SWIT VOLTA Modular Add-On Floor Battery Introduced – Compact Design, Massive Power Output

Battery News

by Alexandra ThompsonDecember 12^th, 2024

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SWIT has introduced the new VOLTA Modular Add-On Floor Battery, a compact, flexible power system designed for filmmakers. Each battery pack provides 1600Wh of power, and up to 8 units can be stacked together for a total capacity of 12.8kWh. This kind of system should appeal to those filmmakers who need a reliable power source for extended shoots, for example, when they’re working off-grid in remote locations, running portable on-set lighting, or dealing with the unpredictability of documentary work. Plus, it’s a solid option for backing up data when power isn’t guaranteed. Let’s dive in and look at the details!

SWIT has an enormous product range catering to filmmakers. Recently they announced a new series of soft light panels, the MONET series, as well as the introduction of a transformable ARCA SWISS Plate with a V-Mount. The VOLTA Modular Add-On Floor Battery (we saw the first iteration at NAB 2023) has now joined their lineup.

A modular, add-on system with LED display

Start with a single 1600Wh unit and expand as needed (up to 8 add-on packs for a total of 12.8kWh capacity). The battery has 12V, 24V, 48V, and USB-C DC power outputs, and the system supports a total constant power load of 1700W (all power sockets work simultaneously). The 12V and 24V connectors are industry standard and compatible with a wide range of ENG and cine cameras. The 24V and 48V outputs are designed to power high-demand lighting fixtures such as the ARRI Skypanel-X and Aputure LS-600 series, among others. The 24V output also supports remote heads and cine cameras, making it versatile enough to work with a wide range of industry-leading brands.

The LED power info display will keep you updated on the power percentage, remaining runtime, and each battery unit’s health level.

Flexible charging and power management

Each unit includes a built-in AC 100-240V charger that fully recharges in 6.5 hours and supports simultaneous charging and discharging for uninterrupted power. The VOLTA system also supports solar panel charging via an XT60 interface at up to 400W, with a full charge achievable in 4.5 hours. In addition, the units automatically enter sleep mode after 12 hours of inactivity and can retain their charge for up to 10 years.

The VOLTA battery uses NCM (Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese) cells and low-temperature startup technology, allowing it to function reliably at -20°C/-4°F. Compared to LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cells, NCM cells provide higher energy density and better low-temperature performance, making them suitable for filming in freezing conditions.

Also nice to know – the company states that the system uses TI BMS, a battery management system that “monitors and safeguards the batteries against overcharging, over-discharging, and short-circuiting, ensuring the safety of both equipment and personnel on set.”

Features

• Automotive Grade NCM Li-ion battery cells
• Add on battery units to expand capacity
• Max 8 units 12.8kWh large capacity
• 2×DC 48V (Reg.) 1200W output
• 2×DC 24V (Reg.) 360W output
• 1×DC 12V (Reg.) 120W output
• 1×USB-C 65W power output
• All power sockets output simultaneously
• 1700W Constant high load in total
• Built-in AC 100-240V 450W fast charging
• Solar panel XT60 port 12-60V 400W charging
• Discharging while charging, uninterrupted power
• LCD displays remaining time and battery life
• -20° Power Up, Low Temp Resistance
• Ultra Low Standby Power Consumption
• Heavy-duty housing with rubber covers

Specifications

• Battery Cells – Automotive Grade NCM Li-ion battery cells
• Capacity Expansion – Add on battery units to expand capacity1600Wh / 44.1Ah each battery unit
• Maximum Capacity – Max 8 units, 12.8kWh large capacity
• DC 48V Output – 2×DC 48V (Reg.) 1200W output
• DC 24V Output – 2×DC 24V (Reg.) 360W output
• DC 12V Output – 1×DC 12V (Reg.) 120W output
• USB-C Output – 1×USB-C 65W power output
• Simultaneous Output – All power sockets output simultaneously
• Total Continuous Load – 1700W Constant high load in total
• AC Charging – Built-in AC 100-240V 450W
• Solar Charging – Solar panel XT60 port 12-60V 400W
• Uninterrupted Power – Discharging while charging, uninterrupted power
• Display – LCD display remaining time and battery life
• Working Temperature – -20°C – 50°C (-4°F – 122°F)
• Dimension – 328x247x281mm / 12.9×9.7x11in (with single battery unit)
• Housing – Heavy-duty housing with rubber covers

Price and availability

The VOLTA Modular Add-On Floor Battery will be available in Q1/2025. Initially, you can purchase a starter setup, which includes one VOLTA battery pack and one control module, for $2199. Additional add-on 1600Wh battery units can then be added as needed, priced at $1499 each, while the control module is available separately for $799. Special DC cables are also available.

For more information, please see their website.

How would you use a modular floor battery like this in your productions? How does this compare to other power solutions you’ve used on set? Let us know in the comments!