There are many misconceptions about when and where you can use an electric forklift. Here we answer some of the most common questions about the applications where you can use lift trucks with lithium-ion batteries, showing that they are often up to the toughest operational challenges.
-
Can you use a lithium-ion lift truck in hot or cold temperatures?
Forklift batteries of all types can be affected by hot and cold temperatures, which can impact performance and lifespan. However, often temperatures must be at the extreme for a prolonged period to have a significant effect.
Hyster battery electric big trucks with lithium-ion batteries can be used in ambient temperatures of -18 degrees C to +43 degrees C, depending on the intensity and duty cycle. The battery core temperature is continuously monitored by the Battery Management System to optimise battery life and maintain the safe working limits of the battery. At low temperatures the batteries will be heated automatically when truck is in operation or when charged. In hot climates, a forced air-cooling option is available to help reduce the battery core temperature. A Hyster heavy duty lithium-ion lift truck can go from the charger to -20 degrees C. -
How do you store a lithium-ion lift truck correctly?
Here, the temperature is important. In the long term, lithium-ion forklifts are recommended to be stored at temperatures of 0 degrees C to 35 degrees C.
In the short term, a Hyster J10-18XD lithium-ion lift truck should not be stored at an ambient temperature greater than 53 degrees C. They may able to be stored at down to -20 degrees C. It is recommended to keep the truck connected to the charger, allowing the heating pads or optional forced air cooling to optimise the battery’s core temperature so the truck is ready for operation. -
Can lithium-ion forklifts be used outside?
Lithium-ion lift trucks are typically designed to be used in both indoor and outdoor conditions. Hyster lift trucks are designed to withstand outdoor use, as well as operation in rain, snow or other adverse conditions. The truck itself is as robust in these environments as an IC equivalent.
If there are extreme temperatures, there are some considerations. For example, the Hyster battery electric J10-18XD forklift truck is fitted with heating pads as standard and optional forced air cooling. The impact of weather conditions can also be reduced when the battery is connected to the charger when not in use.
By using information about the specific application, Hyster can advise on potential impact of the typical weather conditions encountered, and, if needed, how best to mitigate them. -
Will salt damage an electric forklift?
Salt can be a corrosive substance to metals, such as the chassis, frame, or forks of a lift truck. So selecting an electric lift truck that is made to be tough and durable is particularly important when using trucks in areas such as ports or shipping yards. Or in applications where salt is used for melting snow on the roads.
Salt can also cause damage to the electrical system of the forklift. That is why Hyster has designed its lithium-ion forklifts to comply to the requirements of outdoor working conditions and prevent electrical system issues. -
How do you prevent a dead lithium-ion battery in tough applications?
The best way to avoid a dead battery is to understand operational intensity on both normal, and busy days. Hyster can help customers calculate the ideal solution for normal daily operations, as well as for mitigating busy days. For example, Hyster can provide a system that delivers up to 1 hour of operation following 11 minutes of charging with the J10-18XD lithium-ion forklift truck. Different applications may require different solutions.
With a Hyster lithium-ion Big Truck, the Battery Management System also plays a role in preventing the battery from depleting. Different scenarios are implemented to protect the battery charge. For example, at a certain state-of-charge (SOC), a lift lock-out will engage, allowing the truck to drive only, so that the lift truck can be driven to a charging point. At an even lower state-of-charge, a speed reduction is put in place so the operator can drive towards the charger with minimum unnecessary energy consumption.
Implementing the right opportunity charging schedule will of course help ensure that the lithium-ion battery maintains enough charge to operate across a shift as needed.
Discover Hyster lithium-ion power at TOC Europe
If you have more questions about how lithium-ion would work in your application, we’d be happy to answer them. Why not come see us at TOC Europe from 17 – 19 June 2025 in Rotterdam? You can also reach out to your local Hyster dealer for support and advice around electric forklifts.
