Overview
The material handling industry is in the middle of one of its fastest technology transitions in decades. As fleets modernize, four trends are reshaping how material handling operations think about power, infrastructure and long‑term serviceability. The market is evolving, and Stryten Energy is aligned with where the industry is headed.
4 Key Trends in Material Handling:
- Remote Charger Management and Configurability: There is a shift toward chargers that can be managed remotely, improving uptime and labor efficiency.
- Electrification and Regulatory Compliance: The impact of Low Carbon Fuel Standards (LCFS) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations is impacting the transition to electric trucks and lithium battery technology.
- Higher Voltage Lift Trucks: There is movement toward higher voltage truck platforms (96V, 108V and beyond) for enhanced power delivery and efficiency.
- Integrated Lift Trucks and Serviceability Challenges: The exploration of integrated battery and truck designs raises concerns about serviceability and the increased need for trained technicians.
Are smart, remotely managed chargers becoming the new standard?
Across the industry, charger technology is rapidly shifting toward remote management, configurability and over‑the‑air adaptability. Operators increasingly expect to adjust charging profiles, manage fleets, and update firmware without sending a technician to every charger, which is a major improvement in uptime and labor efficiency.
Stryten Energy recognizes this shift. Stryten is advancing toward next‑generation, higher-voltage chargers designed to support remote management capabilities, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This also aligns with modern lithium technology. For example, our new M-Series X-7 96V charger supports our M-Series Li600 and Li610 batteries. Our charging profile and future universal charger projects leverage the advantage of being one of the few companies that manufacture both batteries and chargers.
With our inCOMMAND™ remote battery management platform, Stryten is well positioned for this connected future. inCOMMAND delivers the level of visibility, diagnostics and control that customers expect from next‑gen charging ecosystems.
inCOMMAND enables:
- Remote visibility and diagnostics
- Performance insights to maximize battery life
- Fleetwide health monitoring
- Support for modern lithium expectations for always‑connected equipment
Will LCFS and CARB regulations accelerate electrification?
Although recent administrative delays have paused some deadlines, the momentum behind Low Carbon Fuel Standards and CARB-aligned regulations hasn’t slowed. Seventeen states will likely follow California’s lead, and more are expected to join.
The direction is clear: fleets must prepare for the eventual transition from internal combustion to electric trucks, either through electric purchases or lithium conversion of existing equipment.
Stryten Energy continues to monitor LCFS and CARB requirements closely, ensuring our material handling battery technology and software platforms, such as inCOMMAND, support the growing need for measurable energy efficiency, reporting and compliance.
Are higher voltage lift trucks transforming performance expectations?
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are moving toward higher voltage truck platforms—96V, 108V and even beyond—as a way to unlock more efficient power delivery for heavy‑duty applications. Higher voltage systems reduce energy loss, enable smaller cables, and deliver the performance needed for demanding, multi‑shift environments.
To support this shift, Stryten Energy is developing higher-voltage charging solutions, like the M-Series X-7 96V charger, that complement the expanding range of lithium‑ion truck voltages. These innovations are part of our ongoing strategy to ensure our power systems stay aligned with OEM needs and the evolving market.
Integrated lift trucks are coming: Will serviceability challenges hold them back?
A major industry shift is underway as lift truck manufacturers explore integrated battery and truck designs, similar to how electric vehicles integrate the battery pack into the chassis. These designs improve efficiency, safety and center‑of‑gravity control, yet they introduce a critical question for the market: Who will service these integrated systems?
Today, not many forklift dealers are equipped with the technicians, training or structure needed to support integrated lithium platforms. Many OEMs are exploring ways to build or partner their way into battery production, but creating a full-service network is a long and complex journey.
This creates an important advantage for established battery manufacturers like Stryten Energy that have the expertise, field support infrastructure, and deep understanding of lithium technology. As integrated trucks grow, fleets will need partners who can support battery serviceability at scale.
Summary
The material handling landscape is transforming quickly. Stryten Energy is investing strategically in the technologies, systems and support capabilities that will help customers navigate this transition with confidence. As fleets consider remote management, regulatory readiness, high‑voltage performance and integrated solutions, Stryten will remain a dedicated partner committed to delivering the right innovations at the right time.
For more information, visit stryten.com.
