If you use a forklift regularly in your business and need to upgrade, you’ve probably considered moving to an electric forklift.

But what differentiates electric forklifts from regular forklifts? What are the pros and cons of using them? And if you don’t want to buy a new forklift, is there an alternative?

To help you decide on your next forklift purchase, we’ve put together everything you need to know about electric forklifts for sale and whether an electric forklift is the right choice for you. Let’s dive in.

Here are just some of the reasons why an increasingly number of forklift users are option for an electric model.

One of the biggest advantages of an electric forklift is that it’s eco-friendly. Not only can you benefit the environment, but eco-friendly policies can benefit your business, too. An electric forklift can help you reach any sustainability goals you’ve laid out as well as allowing you to use your eco credentials to attract environmentally-conscious customers.

Since electric forklifts don’t create exhaust fumes, using one on-site can create a more pleasant working environment, with less air pollution, which is attractive to prospective employees. Thanks to the reliance on electricity rather than fuel to power these vehicles, you’ll also avoid having to dispose of harmful chemicals.

Over the lifespan of an electric forklift, it will tend to require less maintenance than a non-electric alternative. This is because electric forklifts lack many of the parts you’d find in a fuel forklift, such as an engine or transmission. Instead, you’ll only need to service the moving parts, the battery, and the driving motors, and you’ll need to service them less often. There are multiple benefits to this.

For one, you won’t be out of action when your forklift has to be taken away and repaired. Likewise, you’ll save maintenance costs, which, over time, can offset the slightly higher price tag associated with electric forklifts for sale.

Unlike fuel models, electric forklifts don’t have anything sitting on the back of them, making for better rear visibility and easier maneuvering. The battery on an electric forklift is located underneath the operator’s seat, neatly tucked away.

Speaking of space, there’s also no requirement for fuel storage on an electric forklift, making them lighter and sometimes more compact.

Thanks to having fewer parts that can become faulty, electric forklifts tend to boast a longer lifespan. Naturally, this isn’t foolproof, and some electric forklifts will fail before their fuel counterparts, but overall you can expect to get a couple more years out of an electric vehicle.

As with every type of vehicle, there are some downsides to electric forklifts, but, luckily, most have a solution.

One of the biggest downsides associated with electric forklifts is the price. You’ll have to invest more money in the first instance to buy an electric forklift, which can make it inaccessible for some. If you decide to also buy an on-site charger, this increases the initial cost.

If cost is a concern but you still have your eye on an electric forklift, consider hiring or buying second-hand. By hiring an electric forklift, you can ensure you’re only paying for what you use when you use it. By buying second-hand, you’ll likely get a better price for the same product, and you can easily find used forklifts that still have plenty of years left in them.

Like any EV, an electric forklift will need to be charged. This can be inconvenient if you don’t have a charging point in the workplace or local area. If you plan on purchasing an electric forklift and don’t want charging to be a barrier, put part of your budget aside to buy an on-site charger. In the end, it will pay for itself. Plus, you’ll save on fuel costs.

If your forklift needs an upgrade but buying either an electric or regular forklift is out of your budget right now, there’s a simple alternative. Using a forklift service like Acclaim Handling, you can rent your forklift instead, meaning you’re only spending money if and when you need a vehicle.

On the hunt for high-quality electric forklifts for sale, new or used? That’s where we come in. Here at Acclaim Handling, we’re your one-stop for all things forklift, whether you’re looking for forklift hire, forklift sale, or forklift repair.

Explore our range of forklift service and electric forklifts. We sell both new and used forklifts to meet every need and budget.

Any questions? Get in touch. We’d be happy to talk you through any of our services or help you find the best forklift for your requirements.