Specialized Transportation

Batteries play a vital role in specialized transportation, providing reliable energy for the heavy-duty vehicles and equipment that keep industries moving. From trucking and agriculture to mining, rail, and marine applications, battery technology ensures the safe, efficient, and sustainable operation of essential transportation systems worldwide.

Powering Essential Industries

A wide range of industries depend on advanced battery technology for performance, efficiency, and sustainability. Lead and lithium batteries are critical components in:

  • Heavy-duty trucks that transport freight across highways and industrial sites.
  • Farming equipment that relies on powerful, long-lasting batteries to keep essential machinery running.
  • Large marine vessels and submarines that enable global shipping and defense operations.
  • Locomotives that move people and cargo while improving rail system efficiency.

As industries continue to prioritize reliability and sustainability, advanced battery technology ensures these essential vehicles operate efficiently in demanding environments.

Semi-truck hauling goods for commercial transportation.

Heavy-Duty Trucks: Fueling Commercial Transport

Heavy-duty trucks are the backbone of commercial transportation, moving goods across vast distances every day. Lead and lithium batteries are integral to these trucks, powering systems that support starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI), as well as auxiliary equipment like refrigeration units and on-board electronics.

In addition to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks, the shift toward electric-powered heavy-duty trucks is gaining momentum. As the transportation industry explores hybrid and fully electric trucking solutions, battery technology is evolving to meet the growing demand for efficiency and lower emissions.

Farming equipment harvesting crops for U.S. agricultural operations.

Farming Equipment: Supporting Agricultural Operations

In farming, large machinery is essential for planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops. Lead batteries are commonly used in farm equipment, powering tractors, combines, irrigation systems, and other critical machinery. These batteries ensure reliable operation of vital systems such as hydraulics, lights, and onboard electronics, even in the demanding and often harsh conditions of agricultural environments.

Batteries are integral to supporting the high-efficiency demands of modern farming, enabling equipment to operate effectively throughout the growing season and providing farmers with the reliability they need to meet production goals.

Cargo ship transporting goods across the world's waterways.

Large Watercraft: Global Trade and Passenger Transport

Watercraft, including cargo ships, ferries, and cruise liners, rely on robust battery systems to support essential functions such as engine starters, navigation equipment, and communication devices. These systems help ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods and people across the world’s waterways.

As the transportation industry seeks more efficient and sustainable energy solutions, advanced battery technologies help improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and support hybrid and electric propulsion systems. These innovations are shaping the future of maritime logistics and passenger transport, ensuring reliable and sustainable movement across global waterways.

Train transporting goods across the U.S.

Locomotives: Enhancing Rail Transportation

Locomotives, which transport goods and passengers across land, depend on batteries to operate essential systems such as lighting, communication, and control mechanisms. Lead batteries have traditionally been used to support these functions due to their reliability and performance.

As railroads continue to modernize, lithium batteries are gaining traction due to their efficiency and reduced weight, which helps improve overall fuel economy and reduces operating costs. Innovations in hybrid locomotives, which use both electric and traditional power, are expected to continue driving the industry forward.

Related Content

BCI Transportation Market Update 2023
Transportation Market: Energy Storage Leader Recaps...

Clarios' Rebecca Conway presents the transportation market recap and robust five-year forecast during the 2023 BCI Convention + Power Mart...

Article
May 16, 2023

Fact Sheet : Uses & Applications of Essential Lead Batteries
Downloadable pdf
Uses and applications of lead batteries
National Battery Day
On National Battery Day 2025, “Homegrown”...

U.S. battery companies have a 125+ year track record of delivering reliable energy storage to our nation. On National Battery Day 2025,...

Article
February 6, 2025

Fact Sheet : America’s Domestic Battery Supply Chain
Downloadable pdf
Early-Stage Research Hints at Big Advancements Ahead...

CEOs Visit DOE National Laboratory to Review Collaborative Research Project WASHINGTON, December 11, 2019 – A three-year scientific...

Press Release
December 11, 2019

John Howes

The Energy Storage Grand Challenge report….reflects growing recognition from DOE and others that lead batteries are among important energy storage technologies that require investment to secure America’s global leadership on technological innovation and a green economy infrastructure.

John Howes, Principal, Redland Energy Group