MOVING & LIFTING E
lectric forklifts are the bedrock of productivity in factories and industrial warehouse operations. However, many businesses may not be fully aware of considerations for electric lift truck fleets, or the benefits they can bring. Here, we answer some common questions about electric forklifts, helping you make an informed decision for your material handling needs.
ARE ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN GAS OR DIESEL INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE (ICE) EQUIVALENTS?
While electric forklifts may have a higher initial acquisition cost, they can offer potential savings and a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) through reduced operating and maintenance expenses. Electric drivetrains have fewer components and less complexity than ICE, and lithium-ion batteries require zero battery maintenance. Energy prices, grants, funding and tax incentives should also be factored into cost analysis.
DO ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS PRODUCE CARBON EMISSIONS?
Electric forklifts can help companies reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and their environmental footprint relative to ICE forklifts. Hyster forklifts powered by lithium- ion and TPPL produce zero tailpipe emissions. Lead acid batteries do not produce emissions while in operation but do emit fumes that require ventilation during battery charging.
CAN ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS REALLY OFFER PERFORMANCE COMPARABLE TO ICE?
Newer electric forklifts that use lithium- ion batteries provide consistent power until depletion. Lithium-ion batteries can be scaled up for use with heavy-duty forklifts, but have a smaller, lighter form factor than lead-acid, so can tolerate a high energy draw without overheating or dropping in efficiency. Compared to lead acid batteries, lithium- ion offers far greater energy density, power transfer and service life.
WILL AN ELECTRIC LIFT TRUCK LIFT HEAVY LOADS TO GREAT HEIGHTS? Electric lift trucks can lift the same, or in some cases even slightly more, weight to the same height as an ICE equivalent. Some electric forklifts can be heavier due to the weight and positioning of the battery, which can allow them to outperform ICE in high-lifting scenarios.
CAN ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS BE USED OUTDOORS?
ICE forklifts have historically provided durability for demanding outdoor operations, but electric trucks can handle these environments too. Electric forklifts offer strong performance indoors and outdoors helping forklifts run reliably and consistently over multiple shifts.
CHARGE UP YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS
By Fraser Brash, regional product manager for Hyster Europe
DO ALL ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS REQUIRE BATTERY CHARGING ROOMS? Hyster integrated lithium-ion forklifts can be plugged in without removing the battery. Rapid charging speeds can allow for a 1:1 power source to forklift ratio, no need to buy extra batteries to keep trucks moving while depleted batteries charge or to assign valuable space for battery maintenance, storage and charging.
DOES ELECTRIFYING MY FORKLIFT FLEET REQUIRE UPGRADES TO THE ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN MY FACILITY? This depends on the fleet size, and chargers, as well as the current electrical grid and infrastructure providing electricity to your facility.
WHAT KIND OF CHARGING EQUIPMENT DO I NEED FOR ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS? Electric forklifts require chargers, though the amount does not always exactly match the number of forklifts. Developing an effective charging strategy can help operations determine the quantity and type of chargers needed. Consider the types of batteries, the necessary voltage, number of trucks on-site and total application hours they must run, as well as the optimal locations for chargers in the facility. Chargers should be located for convenient access, particularly if using opportunity charging to top up the battery during breaks. For instance, chargers may be best positioned in truck parking bays nearest to the break room.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CHARGE AN ELECTRIC FORKLIFT?
Specific charging times vary based on the charger and battery type and size, but lithium- ion generally offers fast recharging times and enables opportunity charging. For example, some lithium-ion forklifts can fully charge in less than an hour.
WHO CAN CHARGE AND CHANGE BATTERIES IN ELECTRIC-POWERED FORKLIFTS?
Most local legislation requires that only trained personnel charge and change batteries in electric forklifts. However, unlike lead acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries have a simpler charging protocol because they do not need to be removed from the truck to charge.
DO ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS REQUIRE SPECIAL TECHNICIAN TRAINING FOR MAINTENANCE?
The answer depends on the particular forklift. Not all electric-powered materials handling equipment is high-voltage, but high-capacity electric forklifts can be high voltage, and there are important safety standards operations must understand to prevent electrical danger or injury.
HAVEN’T FOUND THE ANSWER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?
The Hyster team of electrification experts can provide advice and support and answer further questions on electrifying forklift fleets.
Hyster
www.hyster.com 26 APRIL 2025 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS
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