Originally Written by Martin Boyd, Chief Marketing Officer | BIG JOE USA
The days of saying propane and diesel forklifts cannot be replaced with electrics are all but over in today’s world. As electric cars, SUVs, and pickups have all gained considerable acceptance and are beginning to proliferate throughout the market, so too has their distant cousin – the industrial forklift.
Electric sit-down counterbalance forklifts have been around for many decades, but significant productivity shortcomings and high maintenance pains associated with outdated lead acid battery technology powering such equipment served to undermine any real momentum towards electrification. The recent entrance of industrial lithium-Ion batteries with fast charging capabilities has been an absolute game-changer in empowering customers to leapfrog over all the pains associated with lead acid-powered forklifts.
Here are three considerations when determining if electrification is right for you and your operation.
Why Change from IC to Electric?
The “Why Change” question should come to mind first when evaluating whether making the switch to electric is right for you and your operation. Depending on your operation, your corporate initiatives, and even regional trends, there are many reasons that now might be the best time to electrify.
Lower Operational Costs
Electric forklifts can save you up to 50% on maintenance costs, and you can save 80% on fuel savings. With sustainability inspiring many to make the switch, one of the most compelling and often overlooked “Why Change” arguments favouring electrics is their ability to significantly reduce your operational costs. The cost to operate and maintain an internal combustion forklift fleet is very expensive compared to electrics.
Maintenance
Electric forklifts have considerably fewer moving parts than their internal combustion rivals. Fewer parts equals less maintenance, and since preventative maintenance intervals are commonly twice as long as internal combustion-powered forklifts, many operations can expect to see up to 50% reduced maintenance costs.
Fuel
Electric forklifts have proven to be more energy efficient than IC forklifts. While the volatility in oil prices and regional differences in fuel costs make it challenging to define a specific fuel savings, it’s not uncommon to experience an 80% savings in fuel by making the switch to electric.
Life
Extending the usable life of the forklift is an excellent way to spread costs out over time. Electrics have been proven to have a longer usable life than IC forklifts, which will significantly improve fleet efficiency and reduce overall costs.
Legislation
Over in the US, California is leading the way with progressive changes in forklift regulations. Starting in June 2024, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) will implement the Zero-Emission Forklift Regulation. At a high level, starting in 2026, it will no longer be possible to take deliveries of large spark-ignited (LSI) gasoline and propane-powered forklifts in the state.
While these regulations apply only to California, it’s worth considering that regulatory shifts like this often inspire global trends. Businesses globally, including in Australia, are adopting forward-thinking approaches in anticipation of future policy changes.
Green Thinking
Regardless of the industry, many companies worldwide feel a growing responsibility to safeguard the environment by incorporating sustainability goals into their corporate initiatives. Transitioning your fleet of IC forklifts to electrics powered by lithium represents one of many ways corporations can make progress in reaching their sustainability goals. Not only will electrifying your forklift fleet make a noticeable dent in your carbon footprint, but the benefits will directly impact those working on and around forklifts.