The NG1, NG5, NG7, NG9 and NG9+ series will now feature a graphic display instead of the previous LED indicator. It displays the state of charge, charging phase, voltage, current and alarms in plain text, eliminating the need to interpret LED codes. Charging power, efficiency and protection class remain unchanged, as only the display has been updated.
The LED version is therefore being replaced by a significantly more user-friendly alternative. This article explains what information the graphic display provides and how you can obtain a device equipped with the new display.
Changes to the NG series battery chargers
The charger itself has not changed. Only the user interface has been updated. Until now, a multicolored LED indicated the charging process, supplemented by a small display showing voltage, current, charged ampere-hours, and the remaining charging time, as shown in the current data sheet for the three-phase NG5 series.
The new graphic display presents these same values together with the state of charge (SOC), the current charging phase, and any alarm messages, all on a single screen. This makes the information easy to read, even for less technically experienced staff.
What the new display shows
The graphic display combines all information relevant to the current charging process on a single screen. This includes the state of charge (SOC) as a percentage, the current charging phase, the applied voltage, the charging current, the ampere-hours already charged, as well as any alarms and the status of the forced ventilation system. If the battery becomes too hot, the display reports this in plain text and shows the remaining time until charging can resume, instead of simply flashing a warning light.
Technically, the display is connected to the same CAN bus as before, which is the digital interface used by the charger, battery, and vehicle control system to exchange data. It supports both 11-bit and 29-bit CAN identifiers and can operate at data rates ranging from 125 kbit/s to 1 Mbit/s. If the vehicle is already equipped with a battery management system (BMS) or an electronic control unit (ECU), the display can be controlled directly and integrated into the vehicle's existing user interface. This option also remains available for manufacturers operating multiple chargers in parallel or in a master-slave configuration.
Which vehicles and applications the chargers are suitable for
The ZIVAN charger series NG1 to NG9 is designed for almost all common battery types, from lead-acid and lead-gel to AGM and NiCd, as well as lithium-ion cells and double-layer capacitors. They are used in forklifts, aerial work platforms, electric vehicles and boats, among others, and, according to the NG5 series data sheet, also in wind turbines. The product family thus covers a large share of the applications for which ATECH supplies drive solutions, from industrial trucks and automated guided vehicles to special vehicles.
For example, anyone ordering an NG3 series charger with a graphic display today will receive a device with an IP20 protection rating, an operating temperature range of minus 20 to plus 50 degrees Celsius, and an efficiency of over 85 percent in single-phase operation. The three-phase NG5, NG7, NG9 and NG9+ series achieve an efficiency of over 87 percent with the same protection class and deliver up to 160 amperes of charging current, depending on the output voltage. Both ranges are short-circuit and reverse-polarity protected and can be adapted to different battery chemistries thanks to programmable charging curves.
How to get a charger with the new display
Whether you are placing a new order or retrofitting an existing fleet, the easiest way to clarify the right configuration is through a personal conversation. Our sales experts will be happy to advise you on charging technology, battery connectors and contactors, as they are familiar with the differences between the NG series models from their daily work.
You can reach our team by phone at +49 (0) 86 77 98 09-0 or by email at verkauf@atech-antriebstechnik.de. Together, we will determine which output voltage, charging current and product variant best suit your application and prepare a quotation tailored precisely to your project.
Conclusion
The charger itself remains unchanged across the NG1, NG3, NG5, NG7 and NG9 series, with only the user interface being updated. Instead of the previous LED indicator, a graphic display will be available in the future, showing the state of charge, charging phase, voltage, current and alarms directly in plain text. If required, it can also be controlled via the CAN bus by the battery management system or vehicle computer.
The LED version is gradually being replaced by the graphic display as the standard stock item, making the display version increasingly available over time. Which display variant is the right choice depends on your application, spare parts inventory and vehicle control system. Our team will be happy to provide individual advice and prepare a suitable quotation. An overview of the complete ZIVAN charger series and additional charging solutions for industrial vehicles can be found on the ATECH website.