If you run a multi-shift operation and haven’t started learning about lithium-ion forklift batteries yet, you may be surprised to know: A lithium-ion forklift battery can pay for itself in less than three years through:
Are you interested in learning more about lithium forklift battery? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
- Improved productivity
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Lower energy bills
- And reclaimed space
Single-shift operations that don’t expect to become multi-shift operations are generally better off with cheaper lead-acid batteries. That said, it’s worth doing the math.
Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of lead-acid forklift batteries versus lithium-ion forklift batteries. Short on time? We can help you run the numbers and quickly decide which option is right for you. Contact us online or by phone at 844-LILLYCO (1-844-545-5926).
If you’re debating whether to buy an internal combustion (IC) forklift vs. battery-powered forklift, you might want to read our free Forklift Buyer’s Guide first.
How to Choose the Right Forklift Battery
Nearly two-thirds of all forklifts sold in the U.S. are electric, and 7-10% use a lithium-ion battery. That may not seem like much, but five or six years ago, that percentage was zero.
Experts speculate we're in a big transition period away from lead-acid batteries towards lithium-ion. A recent article from Forklift Action notes:
The benefits of lithium vs. lead-acid batteries have been tested and proven by major companies across all industries ( logistics and 3PL, retail, manufacturing, paper and packaging, metals, lumber, food and beverage, cold storage, medical supplies distribution, etc. Industry experts are speculating about the growth rate… but all agree that the adoption of lithium will continue to accelerate, similar to what we see in the passenger EV market (enabled by similar lithium technology). By 2028, the lithium segment may constitute 48% of all new forklift batteries.
Lead-Acid Forklift Batteries
Let’s start with the standard forklift battery everyone knows: lead-acid. You may have also heard them called flooded lead-acid or wet cell batteries.
If you buy an electric forklift, it will come with a lead-acid battery by default. This type of forklift battery costs significantly less than lithium-ion. But the lower purchase price comes with long-term expenses: weekly maintenance and (for multi-shift operations) a dedicated space for battery charging.
Approximately once a week, lead-acid forklift batteries must be cleaned and watered. This requires a special watering system, safety equipment and properly trained personnel.
Lead-Acid Forklift Battery Pros:
- The cheapest option
- Easy to find service providers when needed
Lead-Acid Forklift Battery Cons:
- Requires 8 hours to charge plus 8 hours to cool down
- Power declines as the battery discharges
- Weekly maintenance (cleaning and watering) required
- Need space to charge and store extra batteries
- Capacity decreases up to 35% in cold environments
Lithium-Ion Forklift Batteries
Recently, a major equipment manufacturer discovered they could save $1 million+ per year by switching to lithium-ion. Wondering if your business could uncover massive cost savings like this? Try this simple experiment:
- Ask forklift operators to track how much time they spend charging, changing and maintaining forklift batteries every week. Multiply the total time by the hourly cost of labor.
- Next, add up how much you’ve spent on batteries over the past 10 years. Lithium-ion batteries last 5-7 years (on average). So even though they cost more upfront, you won't buy them as often.
Add up your labor and battery costs and compare to what you would have spent on lithium-ion batteries (feel free to contact us for pricing). You may find those “cheap” lead-acid batteries cost a lot more in the long run.
You don't need to add in labor costs for lithium-ion forklift batteries because once they get installed in the truck, that's pretty much it. Lithium-ion batteries are virtually maintenance-free.
Lithium-Ion Forklift Battery Pros:
Lithium-ion batteries can be opportunity charged during breaks without harming the battery. Also, lithium-ion batteries recharge three times faster than lead-acid batteries. Bonus: you don't have to wait for a lithium-ion battery to cool down.
Other benefits include:
- 30-50% less energy required to charge the battery
- Consistent power even as the battery discharges
- 5-7 year lifespan (2-3x longer than lead-acid batteries)
- Virtually maintenance free (no watering)
- Zero exhaust
Lithium-Ion Forklift Battery Cons:
- 3-4x higher purchase price
Lithium-Ion Forklift Battery ROI
Generally speaking, a lithium-ion forklift battery will pay for itself within 3-5 years. A multi-shift operation will recoup costs much faster through:
- Reclaimed space
- Reduced equipment downtime (no battery swapping)
- Improved employee productivity (no maintenance or battery swapping)
- Lower energy bills
- 2-3x longer battery lifespan
Forklift Battery Sales, Service and Advice in the Mid-South
Converting to lithium-ion is extremely easy. We’ve helped dozens of businesses across the Mid-South reduce operating costs by making the switch.
Our experienced and friendly forklift experts can help you choose the right forklift battery for your operation. Just give us a call at 844-LILLYCO (1-844-545-5926) or contact us online. You can also visit us at one of our 13 locations across the Mid-South.
Arkansas - Jonesboro
Alabama - Birmingham, Dothan, Irondale, Madison, Mobile, and Montgomery
Mississippi - Tupelo and Richland
Tennessee - Jackson, Kingsport, Knoxville, and Memphis
Further Reading:
When to Buy an Electric vs. LP Gas Forklift
Forklift Battery Basics: What You Need to Know
How to Move a Forklift With a Dead Battery - 3 Options
For more 3.2 v 100ah lifepo4information, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
Electric power is becoming increasingly vital in industry, especially in the logistics and material handling sector. With the growing concern for the environment and operational efficiency, choosing the right forklift battery is crucial. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of forklift batteries, their life expectancies, comparison between lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries, and how to choose the right battery for your needs.
Types of Forklift Batteries
1. Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are revolutionizing the material handling industry due to their various advantages:
Longer Life Expectancy
Lithium-ion batteries possess a much longer life cycle compared to lead-acid batteries. With over 3000 cycles, they offer a significantly longer service life, resulting in fewer replacements and reducing operating costs in the long run.
Opportunity Loading
Unlike lead-acid batteries that require full charge cycles, lithium-ion batteries allow for opportunistic charging. They can be recharged quickly during short breaks, such as lunch breaks, reducing downtime and increasing operational efficiency.
Reduced Weight
Lithium-ion batteries are notably lighter compared to lead-acid batteries. Not only does this make it easier to operate the forklifts, but it also allows for more ergonomic and efficient equipment design.
Superior Efficiency
With an efficiency of around 95%, lithium-ion batteries convert a significantly higher amount of stored energy into usable energy compared to lead-acid batteries. This translates into less energy waste and greater operational autonomy.
Faster Charging
Thanks to their high efficiency, lithium-ion batteries can be charged faster. While lead-acid batteries can take up to 8 hours to fully recharge, lithium-ion batteries can be charged in as little as 2-3 hours, significantly reducing downtime.
Friendly to the Environment
Lithium-ion batteries are environmentally friendly as they do not emit toxic fumes and are cleaner compared to lead-acid batteries. This makes them a more sustainable and environmentally safe option.
2. Lead-acid batteries
Lead-acid batteries are more traditional but still widely used in the industry due to their availability and lower initial cost. However, they have some limitations compared to lithium-ion batteries:
Shorter Life Expectancy
Lead-acid batteries typically have a life expectancy of 500 to 1000 cycles, which means they need to be replaced more frequently, resulting in higher operating costs in the long run.
Full Charging Required
Lead-acid batteries require full charge cycles, which can take up to 8-12 hours, increasing downtime and reducing operational efficiency.
Higher Weight
Lead-acid batteries are significantly heavier compared to lithium-ion batteries, which can affect the maneuverability and performance of forklifts.
Lower Efficiency
With an efficiency of around 80 to 85%, lead-acid batteries convert less stored energy into usable energy, resulting in increased energy waste and shorter operating range.
Comparison Between Lithium-Ion and Lead-Acid Batteries
Applications
- Lithium-Ion: Ideal for high-intensity, multi-shift applications where downtime must be minimized, and operational efficiency maximized.
- Lead-acid: It is still widely used in low-intensity applications and single-shift operations due to its lower initial cost.
Charging Options
- Lithium-Ion: Allows for opportunity charging, which means it can be recharged quickly during short intervals.
- Lead-acid: Requires full charge cycles, increasing downtime and reducing operational efficiency.
Space Requirements
- Lithium-Ion: Due to their reduced size and weight, lithium-ion batteries take up less space and offer greater design flexibility.
- Lead-acid: They are bulkier and heavier, taking up more space and limiting the design of the equipment.
Life Expectancy
- Lithium-Ion: It has a longer life expectancy of over 3000 cycles, reducing long-term maintenance and replacement costs.
- Lead-acid: It has a shorter life expectancy, with only 500 to 1000 cycles, resulting in higher operating costs in the long run.
Costs
- Lithium-Ion: Although they have a higher initial cost, lithium-ion batteries offer greater long-term savings due to their longer lifespan and lower maintenance requirements.
- Lead-acid: It has a lower upfront cost, but the long-term operating costs, including maintenance and replacement, can be significantly higher.
Performance
- Lithium-Ion: It offers increased efficiency, faster charging times, and greater operating autonomy, making it ideal for high-intensity operations.
- Lead-acid: It has lower efficiency, slower charging times, and shorter operating autonomy, making it more suitable for low-intensity operations.
How to Choose the Right Battery for Your Forklift
When choosing the right battery for your forklift, consider the following factors:
Type of Application
Determine if your operation requires a high-intensity battery, such as lithium-ion, or if a lead-acid battery will meet your needs.
Operating Costs
Evaluate the long-term operating costs, including maintenance and replacement costs, to determine the most cost-effective option.
Efficiency and Performance
Consider the efficiency and performance of batteries in terms of charging time, operating range, and energy efficiency.
Available Space
Consider space and weight requirements when choosing between lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries.
Choosing the right battery for your forklift is essential for optimizing operational efficiency, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impact. While lithium-ion batteries offer several advantages, including longer lifespan, shorter charging times, and increased efficiency, lead-acid batteries are still a viable option for low-intensity applications due to their lower initial cost. By considering your specific needs and the requirements of your operation, you can make an informed decision about which type of battery is best for your forklift.
For more information about EP Equipment’s lithium-ion batteries and how they can benefit your operation, contact our representatives today.
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