Sproud, a plant-based milk brand recognised for its commitment to sustainability, launched a nationwide supermarket roadshow to introduce shoppers to their products by serving free coffees made with Sproud.
For a campaign like this, a battery-powered solution made sense: it’s quiet, easy to deploy, and avoids the fumes and emissions of diesel generators. NXTGENbps worked with Sproud to identify the most efficient and reliable setup to keep the coffee van running throughout long days on the road.
Understanding the Challenge
The coffee van needed enough power to run for long days – typically nine-hour shifts with around eight hours of service. It had to power two espresso machines, grinders, fridges, lights, and flow jets, all while being reliable and straightforward to deploy at each site.
Testing the Right Setup
To provide the most efficient power solution, we carried out detailed testing to ensure it would meet the demands.
Starting with the 5kWh Goat battery, we powered all equipment. After the initial heat-up, the charge dropped from 100% to 87%.
In service, making two drinks at a time used around 1% of the battery, equating to roughly 200 drinks over three hours.
To cover the full nine-hour shifts – often producing up to 600 drinks – we paired the Goat with the Billy Goat expansion pack, increasing total capacity to 14.6kWh.
This combination provided a practical and reliable power source that could handle a full day’s service without interruption.
On the Road
With the battery solution in place, Sproud’s coffee van has been visiting supermarkets across the UK, serving hundreds of coffees each day and allowing shoppers to taste their plant-based milk – all powered by clean, quiet battery energy.
To find out more about our sustainable battery power solutions, contact our team today!
Being a lover of all things outdoors, a camper van owner, and someone who actively seeks out totally “off-grid” locations, I’ve had a few challenges to overcome.
The main issue is adapting to limited power requirements. Like most campers, we have low expectations but a lack of willingness to compromise on some of our comforts we’ve come to consider essential.
We have been trying out a portable lithium battery supplied by NXTGENbps in the hope it will allow us those extra luxuries.
The BMZ Power Station Life Bat 2500W
This battery is “similar” to many others widely available, and the product we have is a 2500w(hr) with a peak of 4400w. The main advantages of this product compared to others are the build quality and IP rating.
The outer casing is black aluminium with chunky rubber bumpers protecting the edges and corners. With all the covers closed, it has an IP65 rating. The rear charging sockets are sealed with a rubber bung, and the front output socket has a flap. If you’re using the heavy-duty IP44-rated plug and sockets, it stays splash-proof even while in use.
I wanted a battery that could be multi-purpose and not just focussed on camping, so I’ve given it an extensive DIY tool test too!
The recharge time from 10% to 80% takes 2 hrs and just under another 2 to squeeze in the last 20%.
Camping
One thing we have pondered over is our roof-mounted Webasto Cool Top Aircon 20.
This is probably the biggest single draw on power we have, and we would usually only be able to use this if we had external power on a campsite, for example.
We tested this on full power on a setting of 16 degrees C inside (from 20 degrees). The draw of power fluctuates as the temperature changes, but we were able to keep it running for just over 5.5 hrs from full to 10%.
This could be extended considerably with the use of 400w solar panels recharging, but equally would likely decrease on hotter days and overnight.
This would still take the edge off those hot days, and we would look to play with the settings to get a balance of longevity with a slightly higher temp setting and lower fan setting.
On our recent remote wild camping trip, we tried the battery outside, protecting it with a small cheap beach shelter that we use for our electric cool box. They snuggled up nicely together, and we were able to run our cool box for 3 days without making much of a dent in the battery charge. We then used it to plug all our handheld devices in.
We used it each day over 4 days for recharging 2 dog Tractive trackers, 2 iPhones and an iPad using the 4 USB-Cs and a multi-USB plug.
On day 4 we still had 80% left.
Having put the main camper batteries to full use – keeping a fridge running, water pump usage for the usual every day running plus 4 showers – we used the Bat to replenish our leisure batteries from 70% back up to 100%.
On day 4, when we moved on, we had everything fully charged. We’d spent 3 evenings watching TV (we have 3 dogs, so options are limited for nights out).
We left with 50% charge in the Bat and would just have needed a water refill to be ready for another 4–5 days.
DIY
Another of my outside hobbies involves power tools!
There are many battery-operated hand tools around of various quality and expense. The batteries are so expensive, and once you choose a make you have to stick with them to ensure changeable batteries.
This also begs the question – what to do with a perfectly good set of mains-powered tools? So I spent a weekend making things out of scraps of wood.
I plugged a multi-extension lead into the Bat and ran my sander, jigsaw, Henry hoover and mitre saw. And over 2 days of creating sawdust, we were still at 60%.
Rather than having to be in reach of a power supply, I was able to go to the end of my garden and keep the dust and noise away from those it would likely annoy. This is a huge advantage as I have to replace a decking shortly and all my tools for this run off mains power!
Tools Used Jigsaw – 650W Bosch – 3.8 hrs (if you haven’t finished cutting by then, you’re using the wrong tool) Orbital Sander – 190W Bosch – 13.1 hrs Plunge Saw – 1200W – 2.08 hrs Mitre Saw – 1500W – 1.66 hrs Henry Hoover – 620W – 4 hrs (… and nobody does 4 hrs of hoovering)
The Kitchen – Home and Away
I have tested a few extra luxuries out based on what the general “camping community” have said they cannot possibly live without.
Air fryers A single drawer 1550W Ninja air fryer would run for approx. 1 hr 40 mins – which is a roast chicken and spuds, with fish and chips the following day.
Kettles These vary in size and power, but it’s good to look for a low-wattage one for camping, like a 1000W, as these will boil for 2.5 hrs on one charge – and that’s a lot of cups of tea!
Rice cooker Not as crazy as it sounds, as some rice cookers can be used as slow cookers too. We have a 400W 1.8L mini multi-cooker which cooks rice (all colours) in 30 min. That’s 6.25 meals of 🍚 – however, it doesn’t run on full power throughout the entire cooking time, so this leaves room for porridge or a stew!
Preppers!
I have recently heard this term used for people preparing for the invasion of zombies or when other powers take over the world and cut the power etc.
Well – we are preppers, and feel that a NXTGENbps Power2Go Bat completes the collection of essential kit.
NXTGENbps is committed to providing zero-emission battery power solutions for various industries, including film and TV. Our recent collaboration with High Viz Media Group involved an outdoor broadcast for a renowned automotive brand during their Family Day motorsports event. This case study demonstrates how our innovative Goat portable battery system enhanced broadcast efficiency and environmental sustainability.
The Challenge
The High Viz Media Group team were tasked with delivering comprehensive outside broadcasting facilities for a Family Day event at the automotive brand’s Hethel campus. The event required coverage of the vehicles and heritage cars racing around a former World War II airfield. The location’s lack of existing power infrastructure presented a significant challenge. Connect Live, the event production company, aimed to deliver as much of the production as possible using sustainable power solutions, while minimising risks associated with motorsport.
Solution: The NXTGENbps Goat
NXTGENbps provided the Goat portable battery to meet these challenges, offering a reliable and easy-to-use solution:
Reliable Power Supply: The Goat’s 5kW/4.8kWh lithium-ion battery ensured a sustainable and uninterrupted power source. High Viz Media Group used two Goat batteries to power six PTZ cameras and other broadcasting equipment, maintaining uninterrupted live coverage.
Efficient Solar Charging: Integrated with solar panels, the Goat allowed continuous power supply throughout the event. Starting the day at 90% charge and ending at 97%, it demonstrated efficient and reliable solar charging, increasing confidence in sustainable power solutions.
Silent Operation and Easy Deployment: The Goat’s silent operation eliminated noise pollution, preserving the event’s atmosphere and avoiding interference with audio feeds. Its portability enabled easy deployment across the Hethel campus, simplifying operations and enhancing efficiency.
Environmental Benefits
The motorsports industry is making significant strides toward environmental sustainability, with increasing emphasis on reducing carbon footprints and promoting green technologies. The Goat’s zero emissions and silent operation provided a green alternative to traditional diesel generators, aligning perfectly with this vision. By utilising the Goat, High Viz Media Group ensured reliable and efficient power for their broadcast, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices and supporting the industry’s move towards a greener future. This approach promotes a healthier environment for both the crew and the audience, showcasing how sustainable solutions can be effectively integrated into motorsports events.
Product Specification
The NXTGENbps Goat is designed to deliver portable electrical power up to a maximum of 5kW/4.8kWh. The system features a built-in Pure Sine inverter, multiple power inputs (solar, DC, AC), and rapid charging capability via a Type 2 car charger. The Goat’s robust design ensures durability in all conditions (IP67 rated).
Key features include:
5kW/4.8kWh Lithium-Ion Battery: Reliable and expandable power supply.
Solar Charging: Supports charging while in use.
Silent Operation: Ideal for noise-sensitive environments.
Zero Emissions: Supports carbon-neutral operations.
Robust Design: Suitable for various conditions and locations.
Fast Charging: Full charge in 45 minutes with a 7kW EV charger.
Conclusion
The successful deployment of the NXTGENbps Goat by High Viz Media Group showcases its effectiveness in providing reliable, portable power for live broadcasts. By choosing the Goat, High Viz Media Group ensured the smooth execution of their coverage and reinforced their commitment to environmental sustainability. NXTGENbps is proud to support High Viz Media Group in their efforts to deliver exceptional broadcasts while prioritising green energy solutions.
NXTGENbps Goat and folding Solar Panels
Get in touch with our friendly team to find out more about our PURE GREEN ENERGY solutions!
