Vanguard, i3 Product Development Partner for OEM Battery Integration

Briggs & Stratton subsidiary Vanguard has announced the addition of i3 Product Development as the newest member of its Battery Technology Partner program.

Company representatives say the new partnership aims to combine Vanguard’s commercial-grade lithium-ion battery cells with the “comprehensive, end-to-end engineering and systems integration capabilities” from i3. The collaboration aims to simplifying machine electrification for equipment OEMs, in hopes that those manufacturers will bring durable and production-ready electric machines to market.

“We are thrilled to welcome i3 Product Development to our growing network of Vanguard Battery Technology Partners,” says David Frank, SVP and president of electrification at Briggs & Stratton. “Our whole-system battery packs are engineered to deliver durability and consistent performance for demanding commercial environments.

“By combining our proven technology with the deep expertise in complex system integration i3 Product Development delivers, we can empower more OEMs to confidently navigate the transition to zero-emissions and bring high-performance electrified machinery to market much faster.”

Vanguard is working to transform how OEMs in the construction equipment space approach machinery electrification. Thanks to the company’s network of partnerships, manufacturers will be able to overcome technical hurdles easier than ever before, streamlining machine development with electrical and battery power.

Solving modern engineering challenges

Enter Helios Technologies subsidiary i3 Product Development, a full-service partner for manufacturers looking to solve those same technical hurdles. Hailing from the southern Wisconsin town of Sun Prairie, i3 combines mechanical and electrical engineering with industrial design and software development to solve engineering issues with OEMs around the U.S.

This particular partnership, officials say, will focus on “demanding off-highway applications” like turf care, construction, material handling, and utility vehicles.

“What excites us most about partnering with Vanguard is the opportunity to better support OEMs actively advancing electrification within their product lines,” says Wyatt Drake-Buhr, general manager of i3 Product Development. “This collaboration enables the delivery of integrated, field-ready solutions that end-users can trust.

“Together, we share a vision of enabling durable, high-performance power that meets real-world commercial demands, while lowering operating costs, reducing noise, and improving the operator experience.”

Vanguard’s nationwide network continues to grow, the company says. Thanks to these partnerships, manufacturers are now able to gain direct access to scalable battery solutions for their machinery. As a collective, the partnerships can help OEMs successfully achieve all battery related goals, the firm says.