Packs with potential from Briggs & Stratton

12 April 2022

Briggs & Stratton is exploring the potential applications for its lithium-ion Vanguard Commercial Battery Packs in powering a variety of machinery and equipment. 

This technology has already been used by the company in producing the power source for the Argo, a formidable amphibious all-terrain vehicle used by the military, and it is now available in battery packs delivering 3.8, 5 and 10kWh. A ‘swappable’ 1.5kWh version is also being developed. 

Paul Bramhall, Director – Electrification & Rental for EMEA with Briggs & Stratton, tells me that one advantage of the system is its modular nature. 

Up to ten packs can be assembled together, so ten 10kWh versions obviously give 100kWh. This means the technology could power a wide variety of equipment. 

The battery packs were promoted on Briggs & Stratton’s stand at the recent Futureworx event. 

“The batteries incorporate cylindrical cells sourced from Tier 1 quality manufacturers,” says Paul. “These are carefully selected to give the optimum balance of characteristics for the required application in a CMA (cellular modular assembly).” 

Each cell is isolated so that in the event of one malfunctioning, it shuts down to avoid damage or fire, while the others keep working. 

The batteries can also perform under a wide range of ambient temperatures, discharging between -20°C to 60°C, and being able to recharge in -10°C to 50°C. The battery pack housings are IP65 rated against dust and water ingress. 

It will be fascinating to see how this technology develops in terms of equipment applications.