vanguard, the commercial power solutions brand of Briggs & Stratton, this one-day event provided a vital platform for industry stakeholders to engage in crucial discussions regarding the electrification of the rental sector.

Key Insights from the Summit

Discussions at the summit highlighted the critical need for standardization in electrification and emphasized the importance of collaboration among rental companies,industry associations,original equipment manufacturers (OEMs),and other service providers.Such cooperation is essential for achieving a successful transition to electrified solutions.

Bridging Challenges in Energy Transition

recognizing the increasing demand for unified strategies among rental industry leaders, Briggs & Stratton initiated the Rental eSummit to facilitate dialog and innovation. The response from the industry was overwhelmingly positive, indicating a strong desire for collective problem-solving.

Expert Presentations and Demonstrations

Attendees were treated to presentations from prominent industry experts, who addressed various challenges related to energy transition. Topics included the necessity of standardization from both American and European viewpoints,as well as the implications of repair,second-life applications,and end-of-life considerations for electrification.The event also showcased product demonstrations featuring battery-powered applications and Vanguard’s latest advancements in lithium-ion technology, which are setting new benchmarks for reliability and performance in demanding conditions.

Voices from the Industry

Paul Bramhall,Director of Electrification/Rental EMEA at Briggs & Stratton,expressed his enthusiasm: “We were excited to see the Rental eSummit come to fruition after extensive planning. Electrification is a crucial topic for the rental sector, and standardization emerged as a key factor for a successful transition, particularly regarding total cost of ownership and compliance with new zero-emission and noise regulations. This event allowed stakeholders to explore a unified approach to these vital issues, and I look forward to making this an annual gathering.”

Jon Overman, CEO of HSS The Hire Service Company, added: “As a UK rental business, we are advancing our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) objectives, but the lack of standardization among manufacturers presents a significant hurdle. With new platforms and technologies emerging annually, we face a fragmented fleet that is challenging to manage. Achieving standardization is essential for a smooth transition to electrified equipment. By collaborating to reduce costs and align on standards, we can accelerate the shift to cleaner, greener solutions.”

David frank, President of Electrification and Vice President of Briggs & Stratton, remarked: “We take pride in partnering with our customers to deliver innovative solutions that shape the future of rental equipment. The Rental eSummit 2024 underscores our dedication to addressing the challenges of energy transition. At Vanguard, we aim to simplify product development for OEMs and enhance collaboration. Our versatile Vanguard Battery System, featuring swappable batteries compatible with various equipment types, promotes standardization in the rental market, streamlining operations, reducing costs, and fostering a sustainable future.”