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Energy Storage to be Major Challenge for Logistics Industry in 2025

Posted on 27 August, 20247 August, 2025 by David Priestman

In its latest report, Toyota Material Handling emphasizes that energy storage will become a critical concern as electrification gains momentum.

High-Capacity Batteries: The Future of Energy Infrastructure

The Trends in Logistics 2024 report from Toyota Material Handling stresses that as companies transition to electric vehicles and battery-powered equipment, effective energy storage will be vital. The report argues that high-capacity batteries could play a crucial role in the UK’s future energy strategy, potentially powering entire industrial sites—or even cities—during times when renewable sources aren’t available.

“There is no doubt that high-capacity batteries will become a part of the overall energy landscape,” said Gary Ison, product development manager at Toyota Material Handling. “Battery manufacturers and OEMs are racing to develop batteries capable of powering electric vehicles like forklifts for extended periods while also storing renewable energy for when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing.” The technology could be compared to Tesla’s Powerwall systems, but on a much grander industrial scale.

The Race to Develop New Battery Technologies

The report highlights rapid advances in battery technology, pointing out that materials such as silicone, graphene, and sodium are gaining attention. Despite this, the much-hyped solid-state batteries—widely considered the future—remain expensive and difficult to produce, delaying their widespread use. This situation echoes the electric vehicle market, where models like the Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf continue to rely on traditional lithium-ion batteries despite the potential of newer technologies.

Alternative Fuels Gaining Traction

In addition to advancements in batteries, Toyota’s report also highlights the growing interest in alternative fuels. Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and hydrogen are becoming popular among operators of large fleets. Hydrogen fuel cells, for example, are already in use in high-demand environments such as Amazon warehouses, where fast refueling and emission-free operation are critical. Ison explained, “For companies with access to on-site hydrogen supplies, fuel cells can be refueled in just a few minutes and enable emission-free operations.”

Grid Capacity and Renewable Energy Availability Remain Concerns

Despite the optimism around new technologies, the report warns of ongoing concerns regarding grid capacity and the availability of renewable electricity. These issues are familiar in the UK, where rising electric vehicle adoption has sparked fears of grid overload during peak times. Similar concerns could slow the logistics sector’s transition to electric power, potentially hindering the UK’s net-zero targets.

“Transitioning to sustainable energy sources is one of the most significant issues facing the supply chain sector,” said Ison. “While the shift from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles is well underway, grid stability and reliable electricity generation remain challenges.”

Navigating a Changing Energy Landscape

Toyota’s Trends in Logistics 2024 offers a snapshot of how the logistics industry is navigating the complexities of decarbonization and technological innovation. As the sector strives to balance ambitious climate goals with practical challenges, the report suggests that energy storage will be at the heart of the industry’s future.

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Green Cubes appoints industry veteran as COO

Posted on 6 August, 2021 by Keith McKinley

Green Cubes Technology, a leader in producing Lithium-ion (Li-ion) power systems that facilitate the transition from lead acid batteries and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) power to green Li-ion battery power, has appointed Ken Johnson as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Johnson reports to Keith Washington, President and CEO of Green Cubes, supporting all business units and operations.

Johnson provides leadership to supply chain, operations, and manufacturing roles to build processes for continued growth for Green Cubes within telecom, materials handling, and industrial automation markets. Johnson will manage Green Cube’s production facilities in Malaysia, Slovakia, Kokomo (Indiana), and Dunlap (Tennessee).

“Ken has led both domestic and international operations and supply chains through new product introduction, lean transformations, inventory reductions and overall working capital improvement,” said Washington. “I am confident his experience and focused vision will help Green Cubes successfully execute its continued growth within strategic markets and geographic locations.”

Johnson has a history of success in energy storage and power electronics technology as an operations leader with a demonstrated track record of success in these markets, spending over 25 years in global manufacturing and supply chain with companies such as IBM, Danaher, Eaton and Active Power. The range of products manufactured under Johnson’s supervision includes personal computers, motors, DC power systems and single-phase/three-phase complex Uninterruptable Power System (UPS). Johnson graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering degree from Texas A&M in Industrial Engineering.

Fronius offers modular and flexible charging solutions

Posted on 29 July, 202125 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Fronius Perfect Charging says it offers customised and modular complete solutions for electrically powered forklift trucks that expand flexibly as challenges rise.

In many industries, agility and flexibility are among the greatest challenges in day-to-day business. In order to be able to react in the best possible way to fluctuating demand when also under high time and cost pressure, internal storage and transport processes must be optimised accordingly. The available space must also be used to its full potential and, if necessary, expanded. This also applies to the charging technology and charging infrastructure for electrically powered forklift trucks.

Electric forklift trucks are a cost-effective, powerful and sustainable choice for a company’s internal flow of materials. However, to ensure availability and performance, they need a reliable power supply. This becomes particularly clear when organisational changes are made: Are new storage areas or vehicles being added? Are operating times or travel distances being extended? Is the changeover to a new battery technology imminent? In these cases, the charging infrastructure often also has to be adapted in order to continue to guarantee the fleet operates reliably.

Next-level, innovative charging solutions

When it comes to designing the charging infrastructure, Fronius Perfect Charging focuses on quality and individuality. The specialist has a large portfolio of charging modules and racks for setting up single charging rooms, charging stations and charging rooms. These can be combined with each other and expanded, and are compatible with all lead-acid and lithium-ion battery chargers from Fronius.

Thanks to their ingenious, high-quality design, the charging solutions can be reused many times over and are easy to assemble and disassemble. This gives users a high degree of flexibility when designing their intralogistics and allows them to make any necessary changes at any time. For short-term capacity bottlenecks or space problems, Fronius has also developed a sophisticated and practical solution for outdoor use: the mobile Energy Hub.

Fronius Perfect Charging also provides expert advice on the planning, installation and operation of customised system solutions. The expert delivers an individual complete package to its customers that meets all the requirements of modern intralogistics. Operating companies benefit from a reliable and efficient energy supply for their forklift truck fleet, with which they are also ideally equipped for future changes.