Exide Technologies and Gel Tensor Batteries

Exide Technologies has been an expert in battery temperature management long before the acronym BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) became a media staple. It was just this month, in August 2025, that Gel Tensor batteries were implemented in the forklift fleet of JS Davidson, a UK-based specialist in temperature-controlled storage, packing, and global distribution.

Gel Tensor by Exide energizing JS Davidson’s forklift fleet

Today, JS Davidson’s forklift fleet is energized exclusively by Gel Tensor batteries, including six 24V 380Ah, six 48V 750Ah and four 48V 870Ah. This transition has significantly improved operational uptime and eliminated the need for battery changes during shifts.  

The new batteries are completely maintenance-free, eliminating the need for water refilling and cleaning, and are optimized for low-temperature environments. A key benefit is a 20% reduction in electricity consumption; Additionally, the technology extends operational times and supports “opportunity charging,” allowing for flexible recharging during downtimes without impacting battery life.

This installation marks the first successful deployment of Gel Tensor technology in a cold storage facility, setting a precedent for material handling performance in demanding environments. Four years on, every new forklift ordered by JS Davidson includes Gel Tensor batteries as standard, a testament to the technology’s reliability and the strength of the partnership.

Some insights

In 2021, JS Davidson faced growing operational challenges with its traditional lead-acid forklift batteries, particularly with the performance in cold storage environments.  Frequent maintenance, limited runtime, and performance drops in low temperatures were impacting efficiency. Seeking a solution that could overcome these frustrations, John Davidson, the owner of JS Davidson, partnered with Exide Technologies.

John Davidson said: “The Gel Tensor product has exceeded our expectations and is lasting a 16-hour shift with an eight-hour charge every day. We are finding the harder we use the product the better it performs. There is also the added benefit of no battery changes, increasing the number of pallets moved over the 16-hour period. We are delighted with the product, and every new product ordered has the Gel Tensor product as part of their specification.”