Battery electric lift trucks are nothing new. However, in recent years, electric power has become a possibility for higher capacity equipment, such as heavy duty lift trucks and container handlers, with the development of battery electric materials handling equipment equipped with lithium-ion battery options.
While there are still many types of lift truck battery available, lithium-ion batteries may present new opportunities. However, not everyone knows so much about them. So, here we answer some of your top questions around lithium-ion lift trucks and container handlers.
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How long does it take to charge a lithium-ion lift truck?
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. As an example, a lead acid battery typically requires about 20 minutes for the operator to switch out the battery, followed by approximately 16 hours of charging and cool-down time. -
Are battery electric lift trucks and lithium-ion forklifts more expensive than ICE trucks?
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. That’s because electric drivetrains have fewer components and less complexity than ICE, and lithium-ion batteries in particular require zero battery maintenance or equalization. The useful life of these two types of equipment is also a factor. An average, moderately used ICE truck has an economic life for the first owner of about 10,000 – 12,000 hours, whereas similarly maintained lithium-ion trucks could well surpass this mark. Energy prices, incentives and regulations in your area should also be factored into the cost analysis. -
Do lithium-ion lift trucks really produce zero emissions?
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.
Electric forklifts can help companies reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and their environmental footprint relative to ICE forklifts. -
What operator or technician training is needed when using lithium-ion lift trucks?
Regardless of the forklift power source, be it electric or ICE, local regulations typically require that forklift operator training must cover topics tailored to both the specific type of truck that the operator will be using, such as controls, operation and refueling or recharging, as well as the particular worksite.
In terms of technician training for maintenance, the requirements depend 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. -
Where can I get more information?
To choose the right power source, operations need to consider a number of factors. Your Hyster dealer can provide advice and answer many more of your questions about lithium-ion lift trucks.