More and more products are based on lithium-ion batteries. More and more people are enjoying the many benefits of this advanced technology. In fact, while the lithium-ion market is already worth $35 billion each year, it’s expected to reach almost $130 billion by 2027!
Forklifts are essential machines that help keep our supply chains operating smoothly. They are heavy machinery that needs to operate reliably and for as long as possible with a minimum of hassle and maintenance. That’s why the requirements for forklift batteries are so high, since they need to be capable of supporting industrial equipment.
At present, the needs of most lift trucks are still met optimally by lead-acid batteries, but in some cases, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries now offer a realistic alternative. This is especially true in high-energy, multi-shift, 24/7 operations.
In view of the improved performance and affordability of today’s Li-ion batteries, we have introduced them as a forklift battery option. They will be offered on particular trucks, whenever they make economic and practical sense for you and your business.
Read on to learn all about how lithium-ion batteries can save you money in forklift operations and provide better performance at the same time.
In difficult economic times, it’s important for businesses to take advantage of tried and true ways to save money. These days, we simply cannot afford to let cost-saving opportunities pass us by without making the most of them.
Upgrading your batteries with lithium-ion will more than pay for itself within just the next few years. In many cases, you’ll break even in 18 months; after that, it’s nothing but profit for you.
But that doesn’t mean that there are no benefits until the 18-month mark. Throughout those first 18 months and for many years after you’ll be able to enjoy improved performance and zero daily battery maintenance at the same time.
Li-ion batteries offer tremendous advantages over traditional lead-acid lift truck batteries. The big question is whether those benefits are sufficient – in your situation – to justify the large difference in purchase price. To answer this, you must consider the total cost of ownership (TCO). The key factors are summarised below.
Li-ion battery cost savings compared to lead-acid lift truck batteries These include savings on energy, equipment, labor, and downtime.
Longer life – 3 to 4 times lead-acid lifespan – reduces overall forklift battery investment
Higher efficiency – energy losses during charging and discharging are around 30% lower, so electricity consumption is reduced
Longer runtime – thanks to higher energy capacity, lower losses and more efficient recovery of current from regenerative braking
Consistently high performance – with a more constant voltage curve – maintains greater truck productivity, even toward the end of a shift
Faster charging and opportunity charging – full charge within 1 to 2 hours – enables top-ups during short breaks, without damaging the battery or shortening its lifespan
No battery changing – fast opportunity charges enable continuous operation with just one battery and minimize the need to buy, store and maintain spares
No maintenance – the battery stays on board the truck for charging and there is no need for top-ups or electrolyte checks
No gas – avoids the space, equipment and running costs of a battery room and ventilation system
Inbuilt protection – intelligent battery management system (BMS) automatically prevents excessive discharge, charge, voltage, and temperature, as well as virtually eliminating application errors
Money should not be your only consideration. Li-ion batteries also have important safety and environmental benefits.
Greater safety – no explosive gas, acid spills or regular battery lifting
Smaller carbon footprint – better efficiency means less energy consumption, while longer life lowers the requirement for manufacture of additional batteries
As with lead-acid batteries, the runtime depends on the application (how much lifting, how much uphill travel). Generally speaking, a lithium-ion battery will last as long as a lead-acid battery - but it charges faster and does not cause a decline in performance as it discharges.
The lithium-ion battery energy density is one of the highest in all modern batteries. They come in every size and shape you might need.
There are many lithium-ion configurations available for any type of lift truck (used in material handling operations or manufacturing). That means you can get exactly what you need depending on the specifics of your operations with no “one size fits all” compromises.
Even though lithium-ion batteries cost more upfront, they can quickly pay for themselves through reduced operating costs - offering some businesses a long-term competitive advantage. We hope you learned something helpful in this article about the benefits of using lithium-ion forklift batteries. To learn more about how you can find the batteries, chargers, packages, to fit your application, check out our other pages.
