Forklifts are critical in many industries, from material handling on shipping docks to shuffling pallets around grocery stores. Whatever your business, if investing in a new lift truck is on the horizon, consider how well electrically powered units stack up against traditional internal combustion (IC) machines.

Advances in motors, batteries and charging technology have allowed electric lift trucks to capture a larger share of the market over the last decade, and that trend is likely to continue. Modern electric forklifts are gradually replacing even some of their more powerful IC competitors.

Switching to electric forklifts can bring a number of benefits to your business:

1. Reduced fuel consumption. Modern 80-volt units cost less to run than their propane counterparts. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) Lift Truck Comparison calculator can be used to compare the cost of operating an LPG unit to one powered by a battery. Assuming a propane cost of $3/gallon and electricity at $0.11/kWh (kilowatt hour), running the electric lift saves over $30 per day.
2. Lower maintenance costs. Electric motors have fewer moving parts than IC engines and don’t require regular fluid or filter changes. Also, there’s no need to handle or store highly flammable fuels such as gasoline, propane or diesel.
3. Increased workplace health and safety. Electric forklifts offer quiet, emission-free operation that complies with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for carbon monoxide and noise. Electric models also eliminate most hazards associated with fuel or oil leaks.
4. Improved motor and battery technology. Over the last decade, the introduction of AC motors and fast charging technologies has allowed electric units to complete most tasks formerly reserved for their IC cousins. Some newer models can support loads of 15,000 pounds while reaching the highest shelf on a pallet rack. Moreover, high frequency charging allows the battery to last all day on a single nightly charge.
5. Outdoor capability. It’s commonly believed that only IC equipment can be used outside. Two studies by EPRI indicate that, as long as the lift truck can negotiate uneven terrain and operate in inclement weather, electric units work just as well as IC equipment both inside and outside the warehouse.

Although electric forklifts have significant advantages, you must decide whether they’re the best choice for your business. IC units cost less upfront, but the extra fuel and maintenance can cost you more over time. Electric units, however, require OSHA-compliant charging stations and large batteries that must be regularly cleaned and charged.

Charge batteries at night to avoid adding to peak demand charges. A 24/7 operation may require additional batteries on-site to prevent downtime. Finally, the electrical capacity of your facility must meet the voltage and amperage requirements of the charging station.

Work carefully with your supplier to make sure electric units are the right fit for your application.