Schneider Electric announced a new version of its APC Smart‑UPS that can accommodate both traditional lead‑acid and newer lithium‑ion batteries, giving channel partners a way to offer flexible upgrade paths for distributed power systems.
Multi‑chemistry design lets customers start low‑cost and switch later
Unveiled at the XChange August 2026 conference in National Harbor, Md., the Smart‑UPS chassis is engineered to accept either VRLA (valve‑regulated lead‑acid) or sealed lead‑acid packs as well as lithium‑ion modules. According to the company, this is the first time a UPS intended for edge and distributed environments can support multiple battery chemistries without requiring a chassis change.
Related: Myriad360 acquires F3 Technology Partners crosses $1 billion
Adam Compton, offer management leader at Schneider Electric, explained that prior UPS models forced buyers to choose a single battery type at purchase. “When doing a refresh, customers had to buy VRLA or lithium‑ion, and they were locked into that technology,” he told reporters. The new platform allows a customer to start with a VRLA pack—typically cheaper but with a three‑ to five‑year lifespan—and later replace it with a lithium‑ion module that can run for eight to ten years, all within the same enclosure.
Compton added that Schneider plans to add future battery chemistries as they become viable, noting that the chassis will include a management system capable of recognizing each type. “When we do that, battery chemistry XYZ will also be something that you can put into the same chassis,” he said.
Channel partners see new service opportunities
Beyond hardware, Schneider’s EcoStruxure ITE software can monitor battery health and send alerts when a pack approaches its end‑of‑life. This capability creates a natural entry point for partners to sell lifecycle‑management services, helping customers avoid unexpected downtime.
Related: AMD Earnings Rise on Strong Sales Growth
The ability to swap battery packs without replacing the entire UPS means IT staff can focus on a single assessment rather than multiple site visits. For a small school district spread across several buildings, a single dashboard can provide visibility into all UPS units, simplifying maintenance planning.
The ability to use multiple battery technologies in a single UPS chassis is very important.
