BATTERY POWERED WELDING SYSTEM AND CART

A battery-powered welding system includes a battery energy storage unit, a welding machine, and a switching control unit supported on a cart. The switching control unit controls an output of the battery energy storage unit coupled to the welding machine. A power input receptacle is mounted or otherwise supported on the cart for receiving a power coupling to an external power source for charging the battery energy storage unit when not in use. The battery capacity is sufficient to provide more than a full workday of normal usage of the welding system, thereby avoiding interruptions and fluctuations of external power sources. The welding system may include a charging station for charging the battery energy storage unit.