An Electric Forklift Truck stands in a warehouse where it is plugged into a charging point.

Lighting and the Electric Vehicle Revolution

The electric vehicle revolution in off-highway industries is well underway and set to continue at a rapid pace.

This quiet take over has many OE manufacturers racing to be the leading force in this new field of equipment. Particularly in the mining sector where noisy, polluting diesel engines can massively impact an already unpleasant environment for workers.

However, the introduction of quieter and more environmentally friendly engines has brought with it new safety considerations. Warning and lighting systems need to be much more visual, to enable workers to recognise machines approaching and from which direction. This is where effective lighting is key to safety, particularly in enclosed work environments such as warehouses or underground, where electric vehicles can deliver greater power without generating noise or emitting fumes.

Lighting for Electric Vehicles

When thinking about lighting in Electric vehicles, it also pays to consider the latest technology. LEDs consume considerably less power than Halogens reducing the strain on your machine’s battery. This allows more power for other applications such as GPS, onboard computers, or increased illumination to the area around your machine, often without necessitating an increase in the capacity of your alternator. Moreover, battery life is extended due to lower energy consumption, enabling the vehicle to operate for longer.

Lighting Design

TYRI excels at designing purpose-driven lighting. The design process entails evaluating the entire application and understanding that the intensity of the light is not always the main factor to consider. Alongside this, we assess the direction in which the light is focussed, the main objective of the lighting, and how it affects those working in proximity to the machine.

A comprehensive understanding of the machine’s working environment is crucial to develop an effective solution. Additionally, TYRI ensures that the lighting solution complements the machine’s design, providing it with a competitive edge.

When executed correctly, lighting design has the potential to add a distinctive touch and enhance the effectiveness of electric vehicles. Additionally, it can significantly improve safety in work areas, whether they are situated above or below ground.

Warning Lights

Warning lights are becoming much more widely used than for material handling and warehouse applications. The electric vehicle movement is a key area where the need for advanced warning is of paramount importance. TYRI predicts that new ways to identify vehicles approaching, especially when the machine is almost silent, will drive the development of new warning lights and identification systems.

First Choice for OEMs

TYRI is the first-choice lighting expert for many top OEMs to develop this lighting range and provide these unique solutions. Our experienced R&D department and state-of-the-art simulation and testing equipment mean they are at the forefront of design, and we are ready to take up the EV challenge.

Click here to read more on our work with Electric and Hydrogen powered vehicles.