Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp., maker of Battle Born Batteries, announced it is now a provider of lithium based liftgate power solutions for Refreshment Services Pepsi, a privately-held independent bottler and distributor for Pepsi-Cola products.
With distribution centers across the U.S., Refreshment Services Pepsi will begin integrating the company’s Battle Born Batteries products into their fleet to power liftgate operations. This shift to lithium-ion technology will offer Refreshment Services Pepsi significant cost savings and environmental advantages compared to lead-acid batteries traditionally used in this application.
“Liftgates, though seemingly small, can greatly impact our business in terms of cost, sustainability and productivity,” said William Funk, delivery supervisor at Refreshment Services Pepsi. “Lead acid batteries have always presented challenges for us. Dragonfly Energy’s lithium solution is not only better for the environment but also helps reduce costs. With fewer battery replacements and no more downtime, we can better fulfill our mission of performing with purpose and exceeding our customers’ expectations.”
Additionally, by utilizing Dragonfly Energy’s Battle Born Batteries, Refreshment Services Pepsi expects to achieve notable fuel savings due to the ability to turn off the truck engine at every stop without compromising liftgate operation. This eliminates the need to idle the engine to maintain battery power for the liftgate, resulting in significant cost reductions and environmental benefits.
Addressing several challenges associated with lead-acid batteries, the lithium iron phosphate (a specific type of lithium battery chemistry) based Battle Born Batteries have shown in testing to outperform lead acid batteries with more liftgate cycles, a longer lifespan and a lower overall cost due to a decrease in replacement frequency and very few maintenance requirements, the company said in a release. According to a whitepaper study conducted by Dragonfly Energy, Lithium batteries outperform lead acid batteries by 54% in cycle life, requiring fewer replacements over time and thereby decreasing costs in materials, labor and vehicle downtime.
Wade Seaburg, chief revenue officer for Dragonfly Energy, said, “Partnering with Refreshment Services Pepsi signifies another advancement for Dragonfly Energy as we further our expansion within the medium and heavy-duty trucking industry. Our Battle Born Batteries products in liftgate applications offer reliability, cost savings and environmental benefits. As more companies in the industry realize these advantages, Dragonfly Energy is poised and ready to lead the way with the benefits of lithium technology.”
Refreshment Services Pepsi will begin outfitting trucks with Dragonfly Energy’s liftgate power system in late July at the company’s Terre Haute, Indiana, facility.
