By: Martin Boyd, Chief Marketing Officer
There’s no way an electric forklift could replace an internal combustion (IC) model, right? That may have been the case in the past, but today it couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s not that electric forklifts are a new innovation — forklifts powered by lead-acid batteries have been available for decades. But now, a combination of improvements in motor, battery and charging technology means electric forklifts are not only a suitable replacement for IC models, but a preferred option.
The recent entrance of lithium battery technology into the industrial market has overcome the barriers facing organizations that wanted to go electric but couldn’t. Why does this matter today more than ever? Because operations across industries that use forklifts must maximize every dollar they spend and every hour of productivity they have. They also need to stay ahead of evolving regulatory measures designed to reduce or, in some cases, entirely eliminate forklifts powered by fossil fuels.
Meeting these regulations while maintaining productivity and lowering operational costs is a challenge, to say the least. But the good news is that there is an answer. The limitations of lead-acid battery technology in terms of performance and maintenance have been addressed. Converting an IC fleet to purpose-built, integrated lithium forklifts empowers warehouses and manufacturers to meet their operational goals now and be ready for what the future holds.
Electric forklift technology is ready today
Lithium-ion batteries have come a long way in recent years — they run longer, charge faster and are virtually maintenance-free. These batteries are also increasingly integrated into the forklift itself, leading to improved forklift designs compared to those with lead-acid batteries.
Older electric designs basically put a lead-acid battery in a box and added it to the lift truck. But integrated designs like Big Joe’s incorporate the lithium battery throughout the design process, thereby creating more space for operator comfort and better counterbalancing. Forklifts with an integrated lithium battery are not just more ergonomically appropriate for operators; they also have a better turning radius, lifting capacity and other dynamic functions that are crucial in an industrial setting.
Lithium batteries also charge quickly and often, so only one battery per forklift is necessary. Big Joe’s purpose-built, integrated lithium forklifts include onboard single-phase chargers for light-duty single-shift applications, and they can accommodate three-phase chargers for heavy-duty multi-shift utilizations that require fast charging during short breaks and shift changes.
These capabilities save on overall costs — one battery per truck instead of two or three — and they make lithium forklifts more productive because they require less downtime. On top of these benefits, lithium batteries need little to no maintenance. The batteries themselves rarely require maintenance, unlike lead-acid types that need to be exchanged, charged and watered, and electric forklifts have fewer moving parts than IC models. Big Joe’s lithium forklifts, for example, can experience up to 50% less maintenance costs than IC vehicles.
Electric vehicles improve the (work) environment
Operations using Big Joe’s purpose-built, integrated lithium forklifts are more productive, and they’re also better for employees. With lithium batteries, there is no need to exchange batteries regularly, nor does anyone have to handle electrolyte solution or battery acid. Lithium batteries don’t require watering and they don’t fume when charging or during operation. This gives them an edge over IC models and those powered by lead-acid batteries.
All of these factors result in a much improved working environment for employees in any facility. And, no one needs to spend their time switching out batteries — all employees can be working on higher-value tasks that drive productivity and revenue. Ventilation equipment, fueling stations and washdown areas all become obsolete with lithium forklifts, which utilizes the physical space in a warehouse or manufacturing facility.
Electric forklifts stay ahead of regulatory changes
Proactively providing the cleanest vehicles for employees means less risk of fines and penalties, and as regulations change around industrial vehicles, forward-thinking organizations will act before they’re in danger of violating any new measures.
California recently adopted the Zero-Emission Forklift Regulation, which will likely serve as a template for regulations in other states. Exact rules and timelines for enforcement will of course differ, but imperatives around worker safety and phasing out fossil fuel vehicles will continue to play an important role in industrial environments.
Be ready for tomorrow’s operations
Lithium battery technology for industrial applications has improved markedly, but it’s not just current operations that benefit. Electrified technology is a prerequisite for automation as well — no automated vehicles will run on an internal combustion engine. For warehouses and manufacturers, electrification today facilitates automation tomorrow.
Greater productivity and lower total cost of ownership make purpose-built, integrated lithium forklifts the sensible choice right now. The technology is ready, and these vehicles create a better work environment with fewer safety and regulatory risks. Big Joe has broken down the barriers to electrification for industrial operations, and those that seize this moment will benefit now and in the future.
Contact us to schedule a demo to see how Big Joe’s purpose-built, integrated lithium forklifts can improve your operations.