LIFOS - Profile
within the casing, Fort has forklift pockets built into the base and a pallet-sized footprint in order to optimise transport. Our solar array is around 20% larger than most rival products, and it fits into the box.”
L-R: Chris, Adrian, Jack and Richard.
“We spoke to a lot of potential partners, and several conversations have been taking place since the show. The show opened up many new opportunities for us, with many companies looking to find out how our solar and battery solutions could be adapted to support their power needs and their drive to net zero..”
The LIFOS name is an acronym for the battery tech used. Lithium phosphate batteries are more expensive, but what are the benefits?
“Short term, it’s a bit like leasing a BMW compared to, say, leasing a Ford – the BMW might be more expensive, but it has better residual value. Using lithium ion phosphate pays dividends right away, because
the longevity of the cells is so much longer. This is where our seven-year switch comes in, because we can effectively clip a lot of the upfront cost in a future derivative, which is the fact that we are going to be buying the cells back after seven years and offering customers a part-exchange on new batteries. We will
will be able to benefit from extended leasing terms.”
In using lithium phosphate batteries, and with its seven-year switch and second-life initiatives, LIFOS is confident that Fort customers will effectively get at least 20 years working life from the product. Fort itself will launch within weeks of publication, but how are you planning to develop the product and the company going forward?
phosphate pays dividends right away, because the longevity of the cells is so much longer
‘‘
EHS 2023 was the first major outing for Fort. What was your main reason for exhibiting, and how was it for you?
“The main purpose was to establish the brand. However, we received some terrific feedback – it was suggested that the pallet base was too low and flimsy, therefore a telehandler driver could accidentally pierce the batteries. We have redesigned the base as a result (see picture).
then retest and repurpose the original cells, then sell them in lighter duty applications, such as domestic storage, or at reduced cost to humanitarian organisations and charities.
“We don’t need to be too aggressive on writing down the capex of those cells right away. Actually, we have already been speaking with a few leasing companies – if Fort customers choose a LIFOS lease, they
“This is the first product in our range, but before the end of the year we’ll have a version without solar panels, and these will provide up to 60kVa/70kWh storage. Beyond that, we’re looking at a containerised solution, for grid-scale applications, as well as a solar panel product that could work with other batteries. Ultimately, we would like to have a range of products to suit many applications.”
’’
Fort will undoubtedly help with that, and LIFOS claims that it will be cheaper than rival products too. Meanwhile, it was a pleasure to see the prototype garnering such positive attention at the Executive Hire Show. The company has the skills and manufacturing expertise at its disposal to realise its ambitions – genuine USPs in Fort too, and a laudable mission to extend battery usability, thus reducing the overuse of rare earth materials. Such was their success at EHS 2023 that LIFOS has already booked for next year’s event. We can’t wait to see what they’ll bring. n
A small team for now, but bound to grow. Adrian, centre, with the LIFOS crew.
FULLY CHARGED Read all about LIFOS Fort and the company’s sustainability goals at
www.lifos.co.uk
Using lithium ion
May 2023 - Executive Hire News 31
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