88 | Sector Focus: Handling & Storage
SUMMARY
■Leaving behind ICE power does not mean sacrificing productivity
■Lithium-ion batteries are powering lift trucks of increasingly high capacity
■Electric equipment can help address operational needs, including labour utilisation and efficiency
■Electric trucks can offer greater operator comfort and performance
ENTERING THE ELECTRIC AGE
Robert O’Donoghue, vice-president marketing and solutions, EMEA for Hyster, explores the landscape of industrial truck electrification
As the world collectively pursues reduced greenhouse gas emissions, supply chains have a critical role to play.
Green-focused targets have been embraced by governments worldwide with the European Union setting rules to achieve at least 32% renewable energy by 2030. For intensive operations such as those in the wood industry, the number of suitable electric solutions for material handling equipment continues to grow.
However, before deciding whether to electrify materials handling fleets, it’s important for operations to consider what solutions are available and which considerations are priorities. Here, we
explore the landscape of industrial truck electrification and what other factors may come into play when considering electric.
NO COMPROMISE
Leaving behind internal combustion engine (ICE) power in favour of electrification does not mean sacrificing productivity. Electric power can deliver the performance an operation would typically expect from a diesel, with charging capability to work effectively in heavy-duty applications. Electric drivetrains also have fewer components and less complexity than ICE, offering similar or better reliability with reduced maintenance. Electric solutions can help reduce costs
related to fuel consumption and engine maintenance. Currently there are incentives, grants, and offset credit programmes, such as the various tax subsidies in many European countries that make the business case even more attractive. Furthermore, it also benefits users that produce excess electricity from their operation.
As governments and businesses embrace electrification as a means to reduce emissions, investment in the infrastructure necessary to support it is also increasing.
Of course, electric lift trucks may not make sense for every operation. Not only must operations find an electric solution with the necessary performance to get the job done, factors like local utility grid capacity and run time requirements come into play. For example, more developed areas with weak electric grids can experience brownouts that slow down operations and time spent charging equipment must not compromise operational schedules.
WOOD APPLICATIONS
Above: Hyster introduced a 10 to 18 tonne capacity lift truck with factory integrated lithium-ion power – the J10-18XD series
TTJ | July/August 2023 |
www.ttjonline.com
Electrification is taking on even higher capacity equipment with lithium-ion power. Lithium-ion batteries are capable of delivering the ICE-like performance that high-intensity operations count on – a major step forward from lead-acid battery technology. This capability is possible because lithium-ion batteries can tolerate a high energy draw without overheating or dropping in efficiency. Lithium-ion technology also provides far greater energy density, power transfer
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