Saft's state-of-the-art lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries deliver the high power performance for the record breaking E1 electric kart presented by Linde Material Handling (Linde MH) at the CeMAT intralogistics trade fair, taking place at the Hanover Messe, Germany. The E1 kart is equipped with standard electric drive components also used in Linde's new E20 to E50 electric counterbalance lift trucks that introduce Saft Li-ion batteries as an alternative to lead-acid batteries, enabling operators to enjoy a significantly extended operating range and reduced charging periods, as well as a longer service life and reduced maintenance for optimum total cost of ownership (TCO).
Racing driver Andreas Wolf launched the e-kart, based on a class KZ 1&2 racing chassis, into the Guinness Book of World Records by setting a new world record for acceleration
- 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.45 seconds - during the ADAC GT masters race held at Motorsport Arena Oschersleben last weekend.
"Our E1 kart has exactly the same 'genes' as our new series of electric lift trucks: its lift motor, power units, display, steering system and software are identical with those installed in these
e-trucks," says Eric Hock, engineer in charge of Electronic Engineering, explaining the connection between Linde's electric lift trucks and the Linde e-kart. With the development of the Linde E1 electric kart, Linde Material Handling is staking its claim to be the performance leader in the field of intralogistics/material handling.
The batteries for the E1 kart incorporate Saft Li-ion VL cells assembled in a specific series-parallel configuration to provide the optimum power and capacity. In addition to the E1 kart, Saft Li-ion batteries are also featured on two Linde vehicles making their debut at CeMAT: the E25 BR387 2.5 ton stacking forklift truck and the T16 pallet truck.