Chris Davison, senior director of product and brand management, utility for Vanguard Commercial Power, discusses what Vanguard showcased at Equip Expo 2024, industry trends and more.
Green Industry Pros: What’s new at Vanguard this year?
Davison: We've significantly expanded our electrification segment, with a strong focus on providing complete battery system solutions for the commercial turf industry. This includes the introduction of high-efficiency electric motors and motor controllers, designed to seamlessly integrate into various types of landscape equipment, including blowers, walk-behind trowels, power rakes and more. Our new motors and motor controllers include different power options to meet voltage needs across equipment sizes. These include the MVG1500, MVG2200, MVG3000 and MVG4000 motors, and the MC2000, MC4000 and MC8000 motor controllers. By offering a complete system package, we're simplifying the electrification process for OEMs and empowering them to create cutting-edge, sustainable products.
We're also working closely with OEMs to integrate our innovative swappable battery technology into a wider range of landscape equipment. Our 1.5kWh* Commercial Battery Pack (Si1.5) has generated a lot of excitement among turf stakeholders with its standard charge time of just 75 minutes* and the ability to quickly swap freshly charged packs between applications on the jobsite to reduce downtime. We recognize that for the true power of this technology to be unlocked there needs to be a robust ecosystem of compatible equipment. That's why we are actively collaborating with OEMs across the globe to expand the range of equipment that can utilize our swappable batteries. Our goal is to develop a diversified equipment ecosystem with a wide selection of landscape products, maximizing the value and flexibility of customers’ investment in swappable technology. These partnerships will unlock the full potential of swappable batteries, accelerating the landscape industry's shift towards a more efficient and productive future.
*When the battery temperature is <30°C at the start of charging.
Green Industry Pros: What are some of the challenges you’re hearing from end users?
Davison: One of the key challenges we're hearing revolves around transitioning to electric power and maintaining, or even exceeding, the performance of traditional combustion engines. Electrifying a piece of equipment isn't simply a matter of putting a battery where an engine used to be; it requires a holistic approach to system integration. End users expect the same power, torque and responsiveness they're accustomed to, along with optimized battery life and run time. Ensuring the durability and reliability of these new systems in demanding environments is also a crucial factor OEMs have to take into consideration when transitioning to battery power.
While this transition may lead to longer development timelines, it's crucial to get it right. At Vanguard, we are committed to supporting OEMs throughout this process. We are not only providing intelligent lithium-ion battery systems but also the engineering expertise and application support needed to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance. Our goal is to empower OEMs to create electric-powered equipment that meets and exceeds the expectations of end users, delivering the power, reliability and efficiency they demand.
Green Industry Pros: How can your products help with those challenges?
Davison: Our products are designed to directly address the challenges associated with the transition to electric power. Our motors and motor controllers offer a range of power options to meet the performance demands of various landscape equipment, ensuring that end users experience the same level of power and torque they expect from traditional combustion engines.
Our intelligent lithium-ion battery systems, including the Si1.5, are designed for optimal run time and efficiency, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity. Additionally, our batteries undergo rigorous testing to ensure durability and reliability in demanding outdoor environments.
By providing a complete system solution, along with comprehensive engineering and application support, we're helping OEMs streamline the integration process and accelerate the development of high-performance electric-powered equipment. This enables them to bring to market reliable, efficient and powerful solutions that meet the evolving needs of end users.
Green Industry Pros: What are a few other industry trends that are prevalent right now?
Davison: One significant trend is the growing importance of sophisticated battery management systems (BMS), like those in all Vanguard Commercial Batteries. As more electric equipment hits the market, these systems are essential for optimizing battery performance, safety and longevity through real-time monitoring and control. This enhances efficiency, lifespan and user experience. Additionally, the operational insights unlocked by BMS data enable both businesses and individual owners to optimize equipment management, leading to increased efficiency, reduced downtime and improved profitability. Businesses gain a deeper understanding of equipment utilization, enabling optimized fleet management, remote diagnostics and proactive maintenance. Individual owners benefit from real-time battery information which allows for proactive maintenance, extended battery life and optimized usage patterns.
Another area where we're seeing a growing focus is meeting increasingly stringent regulations around emissions and noise pollution. As governments and municipalities implement stricter jobsite standards, the demand for low-emission and quiet landscaping equipment is on the rise. End users are increasingly seeking out equipment that not only reduces their environmental impact but also improves their overall work experience. Quieter operation reduces fatigue and allows for work in noise-sensitive areas, while lower emissions contribute to a healthier and more pleasant working environment. This shift in user preferences is driving innovation in battery technology and noise reduction techniques. OEMs are actively seeking solutions that not only comply with regulations but also offer the improved performance and user experience that today's consumers demand.
