The electrification of job sites is accelerating rapidly and is profoundly transforming how rough-terrain aerial work platforms are used. Autonomy, ease of operation, and cost reduction: the expectations of rental companies and end users alike are evolving. With the new HS21 E, Haulotte takes a decisive step forward by integrating a high-performance lithium-ion battery designed to last and simplify daily operations in the field. To better understand the technical choices and the concrete benefits for both users and rental companies, we spoke with Olivier Guillermin, Energy Systems Engineer at Haulotte.
A battery designed to last
Lithium-ion technology fundamentally changes day-to-day usage. “There is no maintenance required, unlike traditional lead-acid batteries,” explains Olivier Guillermin.
“Another advantage is that charging becomes far more flexible. Thanks to lithium-ion’s tolerance for partial charging, every break, even just 15 to 30 minutes, becomes an opportunity to recover autonomy without compromising battery lifespan,” he continues.
This simplicity comes with a significantly longer service life: lithium-ion batteries can easily reach ten years, compared to two to five years for lead-acid batteries depending on usage.
At the heart of the system, the Battery Management System (BMS) continuously monitors the battery. “A lithium-ion battery is a highly efficient energy reservoir that must be properly secured,” Olivier reminds us.
The BMS controls voltage, temperature, and state of charge, and triggers corrective actions when necessary. “It prevents overcharging, deep discharge, and overheating. In extreme cases, the battery switches to a safe mode,” he stresses.
This protective layer is inseparable from Haulotte’s philosophy: no lithium battery is integrated without a BMS meeting the most stringent safety standards. “We conducted extensive testing, including under extreme conditions,” Olivier adds. The batteries are certified according to European standards and integrated into an environment compliant with IEC 62619 safety requirements.
Capacity tailored to real-world job site needs
Sizing a battery requires striking the right balance between autonomy, performance, and cost.
“Our goal was to cover 95% of daily use cases with the battery alone,” explains Olivier Guillermin.
The result: under average usage, one out of two users can operate for a full week on a single charge.
“For the remaining 5% of extreme use cases, we recommend adding the Range Extender,” ensuring an excellent performance-to-weight-to-cost ratio.
Tangible benefits for rental companies: reliability, TCO control, and peace of mind
Lithium-ion technology offers greater reliability than lead-acid, particularly because it better tolerates imperfect charging habits.
“A lead-acid battery that’s poorly used can deteriorate very quickly. Lithium is far more stable,” notes Olivier.
Combined with a five-year warranty, this robustness improves visibility on total cost of ownership: fewer breakdowns, fewer unexpected issues, and reduced maintenance.
“Rental companies will enjoy a more worry-free operation and will quickly see the benefits across their fleet,” Olivier confirms.
⚡ Faster charging compared to lead-acid batteries
🔄 Recharge at any time, no cycle constraints or performance loss
📈 Consistent performance, even at low state of charge
🔒 Enhanced security : no exposure to corrosive substances
🏗️ Proven robustness under extreme conditions and intensive usage
🛡️ 5-year warranty for total peace of mind
The PULSEO range also allows an optional Range Extender to be added to extend autonomy.
“This Range Extender is common across the entire range. A customer can use it interchangeably on an HA20 E articulated boom or an HS21 E scissor lift,” Olivier explains. This cross-compatibility enables rental companies to share equipment across machines and adapt their fleet to actual usage without multiplying accessories.
Field tests validate the Lithium choice
Initial internal testing has confirmed the technical decisions. “Our teams found the autonomy to be excellent,” says Olivier.
The new upper control panel, featuring an integrated screen, provides users with precise information such as remaining charging time and available working hours. At the ground control station, rental companies can access features such as battery preheating for operation in extreme temperatures. These valuable insights reassure operators and allow rental companies to better anticipate their needs.
Continuous technology monitoring
Haulotte closely follows market developments and emerging technologies.
“We are not dogmatic. Lithium-ion is currently a very relevant solution for our customers, but we are also closely monitoring other technologies such as sodium-ion,” Olivier points out. Adoption rates vary from one country to another, so Haulotte adapts its offering according to market maturity, without imposing a single technology.
By combining lithium-ion batteries, embedded intelligence, and a modular approach, the HS21 E marks a new milestone in the electrification of rough-terrain aerial work platforms. Performance, simplicity, robustness, and peace of mind: a promise that speaks to all user profiles and fully aligns with the vision of a cleaner, more controlled job site.