For more than 70 years, Canadian-born Discover Battery has evolved from a small shop to a global manufacturer with U.S. operations. Around 30 years ago, it made a decisive shift to AGM technology — now a benchmark for traction applications and increasingly chosen by manufacturers such as Axolift.
Bassano del Grappa, Italy, December, 10 2025: Axolift’s platforms, ranging from manual lifts to self-propelled scissor lifts are designed specifically for low-level applications (maintenance, painting, cleaning, shop-fitting, general upkeep), with a strong focus on safety, ease of use, and environmental friendliness. Because these values are essential to low-level access users, the choice of energy source must reinforce them rather than complicate machine operation. This is precisely why Axolift has naturally turned to Discover Battery, specialist in high-performance and highly reliable AGM technology, capable of supporting the demanding, stop-and-go usage patterns typical of low-level access while maintaining simplicity, robustness and safety.
In the landscape of batteries for mobile elevating work platforms, traditional FLA (Flooded Lead-Acid) still account for a significant share. Lithium is growing, especially in very specific cases.
Between these two worlds, AGM has established itself as the ideal balance, combining the “best of both technologies.” Economical, compact and simple, Axolift machines operate in demanding indoor settings where reliability, maneuverability, ease of use and ease of maintenance are essential. For these applications and Axolift models, AGM proved to be the most suitable solution.
“AGM is a robust, safe, low-maintenance, and economically efficient technology,” explains Massimo Grossele CEO of Axolift. “Discover Dry Cell AGM batteries offer excellent vibration resistance, stable electrical behavior and reliable performance under irregular charging patterns, conditions that are very common in low-level access. Their sealed design and dependable cycling capability make them ideal for our platforms. Above all, they help us guarantee simplicity, safety and low total cost of ownership for our customers while while maintaining the best balance of stability, weight and compactness required for low-level access.”
Simplicity, reliability and long service life
In the early 2000s, Discover Battery invested in AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) technology to offer a more reliable, durable and truly maintenance-free solution without compromising on performance. Drawing on its deep understanding of real-world user needs, the company developed its Dry Cell AGM products to operate effectively in demanding conditions while maintaining high levels of safety and performance.
AGM technology stands out primarily for its fully sealed design, which eliminates the need for maintenance or watering, removes any risk of acid leakage, and ensures there is no gas emission during normal operation. Another important advantage lies in logistics: since these batteries are not classified as hazardous materials, they can be transported with ease, a significant benefit for rental companies, technicians and operators who handle batteries on a daily basis.
Dry Cell AGM batteries also offer a lifespan comparable to correctly maintained premium flooded lead-acid batteries, while ensuring far more consistent performance over time. This consistency enables more efficient management of operating costs and overall fleet utilization. “Stable long-term performance is what manufacturers and rental companies value most today,” says Stefano Giuliani, Technical Sales Director Europe at Discover Battery. “With trained technical personnel becoming increasingly scarce and with partial charges becoming more common, operational simplicity is essential. Our Discover Dry Cell AGM batteries tolerate partial states of charge more effectively, are more resistant to user-related errors, and thanks to a high recyclability rate represent a sustainable choice.”
A practical and realistic response to market needs
Over the years, through close cooperation with several MEWP manufacturers, Discover has progressively refined its AGM technology. Its batteries use an exceptionally robust polypropylene monobloc casing, far more resistant than traditional ABS, providing enhanced protection against shocks, vibrations and extreme temperature variations, all critical factors in traction applications for aerial platforms.
In addition to these structural strengths, Discover has introduced several innovations aimed at improving overall performance. The Hydropolymer Electrolyte increases the saturation of the glass fiber separators, while Carbon Boost technology enhances charge acceptance and improves operation under partial-state-of-charge conditions, a crucial advantage for machines subjected to irregular work and charging cycles. Each battery is also subjected to automated short-circuit testing to ensure perfect integrity of the internal connections. The result is a more reliable, consistent and durable battery, proven through years of field use.
In parallel, the debate around lithium continues to evolve. Although it is a valid solution for very intensive applications, it still presents several technical, economic and logistical constraints. “Lithium offers long life,” explains Massimo Grossele, CEO of Axolift, “but it requires rigorous electronic management, highly sophisticated BMS systems, heating devices for charging in cold conditions, and it introduces additional costs along with logistical complexities related to transport and recycling. It may be suitable for extremely intensive use, but not for the majority of indoor low-level users. This is why our decision to adopt Discover DRY CELL AGM batteries is fully justified.”
Giuliani adds: “Unless lithium improves significantly in terms of recyclability and cost, its use in the MEWP market will remain limited and will not represent a realistic solution for most jobsites. A properly designed and built AGM battery still offers the best balance of performance, safety and cost.”
With its Dry Cell AGM range, Discover Battery remains committed to a clear mission: delivering clean, high-performance, user-friendly, jobsite-ready energy solutions. In a market where electrification accelerates and reliability expectations continue to rise, Discover positions itself as a solid, safe and durable alternative, perfectly aligned with the needs of manufacturers like Axolift and the customers they serve.
About Axolift
Axolift is an Italian manufacturer specializing in low-level access platforms that offer a safe, compact and eco-friendly alternative to ladders and scaffolding for work at heights up to five meters. Its product range spans from fully manual lifts to electric and self-propelled scissor and mast platforms, all designed to deliver maximum safety, ease of use and minimal environmental impact. With manufacturing carried out entirely in-house at its parent company Gromet’s facility in Northern Italy, Axolift ensures consistent quality and robust construction across its portfolio. Purpose-built for frequent, short and varied indoor tasks – such as maintenance, cleaning, painting, and shop-fitting – as well as for construction and rental activities, Axolift platforms provide professionals with a reliable, user-friendly and efficient solution that enhances productivity while reducing risks in everyday operations.
For more information, please visit us at www.axolift.com
About Discover Battery
Discover Battery Manufacturing and Solv4EX Group
Discover Battery (a SOLV4EX Group Company) is a leading global lead and lithium energy storage solutions manufacturer. With over 70 years of expertise, Discover designs and builds high-performance batteries for a wide range of applications, including MEWP / AWP, Floor Care, Material Handling, AGV/AMR, commercial trucks, automotive, telecom systems, and critical backup power (UPS and emergency lighting). Through innovation and a commitment to sustainability, Discover Battery helps customers worldwide power their operations efficiently. Discover Battery is a pioneer in the development of AGM Traction Industrial batteries since the early 2000’s. Our Traction Dry Cell technology is designed specifically for motive power equipment such as aerial work platforms, delivering longer life, higher reliability, and safer operation under demanding conditions compared to conventional AGM designs. Discover Battery is an American company owned and operated by a Canadian group. While we maintain offices and distribution hubs in the United States and worldwide, we have established our Production Plants now in China, South-Korea and Vietnam.
For more information, please visit us at www.discoverbattery.com
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