The aviation sector is undergoing a significant transformation, largely driven by the adoption of more sustainable and efficient technologies. Ground handling equipment (GSE) is no exception. The shift to lithium batteries is revolutionising the way airports operate.

GSE covers a wide range of equipment, from tow tractors to belt loaders. Each type of equipment has specific energy needs, so it is essential to choose the right battery for each application.

1. Lithium batteries are changing the game

Lithium batteries offer a number of advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries.

• Greater energy efficiency
• A longer service life 
• Reduced environmental impact
• Faster and more flexible charging

In short, lithium-ion batteries offer a number of advantages that make them the preferred choice for ground handling equipment. Their higher efficiency, durability and lower environmental impact contribute to more sustainable and cost-effective airport operations.

2. Reducing emissions and costs

Diesel ground handling equipment is a major source of emissions at airports. Lithium batteries offer a clean and quiet alternative, helping to improve air quality and reduce process costs.

3. Easier charging of lithium batteries

Opportunistic charging, together with lithium-ion batteries, contributes to a more sustainable airport operation. By reducing dependence on fossil fuels and optimising energy use, the environmental impact of ground operations is minimised. In addition, the higher energy efficiency of lithium-ion batteries reduces long-term operating costs.

4. Resilience to extreme weather conditions

Lithium batteries are less sensitive to temperature extremes than lead-acid batteries, which ensures optimal performance in various climatic conditions. This is especially important in regions with extreme climates.

Conclusion

The transition to lithium batteries in ground support equipment represents a turning point in the aviation industry. Beyond improving operational efficiency in the short term, this technology lays the foundation for a more sustainable and cost-effective future. Reducing emissions, extending equipment lifetimes and optimising long-term operating costs are just some of the benefits of this transformation. 

Furthermore, by aligning with global decarbonisation goals, the adoption of lithium batteries positions airports as sustainability leaders and allows them to adapt to increasingly stringent environmental regulations.

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Do you want to know more about how lithium batteries can be used for transform your GSE fleet? Contact us.

Sustainability has taken off in the airport industry. Driven by the ambitious targets of the European Green Pact, more and more airports are committed to reducing CO2 emissions and transitioning to cleaner technologies. This shift is not just an obligation, but an opportunity to improve the competitiveness and image of the sector. From electric aircraft towing vehicles to cargo and passenger handling equipment, the electrification of ground support equipment is gaining ground by leaps and bounds.

Electrification is transforming airports

The future of airport equipment is electric, but the road there is gradual. While some early adopters have already embraced lithium, others are now evaluating the most cost-effective long-term options. 

This has led to two clear trends: 

• The manufacture of new all-electric equipment 
• Upgrading existing equipment with lithium batteries

Ground handlers play a crucial role in the electrification of airports. While some facilities already have electric equipment with lead-acid batteries, the industry is rapidly migrating towards lithium as the preferred technology to drive this transition.

Emphasising return on investment

Investment in lithium batteries for airport equipment, although higher initially, is justified by the total cost of ownership (TCO). Studies show that the long-term savings, through reduced maintenance requirements and higher energy efficiency, make lithium electrification a highly profitable investment.

Focusing on the obsolescence of lead and the superiority of lithium

Lead-acid batteries are a thing of the past. Their low efficiency, high maintenance costs and limited charging capacity make them an obsolete technology. In contrast, lithium batteries offer superior efficiency, fast charging, long life and greater flexibility of use, making them the ideal choice for ground support equipment.

Focusing on sustainability and security

The electrification of airport equipment, driven by lithium batteries, represents a major step towards sustainability and safety. By eliminating polluting emissions and reducing noise, this equipment contributes to a cleaner and healthier airport environment. 

In addition, lithium battery technology, especially LFP chemistry, offers increased safety by minimising the risk of fire and ensuring stable operation.

NCPOWER: DRIVING INNOVATION IN AIRPORT EQUIPMENT ELECTRIFICATION

Airports are technological ecosystems where every element is interconnected. Ground support teams, with their diversity of functions, are essential to keep this system running, ensuring smooth operations and passenger satisfaction.

From the tractors that tow our luggage to the stairs that take us to the plane, airports are filled with a wide variety of machinery. This equipment, which includes shuttle buses, platforms for people with reduced mobility, GPUs, belt loaders and pushback vehicles, is increasingly reliant on lithium batteries to operate.

In short, the electrification of airport equipment is a reality. NCPOWER, a pioneer in lithium battery solutions since 2012, has been a key partner for airport manufacturers and operators in this transition. Our customised batteries optimise the performance of each machine, ensuring greater efficiency and productivity.

Focusing on customisation and adaptability

The choice of lithium battery supplier is not limited to power and size. Each application, especially in demanding environments such as airports, requires a customised solution. For NCPOWER, it is very important to perform detailed analyses of the machine's consumption, the environmental conditions in which it will be used and the available electrical infrastructures.

NCPOWER offers batteries with specific features such as high IP protection (IP54-65), thermal management systems and remote diagnostics, ensuring optimal performance in all weather conditions and efficient predictive maintenance. 

NCPOWER will attend the GSE Expo 2024See you in Lisbon!

The Business Association for the Development and Promotion of Electric Vehicles, known as AEDIVE, has enthusiastically welcomed its new member, NCPOWER. Our company joins a network of leading companies seeking to boost the development and adoption of electric vehicles in Spain. 

Who is NCPOWER?

Based in Murcia, NCPOWER stands out as a manufacturer of customised lithium batteries, supplying Europe-wide solutions for the electric vehicle sector. Since its founding in 2012, the company has stood out for its commitment to innovation and sustainability.

In addition to its renowned expertise in the industry, it has partnerships with leading battery cell manufacturers. The company designs and manufactures lithium batteries that are fully customised to each customer's application. During 2023, it manufactured more than 1,200 batteries for light electric vehicles and has established a presence in more than a dozen countries on three continents.

We bring added value to manufacturers of light electric vehicles, industrial machinery and energy storage by manufacturing sustainable and safe lithium batteries, working with each partner from the conception of the idea to the manufacture of the customised energy solution. 

One of the company's major contributions is the NCPower System®, an innovative battery management system developed by the company. It is key to the optimisation of battery performance, battery safety, as well as accurate data monitoring.

Who is AEDIVE?

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AEDIVE, a non-profit and independent organisation, emerged in 2010 in response to the sustained growth of the electric vehicle as an emerging trend in our country. Since then, it has been dedicated to collecting and disseminating continuous and advanced information on all developments in the sector. 

The partnership's main objective is to foster innovation, collaboration and the promotion of sustainable technologies in the automotive sector. These are cornerstones on the road to a future of electric mobility. With more than 800 members, AEDIVE works to promote sustainable mobility through the electrification of transport. 

Access to the electricity market and key events

By partnering, NCPOWER will increase its representativeness to various governmental bodies, at national, regional and local levels, giving it a more influential voice in the development of policies and legislation related to electric mobility and sustainability.

In addition, being part of AEDIVE will provide NCPOWER with privileged access to an exclusive networking network, facilitating the connection with other companies and key players in the sector. 

The conferences, congresses and events organised by the association offer unique opportunities for the exchange of knowledge, collaboration on projects and the establishment of strategic alliances.

AEDIVE's influence on the development of European and national legislation ensures that NCPOWER can actively contribute to the definition of the regulatory framework affecting the development and expansion of the electric vehicle market and charging infrastructure. The association also offers specialised advisory and consultancy services, as well as the possibility of participating in working groups dedicated to research and development projects linked to electric vehicle charging infrastructure, which will enhance NCPOWER's capacity for innovation and development in this field.

What will be NCPOWER's role in AEDIVE?

Through participation in AEDIVE's working groups, NCPOWER aims to play a crucial role in driving future business models in this sector. We hope to create synergies with leading companies, to address the challenges and opportunities in the current landscape.

Progress towards energy efficiency and sustainability can only be achieved if it is a collective goal. That is why we are members of associations that share our objectives and our determination to make this a cleaner and more energy independent planet. We recognise the importance of collaboration with organisations such as AEDIVE and see the association as a unique opportunity to make our company visible as a key player in the zero-emission mobility landscape.

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NCPOWERa leading manufacturer of lithium batteries for electromobility and energy storage based in Murcia, Spain, is pleased to announce its recent accession to the European Battery Association (BEPA), an initiative under the programme Horizon Europe of the European Union.

NCPOWER has officially joined BEPA, the Batteries European Partnership Association (BEPA), confirming its commitment to improving the competitiveness of the European battery industry. 

 With over 200 members, BEPA is a leading association dedicated to creating a competitive, sustainable and circular European industrial battery value chain for stationary and e-mobility applications. 

BEPA members will work together to prepare Europe to manufacture and commercialise by 2030 the next generation battery technologies that will enable the deployment of zero-emission mobility and renewable energy storage.

BEPA represents the private sector partnership of BATT4EU Partnerships, the co-programmed battery partnership launched by the European Commission under Horizon Europe. The partnership will mobilise more than €925 million to boost European research and innovation in the battery sector.

About BEPA

BEPA is a partnership born out of collaboration between the European Commission and battery R&D stakeholders. Its goal is to establish a world-leading innovation ecosystem by 2030. With more than 200 members in 23 countries, the association's main objective is to foster a competitive, sustainable and circular European battery value chain.

THE THREE MACRO OBJECTIVES OF THE BEPA

• Objective 1: Create the world's number one innovation ecosystem in the battery sector.
• Objective 2: Creating a competitive and sustainable European circular battery value chain
• Objective 3: Driving the transformation to a carbon neutral Europe

About NCPOWER

NCPOWER is a leading manufacturer of lithium batteries for a variety of applications, from electric mobility to energy storage. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, NCPOWER is committed to providing safe and efficient solutions that drive the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

The benefits of NCPOWER's BEPA membership

Being part of the association brings us a number of exclusive benefits:

• Exclusive access to industrial research and development strategies.
• Direct view of impressive European research results.
• Significant contribution to the direction of battery research.
• Integration into a strong, innovation-focused industrial network.
• Comprehensive understanding of the value chain and its impacts.
• In-depth knowledge of the impact of cross-cutting innovations.
• Awareness of technological readiness.
• Close connections with other relevant European associations.
• Awareness of European regulatory requirements and conditions.

By joining BEPA, NCPOWER will actively contribute to achieving ambitious goals, including the drive towards climate neutrality in Europe by 2050. The partnership is focused on leading the battery industry across the entire value chain, from the development of differentiating battery materials technologies to manufacturing and cell design.

BEPA membership will allow us to collaborate with large companies such as Basquevolt, Volvo, Renault, Manz o Scaniaas well as energy giants such as Enel X y Fortumamong many research and engineering institutes, such as CICenergigune, Cidetecas well as others. With a total investment of 925 million euros in battery R&D, the sum of all these forces will be key to the future.

"Joining BEPA reflects our continued commitment to innovation and sustainability in battery development. We are excited to collaborate with other industry leaders and contribute to a more efficient and environmentally friendly future. Mario Nicolás Carcelén, CEO of NCPOWER

As part of this alliance, NCPOWER will work on developing technologies that improve the performance of batteries for electromobility and energy storage. Our experience in the energy sector and NCPOWER's innovative technology will allow us to continue to produce sustainable batteries with longer lifetimes.

This new milestone positions us at the centre of battery research and development in Europe, enabling the sharing of knowledge and resources crucial to address current and future energy and environmental challenges.

What will NCPOWER's role be in the BEPA?

The European Battery Association (BEPA) is organised in 5 working groups, each focusing on specific areas related to this key technology for the European economy. These groups were established with the purpose of identifying research and innovation (R&I) investment priorities and ensuring uniform progress in all areas.

1. Raw materials and recycling
2. Advanced materials and manufacturing
3. End use and applications
4. Security and Reliability
5. Sustainability

NCPOWER is part of Working Group 3: End-use and applications of batteries. This team focuses on R&I in battery systems for transport and mobile applications, such as road, air, rail and water transport. It also addresses energy storage, including the second life of batteries, developing new technologies at the battery system level and taking into account mechanical, electrical, hardware and software management aspects.

The objectives of the Task Force for 2030 are:

• Facilitate cost-effective electrification of various transport and mobile applications.
• To boost the competitiveness of the European battery industry in the transport market.
• Improve battery performance, life and reliability.
• Reduce the costs associated with the design, manufacture and testing of Battery Management Systems (BMS).
• Decrease management costs at the end of battery life.
• Ensuring the safety and technical reliability of battery applications in different modes of mobility.

Through these collaborative efforts, we seek to develop affordable and sustainable battery solutions to promote green mobility in Europe.

We are excited to announce that NCPOWER has joined the Spanish Association of Batteries, Batteries and Energy Storage (AEPIBAL). This access to a diverse network of expertise and resources will further expand NCPOWER's ability to influence and contribute to the development of advanced energy solutions.

As a new member of AEPIBAL, NCPOWER is committed to actively participate in initiatives that promote sustainability and environmental responsibility in the field of batteries and energy storage. The company is ready to contribute its expertise and leadership in the search for cleaner and more efficient solutions that drive the transition to a more sustainable energy matrix.

Collaborating with other AEPIBAL members will allow NCPOWER to share its expertise in the development of state-of-the-art lithium batteries and learn from industry best practices. This synergy will strengthen NCPOWER's ability to offer even more efficient and sustainable solutions.

The partnership with AEPIBAL not only expands NCPOWER's opportunities for knowledge sharing, but also opens doors to potential strategic alliances. The company is eager to collaborate with other members on innovative projects that drive technological advancement and the adoption of sustainable energy solutions in Spain and internationally.

We are excited about what the future holds and look forward to contributing significantly to the progress and sustainable development of the energy sector in collaboration with AEPIBAL and its distinguished members. Together, we are shaping a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow!

Who is NCPOWER?

NCPOWER is a Spanish manufacturer of Sustainable Lithium batteries with Innovative and Customised Technology. We design and manufacture advanced lithium-ion energy storage solutions for electromobility and energy storage. Our batteries are customised according to the needs of each customer and according to the application of use.

NCPOWER has developed a proprietary technology, the NCPOWER System, a battery management system (BMS) that offers a number of advantages in battery performance, productivity and energy savings, thereby extending the life of the batteries while allowing for greater sustainability and energy/economic savings.

NCPOWER has established itself as a Spanish benchmark in the manufacture of lithium batteries. Our experience, technological innovation and commitment to sustainability position us as the right choice for those looking for the best lithium batteries on the market. We offer tailor-made solutions, professional advice and solid technical support to provide our customers with the confidence and quality they deserve.

Who is AEPIBAL?

AEPIBAL is the Spanish Association of batteries and energy storage, and has hundreds of members. partners from different industries. It has established itself as the main reference in the field of energy storage in Spain. 

It is made up of a wide network of partners spanning the entire value chain, from research centres to leading companies in the circular economy. 

AEPIBAL's members represent a wide diversity of sectors, including energy storage technology manufacturers and integrators, world-class service providers, leading circular economy companies and sustainable energy project developers. This variety of stakeholders allows AEPIBAL to have specialist knowledge in all critical aspects of the sector, providing its members with access to advice in areas such as energy markets, legal regulation, public financing and more.

Among AEPIBAL's outstanding collaborators are well-known companies in the energy sector, such as Soltec, Holaluz, EDP, Iberdrola, Endesa and Naturgy, among others.

In addition, AEPIBAL has a Board of Directors composed of prominent business leaders in the sector, who work with dedication and professionalism to strengthen the association and add value to its members. The diversity of the Board reflects the breadth of the energy storage industry, with representatives from leading companies across sectors.

This provides NCPOWER with the possibility to establish strong business relationships, collaborate on research and development projects, and access new market opportunities.

AEPIBAL member industries:

• Mining
• Knowledge centres
• Professional associations
• Manufacturers and integrators
• Self-consumption with storage
• Distributors, service providers and consultancy
• Circular economy: recycling and 2nd life
• Developers and marketers
• Utilities

AEPIBAL has become a key player in promoting development and innovation in the energy sector.

Access to the electricity market and key events

Being part of AEPIBAL gives NCPOWER the invaluable opportunity to be in direct contact with the electricity market and to keep abreast of the latest trends, regulations and opportunities in this constantly evolving sector. 

By joining the association, NCPOWER will have privileged access to events, seminars and conferences organised by AEPIBAL, where relevant electricity market issues are discussed and experiences and best practices are shared among the main industry players.

For example, AEPIBAL will shortly be attending the eMobility ExpoNCPOWER will also be there presenting its latest innovations.

In addition, AEPIBAL, through strategic alliances and specific projects, is leading several initiatives to promote innovation and development in the energy storage sector. For example, the LIFE ReLiGHT Project, the ReTaBar Project in collaboration with Solartys and Envirobat España, the BatteryPlat Technology Platform, etc. These collaborative agreements arise in response to a specific need and help us to weave a greater networking network.

In addition, AEPIBAL offers its members the possibility to participate in working groups and specialised committees that address specific aspects of the electricity market, such as the integration of renewable energies, demand-side management and energy regulation. These collaborative platforms allow NCPOWER to exchange knowledge, establish strategic contacts and actively contribute to the development of innovative solutions that drive efficiency and sustainability in the electricity market.

What will be NCPOWER's role in AEPIBAL?

Joining AEPIBAL is a milestone that will make a difference in NCPOWER's future, contributing to the development of increasingly advanced energy solutions. This membership reinforces our commitment to continuously innovate towards ever more efficient and sustainable solutions, placing Spain in a key international role in the battery and energy storage sector in general.

The investment to electrify a vehicle fleet is not a decision to be taken lightly. In this sense, when considering the leap to lithium battery technology, the question of which is the best option may arise. Certainly, one type of chemistry or another, as well as other key aspects, can make a big difference. Let's look at which lithium battery manufacturer to choose and why, for maximum performance and safety.

Lithium battery manufacturers: Which one to choose?

Normally the client that contacts us is a company that wants to make the leap from the traditional batteries towards lithium batteries because it has seen the advantages. It is also possible that it is already operating with lithium batteries, but is having problems with your supplier. Whatever the situation, NCPOWER offers an optimal and customised solution that allows us to guarantee the highest quality standards compared to other battery manufacturers.

How traditional lithium battery manufacturers work

With such an emerging market, hundreds of manufacturers are appearing, who are really suppliers, i.e. they buy batteries and sell them in Spain and Europe without any support or guarantee. And most importantly: without the integration of their components, so they cannot guarantee the viability and safety of the battery.

Often a traditional battery manufacturer can be a simple assembler or material supplier. Erroneously, the term 'manufacturer' is used in these cases because it usually imports the components and simply places them and sells them. 

This is a big difference compared to the Spanish manufacturer NCPOWER, as we actually carry out the whole process. and in this respect we can contribute our experience, knowledge and quality.

To understand this, it should be noted that the lithium battery manufacturing process is divided into three phases, each of which is dedicated to the three essential parts of the battery:

1. In the first phase, lithium cells are purchased from an external supplier. 

2. In a second phase, all the control electronics are configured. This electronics will mediate between the electronics of the application (electric vehicle, industrial machinery, etc.) and the final solution of the battery itself, measuring the ranges of temperatures, voltages, protection systems, etc. Each electronic is specific to each project and is configured according to the operational needs of each client.

3. In a third and final phase we start with the battery assembly process. Often this is the only stage that is actually carried out by the traditional manufacturer.

Why avoid traditional battery manufacturers?

Often there is a need for certain special characteristics. Each customer has different size, chemistry and energy requirements. Therefore, A standard solution is not always really useful and can lead to incidents and other problems.

In addition, when there is a malfunction, the customer may have serious problems because the supplier of the battery does not really have the know-how to provide adequate support. 

This translates into:

1. Long prototyping times

2. Lack of flexibility in product customisation

3. High costs, because the software is not proprietary and requires recourse to programmers who have the source code.

4. Insufficient technical support and slow solutions involving long machine downtimes

In short, choosing a traditional lithium battery manufacturer that is only an assembler in practice results in problems. Lead times are long, costs are high, technical support is insufficient and customisation needs are not met.

Why our lithium battery is unique: how we work at NCPOWER

When a customer places an order for batteries with us, we do not go straight into production. We first thoroughly assess the needs of the project.

These are some of the key points we analysed in this preliminary phase:

• For which application will the lithium battery be used?
• What consumption will be needed?
• What size and weight of battery is required?
• What are the business processes of the company concerned like (how many shifts, are there downtimes, etc...)?
• What information will you need to see in real time about the battery status?
• Which type of battery charger is suitable for the charging times studied?
• What is the optimal electronic programming of lithium batteries (through our Battery Balancing System)?

As a lithium battery manufacturer, NCPOWER always follows these three steps:

1. We go through all specifications with the client.

2. We create the custom lithium battery

3. We offer battery support, monitoring and maintenance

But that's not the end of it - it's just the beginning. After the preliminary examination, an appointment is made, a prototype of the battery is created and sent to the customer.

Here begins another fundamental work that sets it apart from other battery producers. 

We ensure that our batteries are tested and verified before they are shipped to our customers, and we offer technical support and after-sales service to ensure that our batteries meet our customers' needs. 

We perform continuous battery care, monitoring and maintenance, all thanks to our two tools:

• Remote battery monitoring from the NCPOWER Data Center
• System for the automatic management of possible failures: NCPOWER Alert Data Center

Thanks to this cutting-edge technology in the sector, we can intervene on any problem and anticipate it. This is another great differential value that we offer our customers.

Join NCPOWER System's optimised lithium battery solution. We are committed to creating a unique lithium battery that offers superior performance and longer life than other batteries on the market.