Frequently asked
Questions

Battery Systems & Technology

What size battery systems do you have?

We have a core range of mobile battery energy storage systems, ranging in size from 30kVA/75kWh to 300kW/600kWh, with some built more for peaks and others more for capacity. These are fully self-contained systems designed for commercial and industrial use (not residential) and can be moved between locations and projects. As a hire company, we often add new products to our fleet, so for the most up-to-date information on our range, please get in touch.

Do you manufacture your own battery systems?

We partner with world-class manufacturers to bring the highest-quality products to our customers and deliver them to you through a fully supported hire service model. Our current systems are designed by OEMs based in the US, Europe, Hong Kong and New Zealand, with some assembly and testing completed in Australia.

What happens if my power demand spikes suddenly, can the battery keep up?

Yes. Our battery systems are built to handle sudden peak loads without dropping performance, so equipment like cranes and hoists can draw extra power exactly when needed with no delay. Our team will size a battery for your equipment and leverage data from hundreds of other sites that have similar equipment to make sure we don’t undersize for your peaks.

How do you charge the battery? Do we need our own generator, or do you supply everything?

We can charge from a small mains supply and/or a generator, as well as solar, depending on the set-up on site and the loads. We will work through this with you and determine the best solution for the job. If a generator is needed, we can supply a full turnkey solution – generator and BESS together; or at times, we can integrate our battery systems with a generator you already have on site. If we’re working in with your generator or your preferred supplier, we will have a minimum set of requirements the generator needs to come with, which we can discuss with you in advance.

What kind of batteries do you use and how long do they last?

The batteries in our systems are all Lithium-Ion based. Some are Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP), and some are Lithium-Ion Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC). The battery cells are warranted to run an average of 2 charge-discharge cycles per day for 5,000-10,000 cycles, or 7-10 years, depending on the system. The batteries last well beyond this and will still have approximately 80% capacity after their warranted cycle count.

Do you offer solutions for short bursts of high demand or continuous long-duration power?

Both. Whether you need short peak-shaving bursts for equipment like cranes or hoists, or multi-hour continuous power for large-scale operations, we can size a system to match. Our range covers everything from high-peak, short-duration loads to sustained, round-the-clock operation, so you get a solution built around your actual load profile rather than a one-size-fits-all unit. 

Can your system charge and discharge at the same time?

Yes. This means you can charge the battery while keeping your load powered, so there’s no downtime or wait time between charges. 

What if our load grows or the site changes?

We have a range of BESS units, so we can recommend the right one for your site from day one and scale it up as your project grows. Or, if your needs change, our versatile fleet means we can swap units in or out at any point. You never have to be locked into one size for the whole job.

How long will the battery run my site?

Runtime depends on your load profile, peak demand, and the size of your charging source. Our team conducts an upfront load analysis to determine expected runtime and optimal configuration, so we can provide the expected outcome to you as part of the initial engagement with us.

Applications & Power

How much equipment can you power from one of your BESS units?

Our systems can be sized to power anything from a few site sheds through to large sites with multiple cranes, hoists, booms, dewatering systems and more. We have invested in a diverse fleet of BESS units to allow us to cater to different size sites and different stages of a build so that you’re not pigeon-holed into just one asset that’s not going to be the most efficient or cost-effective solution for you. Armed with some basic information of what we need to power and how we can keep our BESS charged on the job, we can size a solution that’s right for you.

What if I don’t have enough power at the end of my build?

This is one of our most common scenarios due to delays in permanent power being available for either commissioning stages or operations / occupancy. We can absolutely help you and have powered everything from new schools to gyms, medical centres, retail precincts, fast food chains and more. Learn more about how we can help you with a delayed grid connection here.

What kinds of buildings / premises can you power?

We can and have supported all kinds of applications through grid connection delays, including fast-food restaurants, retail precincts, housing developments, schools, commercial offices, gyms, service stations and medical centres. We provide reliable, clean and quiet power to the premises while the builder/developer awaits their permanent connection date. More broadly, our BESS are used across construction, civil, manufacturing, grid support and tourism applications. If your project or application isn’t in this list, get in touch and we’ll assess it with you.

Is this just backup power, or can it run the whole site?

Our BESS are built to run full site loads – through construction, commissioning and full-scale operations / tenancy. The size of the unit or the setup may change depending on the loads and also what we’re using to charge the BESS. We will complete a full analysis up front and tell you what size unit you need and whether a BESS is right for you.

Can you power equipment while we're upgrading or expanding our facility?

Yes. We’re able to bridge power gaps during facility upgrades or expansions, so you’re not waiting on grid connection upgrades before bringing new equipment online. Our systems can be brought in for the duration of the works and scaled up or down as your project progresses, meaning you can keep existing lines running while new equipment is commissioned — without interrupting production or delaying your rollout timeline.

What size system do we need for our facility?

It depends on your equipment and load profile — we work with you to size a system that matches your peak and capacity requirements, whether that’s a single unit or a multi-unit setup. For larger sites, we can scale systems across multiple locations — for example, running two BESS units across two separate areas of the same facility to cover different equipment or processes simultaneously. Contact us here.

Can you power locations completely off the grid, like resorts?

Yes. Our mobile battery systems are built to go where the grid doesn’t reach, powering off-grid resorts and tourism businesses without relying on a permanent grid connection.

Can battery power be combined with solar?

Yes. Our systems are designed to work as a hybrid with solar and/or generator setups, so you can reduce fuel use and running costs while keeping power reliable. 

How do I know if your solution is right for me?

The best way to find out is to get in touch with our team for a free consultation! We will talk through your needs and determine whether our solution is right for you up-front. If it looks like we’re a good fit, we will provide you with a proposal that outlines how the battery system will support your power needs, along with costs, benefits, terms, and conditions, before moving forward.

Installation & Integration

Do I need special cables to connect your batteries to input and output power?

Our systems have a mix of options including some with direct busbar connections, and others with Powerlock and/or CEE-form connectors similar to those on a diesel generator. If your setup is complex, with multiple inputs and outputs, we can accommodate that as well. For a full list of input and output connectors for each of our battery systems, please get in touch with our team to discuss further. 

Can you provide power support during switching or network upgrade works?

Yes. Our systems can provide temporary power support during switching operations and network upgrades, helping maintain supply continuity while works are carried out.

Can systems be moved to different parts of the grid as needs change?

Yes. Because our systems are mobile, grid operators can relocate them across different parts of the network on a needs-based or seasonal basis throughout the year, rather than being tied to one location.

Do we need to change our existing infrastructure to use your systems?

Our BESS units are designed to integrate with existing plant setups, so there’s no need for costly infrastructure changes to get up and running. Units will generally connect into your current electrical setup with minimal on-site works, meaning faster deployment and lower upfront cost compared to permanent grid upgrades or fixed BESS installations.

We're a long way from the grid. How do you charge it?

Most remote sites charge from a generator. If solar is available, we can also add this to the mix in a hybrid BESS-generator-solar set-up. The battery will power the load efficiently and when it gets to a pre-programmed state of charge, it will automatically call the generator to charge it. The generator will run at its optimal loading to charge up the battery and then automatically turn off when the battery is full. We can supply both battery and generator as a full turnkey package, or we can work with yours. If you have a generator on site, we will have a minimum set of requirements it needs to meet, which we can discuss with you in advance.

Can your batteries integrate with my existing generator or site setup?

Generally yes. Many of our customers already have diesel generators on site and want to optimise their use. Our battery systems can work alongside existing generators to reduce fuel consumption, extend generator life, minimise noise, and run smaller or ancillary loads efficiently. If we’re working in with your generator or your preferred supplier, we will have a minimum set of requirements the generator needs to come with, which we can discuss with you in advance. 

Hire, Delivery & Support

Do you hire or sell your systems?

Our systems are available for hire, with full service and support offered through your hire term. For some unique cases, we are happy to explore alternative arrangements. Please get in touch for more information.

How much do your battery systems cost?

The total cost of your solution depends on several factors, including the size of the system, its application, and the equipment you want to power. Please contact us for a free consultation. Our team can provide a commitment-free analysis to help determine if our solution is right for you and a cost comparison to other solutions.

What's included in the hire — delivery, monitoring, servicing?

We provide an end-to-end service for our customers. Our hire packages include upfront analysis to size the right solution for you, consultation with your electrical contractor on cabling and site set-up, delivery to site, commissioning of the unit, ongoing remote monitoring, 24/7 on-call service and technicians available to come to site if and when required.

How long does your BESS system stay on site?

For as long as you need it! Generally, we have a three-month minimum hire term on our larger BESS systems as they are in high demand – this is typically the shortest time a grid delay is for. If your requirement is shorter, we will consider it and will always endeavour to be flexible. In general, we can scale to suit projects of different sizes – from bridging a delayed connection for a few months to supporting a build for its full duration.

How quickly can your unit be on site?

Lead time will depend on equipment availability, along with site readiness – when this lines up, we can mobilise very quickly. Our team will discuss all the details with you thoroughly to ensure your needs align with what’s possible in the timeframe. Contact us here.

What maintenance do your battery systems need?

Unlike diesel generators, battery systems have very few moving parts, therefore very low maintenance requirements by comparison. The great news is, we maintain and service the units for you under our fully supported hire service model. Our systems also use cloud-based monitoring, so we can see what’s happening on the unit remotely and flag and/or resolve any potential issues before they affect the operation of your unit.

How do you transport your battery systems?

Mobile battery energy storage systems are designed to be moved and can be transported to and from your location on an appropriately rated vehicle, in accordance with local regulations. For larger 10ft containerised systems, a mobile crane or franna is required to move it on and off the transport vehicle, whereas smaller systems can be mobilised with a trailer and forklift. Please check the relevant Product Spec sheets for weights and dimensions, or get in touch with our team to discuss further.

What kind of support do you offer under your hire model?

We offer a fully supported hire service model, which includes up-front analysis of your needs, system setup for your requirements, delivery to site, on-site commissioning/decommissioning, 24/7 remote monitoring and support, physical boots on the ground for tech support on site, and maintenance and servicing. 

Safety & Compliance

Are Powershift's BESS units safe?

Yes. Our systems are designed and maintained to meet relevant Australian safety and operating standards. Importantly, all of our BESS systems also have industry-leading, in-built fire suppression systems. For more information or safety and standards, contact us here.

Ready to make the shift?

Start your hire today.

Tell us about your site and your loads, and our team will come back to you with a battery solution sized to the job. Not sure what you need or where to start? Get in touch via the General Enquiries options below and a team member will walk you through it!

GENERAL ENQUIRIES

For general enquiries, reach out through our contact form and one of our team will be in touch as soon as possible. Alternatively you can email us on info@powershift.tech or call your local team:

Australia: 1300 705 793
New Zealand: 09 872 0328,

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Are you an existing customer needing technical and/or product support? You can email us at, support@powershift.tech. Otherwise call your local team:

Australia: 1300 038 400
New Zealand: 09 871 8585

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