As more businesses look to become cleaner, more efficient, and more cost-effective, electric forklifts are becoming the go-to choice for many operations. But switching to an electric fleet is a big decision – and one that requires careful planning to ensure you get the best return on investment.
Here’s everything you need to know before making the switch.
Before making the big switch and commitment to electric trucks, it is a good idea to take a detailed look at your operation.
Think about how many hours per day that your forklifts run, do you operate on multiple shifts, are your working conditions inside, outside or a mix of both, do your loads require a high lift capacity, how often are you handling heavy or oversized pallets?
Electric forklifts have improved dramatically in recent years, but, as with any kind of vehicle, each model has its limitations and special requirements. Taking a look at your real workload will help you choose the right battery type and truck specification.
Electric forklifts typically use lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries.
Pros:
Cons:
Pros:
Cons:
If you run long shifts or need 24/7 availability, lithium-ion typically offers the best value.
Switching to electric means that you’re going to have to invest in proper charging facilities.
There are some things to consider with this.
A site survey helps identify any upgrades needed before installation or purchase of an electric forklift truck.
Electric forklifts perform exceptionally well indoors, but when it comes to outdoors, conditions must be considered before you go ahead and make the switch.
Cold temperatures, for example, can reduce battery efficiency unless the truck and battery are designed for such environments. Think of it like an electric car, in the summer you may be able to get 300-400 miles on one charge, but it comes to the colder months, you’re getting 200 miles out of a full charge max!
Many businesses switch to electric because of the long-term savings that go alongside it:
Electricity is far cheaper per hour of use than diesel or LPG.
Electric trucks have fewer moving parts, resulting in fewer breakdowns and lower servicing costs.
Electric forklifts typically last longer due to reduced engine wear.
No emissions, lower noise levels, and a cleaner working environment.
Electric forklifts are quieter, smoother, and easier to drive. However:
Ensuring that operators are correctly trained with the most up to date training will ensure that safety and performance stay at an optimum high.
If you’re looking for forklift training, get in touch with a member of our training team today – we can get you booked in!
If your business is growing, switching to electric now can put you ahead of upcoming sustainability standards. However, avoid overcommitting – start with a mix of electric and IC (internal combustion) trucks if needed, then expand gradually.
Acclaim Handling offers flexible short-term hire and demo trucks, allowing businesses to test electric before fully committing.
Electric forklifts are an excellent investment when:
They may require additional planning, but the long-term benefits can significantly outweigh the initial setup costs.
We prioritize accuracy and integrity in our content. Here's how we maintain high standards:
Our content is carefully reviewed by experienced professionals to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Look for the expert-reviewed label to read content you can trust.
01708 861 414
