Why choose electric forklifts?
Forklifts are essential equipment in all kinds of industries and environments, found everywhere from factory floors to retail stores.
The most common type of forklift is a sit-down, counterbalanced model with an internal combustion (IC) engine fuelled by propane, compressed natural gas (CNG), diesel, or gasoline. However, a growing number of companies are turning to electric forklifts to manage costs, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
Electric forklifts come in many types and sizes and can offer long-term advantages when you select the right model for your work environment.
Benefits of electric forklifts
Making the switch to an electric forklift offers many benefits when compared to a traditional IC engine forklift.
Lower maintenance costs
Electric forklifts have fewer moving parts requiring maintenance and repair, and forklifts with alternating-current (AC) motors are particularly low-maintenance. Unlike their lead-acid battery counterparts, forklifts with lithium batteries don’t require the need to build and maintain a battery charging and changing room.
Environmental benefits
Electric forklifts produce almost no emissions, create no fluid waste requiring disposal, and their batteries are recyclable.
Lower fuel costs
Electric forklift batteries are rechargeable, so there’s no need to keep purchasing and replenishing consumables like propane or diesel. Insurance premiums for electric forklifts can also be lower than for those powered with combustible liquid and gas fuels.
Less noise and vibration
The quiet, smooth motion of an electric forklift helps reduce operator fatigue.
More flexibility
Some types of electric forklifts are designed to maneuver in narrow aisles and tight spaces, while others are able to handle much smaller items than typical forklift models.
Understand the drawbacks
It’s important to understand the drawbacks of electric forklifts before deciding to make the switch. These include higher upfront costs, and the necessity for adequate electrical service and charging infrastructure, among a few others.
However, experts recommend that buyers focus on the total cost of ownership when deciding between electric and IC models. We can help with that. Try our electric forklift cost calculator to see the potential savings for yourself.
Tell us about your project
Talk to your key account manager or regional energy manager about how
electric forklifts may affect your electrical service and your bill.
Not sure who to contact? Call our business helpdesk
Lower Mainland: 604 522 4713
Elsewhere in B.C.: 1 866 522 4713