RELiON

RELiON Battery

When it comes to powering floor cleaning machines, choosing the right battery is crucial for efficiency, cleanliness, and sustainability. While sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries have been the standard for years, lithium batteries are increasingly being adopted as a cleaner, more productive alternative. Here’s why lithium batteries are a game-changer for commercial cleaning applications, such as in malls or large facilities. 

  1. They are cleaner and have no leakage or hazardous acid 
  2. Reduced downtime and higher productivity 
  3. Save more money in the long term with more reliability 
  4. They support sustainable practices 

 

1. A Cleaner Choice: No Leakage or Hazardous Acid 

One of the primary drawbacks of SLA batteries is the potential for acid leakage. SLA batteries rely on a mixture of lead and sulfuric acid to generate power, which, if not properly maintained, can cause leaks. These leaks can damage equipment, pose a safety hazard, and even leave residue that requires additional cleaning. In an environment focused on cleanliness, such as a shopping mall, introducing unnecessary chemicals is far from ideal. 

In contrast, lithium batteries are inherently cleaner. They don’t rely on hazardous materials like sulfuric acid, and there’s no risk of acid leakage. This allows cleaning crews to operate floor machines without concern for spills or damage, contributing to a cleaner environment all around, while also reducing productivity losses. RELiON’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP or LiFePo4) batteries, which do not pose any risk of thermal runaway, are particularly well-suited to environments where safety and cleanliness are priorities. 

2. Reduced Downtime and Higher Productivity

Floor cleaning machines in large areas, like shopping malls, need to operate continuously for long hours. Charging times for lithium batteries are close to half that of lead-acid batteries, allowing equipment to return to service in a timelier manner. Lead-acid batteries take between eight and 12 hours to reach a full charge, while lithium batteries take between two and five hours to charge, depending on the battery’s capacity and state of charge at the time. For a team working on tight schedules, this downtime can be frustrating and costly, as it directly impacts productivity. Imagine a team that needs to take a long break during peak hours, interrupting cleaning tasks and potentially affecting customer experience. 

Lithium batteries, however, offer the advantage of much faster charging times and longer operating hours on a single charge. With lithium batteries, cleaning teams can power through their work without needing lengthy recharging breaks, resulting in a more seamless, productive operation. For example, a machine equipped with a lithium battery can complete an entire shift without pausing for a full recharge, allowing teams to clean larger spaces without interruptions. This is due in large part to the fact that lithium batteries can be discharged much more deeply - up to 100 percent - and provide more usable capacity than a lead-acid equivalently rated product. You can expect up to twice as much runtime. 

3. Long-Term Savings and Reliability

Though lithium batteries often come with a higher upfront cost compared to lead-acid batteries, they deliver substantial long-term savings. Lithium batteries typically have a much longer lifespan, require less maintenance, and retain their efficiency over more cycles than SLA batteries. For example, RELiON lithium batteries provide up to 10 times longer life than lead-acid batteries, and they still provide 80% of rated capacity after 3,500 cycles. This translates to fewer replacements and reduced maintenance costs over time. Moreover, lithium batteries are known for their reliability. Because they don’t rely on a chemical reaction involving sulfuric acid, they’re less prone to issues caused by battery wear and tear. This makes them an excellent choice for facilities looking to invest in dependable equipment that supports consistent cleaning standards. 

4. Supporting Sustainable Practices 

As organizations increasingly prioritize sustainability, lithium batteries align well with these goals. They are more environmentally friendly, as they avoid the lead and acid components found in SLA batteries and often come with recycling options that contribute to a lower environmental impact. The shift to lithium technology is a smart choice for businesses seeking to reduce their ecological footprint while maintaining high productivity standards. Lithium battery companies like RELiON also donate a portion of funds to environmental nonprofits, further underscoring the strong positive impact of investing in their batteries. 

Switching to lithium batteries brings many benefits to commercial cleaning operations. By opting for a cleaner, faster-charging, and more reliable battery technology, facilities can enhance productivity, reduce safety risks, and support sustainability efforts. Do you have questions about RELiON lithium batteries for floor machines? Contact us and one of our technical experts will be in touch. 

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