IBG Industrial Batteries has entered the material handling market with the launch of a modular lithium forklift battery platform designed to support a wide range of equipment applications while addressing ongoing industry challenges related to cost, service and availability.
The company, founded in 2025 and led by CEO Tim Karimov, introduced a standardized battery architecture that uses a shared core system across multiple equipment types. The platform is built around lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, a battery management system and integrated telemetry, with external steel housings adapted to fit specific forklift models. According to the company, this approach allows the platform to support more than 800 models across Class I, II and III lift trucks, as well as sweepers, scrubbers and other specialty equipment.
“The lithium forklift battery market does not need another company making promises. It needs one that keeps them,” said Karimov.
The launch comes as lithium-ion batteries continue to gain traction in the material handling sector, where electric forklifts are increasingly replacing internal combustion equipment. While the benefits of lithium technology — including reduced maintenance, consistent voltage output and multi-shift operation — are widely recognized, the transition has presented challenges for some operations, particularly around upfront cost and long-term support.
IBG stated that its modular platform is intended to simplify manufacturing and improve availability by reducing the need for application-specific battery builds. By standardizing core components and adapting only the external housing, the company said it can maintain U.S.-based inventory and reduce delivery times, with some units available for same-week shipping.
The batteries are available in voltage configurations ranging from 24 to 96 volts, with capacities from 150 to 1,500 ampere-hours. The system includes real-time cloud-based telemetry that tracks performance data such as energy throughput, charging activity, temperature and cell health. For cold storage and freezer applications, configurations with integrated heating and insulation are available to maintain performance in low-temperature environments.
“I have seen what works and what does not — in product design, in service delivery, in the way manufacturers partner with dealers and in the way the industry communicates with end-users,” Karimov said. “I have also seen lithium technology transform operations — reducing costs, improving safety and enabling the kind of uptime that lead-acid simply cannot deliver.”
The modular design also extends to serviceability. Individual battery modules can be replaced in the field, reducing the need to remove and return complete battery systems for repair. IBG offers a warranty of five years or 3,500 cycles, supported by a two-tier service model that includes remote diagnostics within 24 hours and on-site service through partner networks within three to five business days.
In addition to direct sales through dealer partners, IBG is introducing a rental option starting at $350 per month. The company said the program is intended to provide an alternative for operations that have not transitioned to lithium due to upfront investment concerns.
“For many operations, particularly smaller fleets and companies making their first move away from lead-acid, the upfront cost of lithium has been the final obstacle,” Karimov said.
IBG distributes its products through a dealer-first model, in which dealers manage customer relationships, installation and local service, while the company provides manufacturing, warranty and technical support. The company stated that it does not sell directly to end users.
“The material handling industry has made its decision about lithium. The remaining question is not whether fleets will transition, but how quickly — and who will be the trusted partner that makes it happen,” Karimov said.
IBG indicated that its battery systems and supporting infrastructure are now available through dealer partners, with U.S.-based inventory supporting deployment across a range of material handling applications.
Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
