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KION Battery Systems hands over first integrated battery for the Linde 1251 Xi truck

On February 25, the first integrated battery for the Linde MH 1251 Xi truck was officially handed over at KION Battery Systems in Karlstein am Main statt. The new battery is characterized by an innovative concept that enables complete integration into the vehicle and is no longer based on conventional trough dimensions from the lead battery environment. The powerful battery supplies the energy for the new 1251 Xi premium truck from Linde MH.

2025-03-26

The battery was developed in a joint project between KION Battery Systems (KBS) and KION CTO. The battery is characterized by numerous innovations in the areas of software, system architecture, mechanics and system integration into the vehicle. Dealers were already enthusiastic about the 1251 Xi truck at the launch event in November.

New battery concept

The battery consists of a modular system architecture which is the basis for many KBS battery projects. It is easy to maintain and offers 8 variants to meet different customer requirements. An innovative module mounting concept optimizes the service life of the battery. By using lithium iron phosphate cell technology, a long cycle life is achieved and the high number of common parts reduces variance.

Advantages of the new battery

The new battery offers numerous advantages. Its modular design makes it particularly cost-efficient. For example, concepts were used in the electronics that can be found in other projects. The energy content of the battery can be varied depending on the number of modules fitted. The battery delivers high performance with a long service life. It is also characterized by a high energy density and enables a compact design that offers maximum space for the driver.

This innovation, combined with the high level of vehicle integration, provides maximum ergonomic benefits for the driver as well as performance and cost benefits for the customer.

Henning Nies (Project Manager at KBS)

Wolfgang Klüpfel (Managing Director KBS)

Torsten Langeheine (Technical Vehicle Project Manager at KION)

"The new design as an integrated battery gives us the opportunity to realize higher energy densities - but we have also implemented other innovations in this battery that will bring great advantages for this and subsequent developments for KBS and KION This is, for example, a new electronics platform or the heating function with which this new battery generation is built."

"I am very proud of this product, which, in addition to the technical advantages, also offers a clear price advantage for our customer KION. The KBS team has done an excellent job on this project together with the KION team."

"The 1251 Xi was launched in November. Our aim was to achieve outstanding ergonomics with maximum vehicle performance. The battery supports this concept perfectly, as it does not need to be changed and therefore offers maximum space for the driver."

About KION Battery Systems GmbH

KION Battery Systems GmbH (KBS) was founded in 2019 as a 50:50 joint venture between KION and the battery manufacturer BMZ. Since 2020, high-performance 48- and 80-volt battery systems with lithium-ion technology for the electric forklift trucks of KION subsidiaries STILL and Linde Material Handling have been manufactured at the Karlstein am Main site. Since 2022, a second production line has been added to the site, where 24-volt batteries are manufactured for use in electrified warehouse trucks.