Flux Power adds gas detection and telematics to lithium-ion GSE batteries, previews S24 variants

Lithium-ion battery maker Flux Power has announced integrated gas detection for its airport ground support equipment (GSE) batteries, two new configurations of its S24 battery for material handling equipment and a new SkyVOX telematics device.

The gas sensor continuously monitors conditions inside the battery and communicates directly with the battery management system (BMS). If a potential thermal event is detected, the BMS can alert a CAN-integrated vehicle and automatically shut down power. On batteries equipped with SkyVOX telematics, events are also reported to Flux Power's SkyEMS energy-management platform. Flux Power says the gas detection system goes beyond what industry standards require.

The gas detection system was developed with a major airline and demonstrated at Flux Power's headquarters in Vista, California. Initial shipments, beginning with an airline end-user customer, are expected in the first quarter of calendar 2027. A retrofit program for batteries already in service is also planned.

The two S24 configurations extend the S-Series to additional truck models and equipment categories. The Compact-Compartment Configuration, developed with a national account customer, is a new truck adapter and charger setup for a forklift OEM's truck that has a compact battery compartment. The Heavy Duty S24, a maximum-capacity configuration for walkie stacker trucks, is undergoing testing and qualification with a major OEM partner.

SkyVOX adds battery location and charging alerts, so fleet managers can find connected batteries and see which units need charging. The new SkyVOX device uses cellular and GPS antennas mounted outside the battery enclosure. The antennas are designed to prevent signals from being blocked when the device is installed deep inside a steel truck compartment. Flux Power says telematics devices with internal antennas often lose connection in that position. Shipments are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of calendar 2026.

"Safety on the ramp is non-negotiable for our airline customers," said Mark Barmettler, Vice President of Engineering at Flux Power. "Flux Power's integrated gas detection gives operators an added layer of protection and real-time visibility, which we believe makes lithium an even easier decision for GSE fleets."

Source: Flux Power