A battery transfer apparatus for loading/unloading batteries from materials handling vehicles includes a mobile unit and a battery stand. The mobile unit is used to transport batteries into/out of materials handling vehicles and includes load handling structure comprising at least one roller, which is used to roll batteries into/out of materials handling vehicles. A top wall of the battery stand includes at least one opening and support structure of the battery stand engages a surface so as to support the battery stand thereon. The battery stand is engaged by the mobile unit during battery transfer operations by inserting the roller(s) up through the opening(s) in the top wall of the battery stand such that the roller(s) can engage the battery through the opening(s). The battery stand is capable of storing the battery while the battery is out of the materials handling vehicle.
