22 Feb Lithium-Ion Batteries – are they right for your fleet?
With advancements in technology happening quickly, fleet managers have new decisions to make regarding their power source. Lead-acid batteries are easily the most used battery type among electric trucks, but with the increasing benefits of lithium-ion batteries, more and more are considering switching to Lithium-ion. As lithium-ion technology continues to gain more attention, it is important to consider the potential trade-offs involved for different applications.
Lithium-Ion Benefits
- Increased Efficiency
- Reduced Downtime and Longer Run Time
- Opportunity Charged During Operator Breaks
- Zero Gas Emission – no special battery rooms
- No Maintenance – no watering or exposing employees to hazardous chemicals
Lithium-ion technology is still relatively new, so there is still a lot of uncertainty about the technology, and lead-acid batteries are still great options for facilities not running multiple shifts and require lower initial investment; even though lithium-ion batteries cost more upfront, the advantages gained outweigh the initial investment and will offer a higher return on investment.
As a total solutions provider, Lift Power offers power studies to help evaluate your application to determine if lithium-ion batteries are a practical alternative power source for your fleet.
Some key questions to consider:
- How many hours do your trucks operate per shift per day?
- What is the appropriate battery and charger size for my application?
- How many breaks do operators have? How long are they?
- What changes need to be made to training and safety programs?
- Do any changes need to be made to the facility?
- Are the forklifts qualified for lithium-ion technology?
What to expect when using Lithium-ion Forklift Batteries
With the switch to lithium-ion batteries, your fleet managers will notice changes in how your forklifts perform. Your fleet will have more consistent power and faster charging speeds. They will have longer-lasting batteries with no maintenance and a more efficient operation.
Considering switching to lithium-ion batteries can be a big decision, Lift Power can help you evaluate your application to determine if lithium-ion batteries are practical for your fleet. Contact our motive power specialists to learn more.
