Is The Future Electric? 3 Business Reasons to Convert from Internal Combustion to Lithium-ion

2020/11/19 | Lithium Forklift Battery | 0

There is little doubt that the world is looking for cleaner and more responsible products to use in nearly every facet of life.  So it only makes sense that forklift companies and their suppliers would be looking at alternative and cleaner-burning energy sources.  The surprise is that technology is allowing manufacturers to build forklifts that not only reduce carbon footprints, but also use less energy, cost less to operate, and in many instances, are providing as much power as their internal combustion counterparts.  This is leading to an obvious shift in the market and is prompting many manufacturers to invest more in research and development of this emerging trend.


Advancements in technology have allowed electric/battery-powered forklifts to become much more affordable and accessible in the market. 


Driven by online retailers scrambling to expand operations during the pandemic, the ratio of electric to internal combustion units sold year-to-date through August 2020 was 73:27, compared to 66:34 in 2019 and 64:36 in 2018. 


This shift can be partially attributed to increased awareness of the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels, but that’s not the whole story. There are also solid business incentives for making the switch to electric forklifts, offering benefits for employee safety and comfort as well as for the bottom line of the company. 

The Big Picture: Environmental Benefits of Electric Vehicles

The fleet electrification trend is not limited to just the material handling industry. Phasing out the use of fossil fuel-powered vehicles is seen as an essential step towards fighting climate change and is a priority across all industries and around the world.


Many governments are preparing for a full ban on the sale of IC vehicles as early as 2035, including the UK, France, Germany, and Canada. Even in the United States, many states like California have plans to ban gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035.


Warehouse and fleet managers are already in the planning stages - not only for upgrading their fleets to electric models but for the organizational changes that come along with it. There is a lot to consider, especially when choosing what type of forklift battery to use. 


As seen in other countries, the motivation to switch is not just environmental. There are tangible, financial advantages that help support this change. In this blog, we will go over the top three business reasons to make the switch from internal combustion to electric forklifts.

These 3 reasons to switch include:

Business Reason #1: Improved Warehouse Safety


Business Reason #2: Lower Overall Forklift Maintenance & Costs


Business Reason #3: Maximized Equipment Uptime with Opportunity Charging


Internal Combustion to Lithium-ion


One of the main advantages of using an IC powered forklift is the ability to fuel up and go at your convenience, maximizing uptime. 


It is true that the traditional lead-acid batteries do require a much longer charging period and a cooldown period as well. They also require a separate charging room and must be removed from the forklifts to be charged, adding a lot more labor and time to a worker’s day.


But improved lithium-ion technology for forklift batteries makes them just as capable of 24/7 operations as IC forklifts.


With opportunity charging, forklift batteries can be charged as needed during breaks or shift changes, and they can be charged in the forklift without removal.


Additionally, most manufacturers have electric models that can be used indoors and outdoors with loads of over 10,000 lbs.


Lithium-ion technology has the flexibility and versatility to meet the needs of warehouse managers looking to streamline operations with an energy-efficient solution. 


BSLBATT Lithium (1)


Electric forklifts represent nearly 60% of the forklift market today, up from just 45% twenty years ago, and for good reason. More and more companies are realizing lower operating costs, including maintenance and fuel, reduced emissions in their facility, and longer life out of their fleet. The major benefits of choosing electric forklifts include:


Reduced costs – Fewer moving parts and less heat mean lower operating costs.


Reduced fuel costs – If used appropriately, batteries and chargers cost less than LP, and energy costs are more stable.


Reduced emissions – No output of carcinogens and carbons means improved operating conditions and better health for your employees.


Improved operator ergonomics – IC engines produce not only emissions but also vibration and heat, both of which contribute to operator fatigue.


The introduction of AC technology has been a major advancement of electric material handling equipment.  With the elimination of brushes, contactors, and commutators, fewer parts need to be replaced, meaning reduced operating costs.  But beyond this, a lot of the advancement is coming from the power supply, your battery, and charger. While manufacturers work to improve the efficiency and power of their forklifts, battery companies are working to provide the power in more efficient and convenient ways.  


One of the major advancements in power supply for electric forklifts has been the Variable Frequency Charger.  BSLBATT’s allows much more flexibility in how you charge your batteries and can reduce battery maintenance.  In addition, they can also dramatically increase the life of your forklift batteries particularly if your operators are prone to opportunity charge, which happens to be a major cause of premature battery failure.


There are several lift truck battery companies leading the way in forklift battery charger options.  Engineering chargers and batteries that work the way you need them to work have been the key to designing combinations that provide the right amount of power for the right amount of time, and under the conditions you use them.


lithium motive battery system


Traditionally a multi-shift operation needs two or more batteries, 8 hours of charging, 8 hours of cooling, and multiple chargers for varying voltage batteries.  When the power begins to fade at the end of the shift, the operator is faced with the decision of changing batteries or opportunity charging (plugging in for short periods of time when it's convenient).  We know that the decision tends to be opportunity charging and this affects battery life and increases costs.  Variable Frequency Chargers have changed all of that.  The major benefits of Variable Frequency Chargers include:


● One charger can charge 36, 48, and 80-volt batteries.


● They use electricity much more efficiently.


● They can be programmed to charge at night, when electricity may be cheaper.


● Opportunity charging is no problem for a Variable Frequency Charger.


● The 8 hour cooling period is eliminated. This can cut the number of batteries you may need down to one per forklift.


● The battery does not have to be depleted before charging begins.


There has never been a better time to “go green” and take advantage of the advancements made in operating an electric forklift fleet.  By doing so you will have a safer and cleaner facility, reduced operating costs, and you will leave a smaller footprint behind while you improve the profits of your material handling operation. Going green can provide your company with many benefits. 


Lithium-ion forklift battery

Next Step: Choosing the Right Forklift Battery

For many organizations around the world, making the switch to electric forklifts is no longer optional. 


For those who are still on the fence or starting to think about the electrification process, it is important to educate yourself about all the electric forklift options out there and choose the one that best fits your company’s operations. 


There has never been a better time to go green and convert your fleet. Lithium-ion batteries are the best option for forklifts in terms of safety, efficiency, and productivity. Allow us to be that partner to help you achieve these results. Call us today to speak with us about how we can help you improve your material handling operations.  You will be glad you did.

About the Author

Lithium Forklift Battery

Since 2012, served as chief engineer in our company, won a “Hefei gold worker" and another honorary title, its lead type low-temperature water system 76 Ah aluminum shell lithium iron phosphate power battery won the fifth worker in Hefei title of “Excellent" technology innovation achievements, Leading the development of ternary aluminum shell, water system lithium iron phosphate aluminum shell, water system lithium iron phosphate plastic shell and other products.

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