Saving money and improving productivity are critical priorities for your company. You can accomplish both by using lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion is an energy innovation that people and companies in all industries are using to their advantage. The lithium forklift battery has revolutionized industrial and manufacturing work of all types. But what makes these batteries such a worthwhile investment? Read on to learn more about Li-ion batteries ROI and why you should purchase and use them instead of lead-acid batteries.
The choice for motive energy battery solutions usually narrows down to two: lead-acid or lithium-ion. Both provide the energy that makes motive power equipment, such as forklifts and pallet jacks, operate. However, the similarities don’t go much further.
So, before switching to new, improved energy sources, companies should have a complete understanding of the latest technology advancements and diversification of the battery landscape. This includes diving deeper into differences in recyclability, power density, and the cost versus the gain of both types of batteries.
First and foremost, you’ll get a longer cycle life out of your lithium-ion batteries. You can expect them to last three times longer than lead-acid batteries.
These batteries are also more durable. You can charge them at your convenience, and there is zero daily maintenance. Make sure to choose the right battery capacity when shopping around.
Addressing Battery Recyclability Misconceptions
Recyclability misconceptions are prevalent. For instance, lead-acid battery providers claim their products are 99% recyclable, but they often leave out the harmful effects of the “recycling” process. Smelting is used to reclaim the lead in lead-acid batteries, but evidence indicates this process harms water, soil, wildlife, and humans. Additionally, smelting produces silicon dioxide and slag—a mixture of toxic metal oxides—which has caused many smelting factories to be moved out of the United States.
Lithium-ion batteries are unique in many regards. For starters, they have a significantly longer cycle life than lead-acid batteries. At the end of their first life, they can be recovered, reused, and eventually recycled—being repurposed into smaller power storage grids such as solar power and grid storage. At the end of the second life, the cells are refilled and sent back to the manufacturer to build new batteries.
Density Contributes To Battery Efficiency
Because of energy and power density improvements over the past decade, traditional lead-acid batteries are less ergonomic than their lithium-ion counterparts. Lithium-ion batteries have more energy and power density in a smaller mass, and technology and chemistry improvements are expected to continue.
In the motive industry, size, weight, energy, and power density requirements are constantly changing. For instance, many forklifts and other equipment are being designed to have the counterbalance in the vehicle, so the extra weight usually added to a lithium-ion battery will become unnecessary. Chances are, these changes could mean a lower cost per battery and more room for energy storage, which could lead to a longer lifecycle.
Lithium-Ion Batteries are Safer and More Reliable
Each year, about 7,000 forklift accidents create injuries that cause missed workdays, according to the United States Bureau of Labor (BOL).
Something as simple as switching to lithium-ion batteries can help you to reduce the likelihood of these accidents. Your business will run safer when your machines aren’t compromised by inferior batteries. Your personnel won’t be at risk because of the need to change the heavy batteries during the shift.
You’ll also eliminate the risk of chemical burns or inhalation that are possible when you’re dealing with lead-acid batteries. Lithium-Ion batteries are safe and do not contain corrosive acid or emit toxic fumes.
Contemplating Overall Cost
The upfront cost of a lithium-ion battery can be two to three times more expensive than a lead-acid battery. However, when you factor in life cycle, energy efficiency, maintenance, quantity, and sustainability, a lithium-ion battery has a greater return on investment (ROI). The life cycle of a lead-acid battery diminishes by deep cycling, operating temperatures, self-discharge, and fast charging – and just one of these factors can reduce the annual lifespan of the battery by 40%. Lithium-ion batteries perform better with opportunity and fast charging and outperform their lead-acid counterparts in both hot and cold temperatures.
Other cost contributors include:
The quantity of batteries needed for a fleet. Motive equipment usually requires two to three lead-acid batteries but one lithium-ion.
Average lifespan. Lead-acid batteries typically last three to four years, whereas lithium-ion batteries last five years, minimum, and usually longer. Therefore, a 20-year-old piece of equipment would go through 15-20 lead-acid batteries versus four lithium-ion batteries.
These Batteries Save Space in Your Facility
Lithium-ion batteries save space in your building. You save space because you don’t need to set aside a battery room like you would for lead-acid batteries.
If you already have a battery room, this room can be repurposed and used in ways that let you experience the return on investment (ROI) in full.
Extensive maintenance. To work at full capacity and within warranty, lead-acid batteries require regular maintenance that includes watering, equalizing, changing, charging, and cleaning. The lithium-ion battery is maintenance-free and requires zero upkeep of any kind, increasing productivity.
The Battery Performance is More Consistent and Efficient
Lithium-Ion batteries also flat-out work better. With lead-acid batteries, you’ll have to contend with a loss of voltage with normal use. In fact, lead-acid batteries begin to lose voltage within the first few hours of operation.
The lead-acid battery’s reduced voltage means lower power output. This can result in slower lifting and travel speeds and more lift parts wear.
Conversely, lithium-ion batteries offer consistency and won’t compromise your machine’s overall productivity.
They’re Incredibly Low Maintenance
You buy time back with lithium-ion batteries because they’re so low maintenance. Using lead-acid batteries requires routinely adding water and performing an equalization charge.
Conversely, lithium-ion batteries are plug and play, with zero daily maintenance. This gets you the performance that you’re looking for without having to worry about setbacks in your time and money.
Your Forklifts and Company Will Become More Productive
You’ll find that you have more time on your side when you invest in lithium-ion batteries. Because you’re not constantly switching out the batteries or charging them, your workers can spend more time on task.
Li-ion batteries have greater output, which also let your forklift operators handle bigger loads. Longer run-time means operators can get projects done in a timely manner.
When your warehouse is more productive, you bring in more revenue and lower your overhead. You’ll see distinct improvements in your bottom line.
Starting off each shift with a fresh battery eliminates any breaks in the action or lapses in performance or output.
These points alone make lithium-ion ideal for your forklift use.
Our engineered forklift power systems ensure your material handling fleet is efficient and reliable, with tailored power programs that lower energy consumption and increase productivity as well as safety.
Let us assess, engineer and manage your forklift power needs:
● Operational and Power Assessments
● Custom Engineered Solutions
● Installation Services
● Equipment Repairs and Maintenance
● Remote Monitoring and System Optimization
● Planned Maintenance Programs
The points above explain a Li-ion battery ROI and why this is the next investment that you should explore. If you’re in the industrial field, investing in the right batteries for your forklifts is absolutely essential.
To learn more about our company, reach out to us online or call us up at +86 752-2819-469.
