New Industry Products

56V Li-ion Battery Offers High Capacity Alternative to Lead Acid Batteries

May 21, 2019 by Scott McMahan

Saft launched the Xcelion 56V, the third battery in the Xcelion® product line. It features higher voltage than its predecessors for applications using 48V power, and provides a variant on the technology behind the Xcelion 6T® for applications demanding higher voltage. According to Saft, its Xcelion batteries offer a high-capacity, low-weight alternative to conventional lead-acid batteries.

Applications for the Xcelion 56V include military ground vehicles, microgrids, defense, solar power systems, electric vehicles, and other purposes needing 48V.

The Xcelion 56V enhances the technology behind the Xcelion 6T, launched in 2015, and the Xcelion 6T-E, a high energy Li-ion battery introduced in 2018 that doubles the capacity of lead-acid batteries in the same form factor.

https://youtu.be/UhNS173NXls

In addition to offering smart battery capabilities, the Xcelion 56V offers higher capacity, lighter weight, a longer life cycle, and longer calendar life compared to conventional lead-acid batteries. The 41Ah Li-ion battery is an off-the-shelf battery solution with a nominal voltage of 52.8V and is half the weight of lead-acid batteries of similar size.

The Xcelion 56V also includes features standard safety measures such as abuse-tolerant Super-Phosphate® Li-ion technology and a battery management system. Smart battery features allow communication with the end user, giving information about the battery state-of-charge, state-of-health, and other functions.

Excelon 56V battery

The battery has built-in self-balancing and provides self shut-down in unsafe conditions. It features an internal battery management system and allows fast charging under varying conditions. The battery manages charge energy to ensure maximum battery life. At low temperature, the battery automatically engages built-in heaters for optimum charging

"We are really excited to introduce the Xcelion 56V. Our newest product launch showcases Saft's ability to adapt to customer demands and develop products that meet specific customer needs," said Annie Sennet, President of Saft America and Executive Vice President of Saft's Space and Defense division. "We are proud to offer militaries and other industries a higher voltage option that stays true to Saft's high safety standards."

Benefits

  • Significant weight savings and life cycle costs reductions compared to lead-acid technology
  • Maintenance free
  • Commercial off-the-shelf solution
  • Communicates over J1939 CAN Bus protocol
  • Compatible with MIL-STD-1275E power bus

Features

  • Built-in self-balancing
  • Fast charging under varying conditions*
  • Self shut-down in unsafe conditions
  • Internal battery management system

At the end of 2019, Saft also plans to launch an Xcelion 6T Li-Type 1 battery that will meet the requirements of MIL-PRF-32565 and will give unprecedented cold cranking performance and safety. Saft is showcasing the Xcelion product line at the SOFIC show in Tampa, FL, May 20-23, Booth #1620.