While gas and diesel-powered forklifts were once centre stage when it comes to day-to-day operations, electric trucks are swiftly catching up to these old favourites. Offering a greener approach, safer indoor use and practical functionality; battery power is bigger than ever when it comes to forklift technology. We’ve collated all you need to know about electric forklifts to make an informed choice on whether going electric is the right is fit for your business.
Read on to find out more about the main differences of electric forklifts, the benefits of this technology and which industries would get the most use out of battery-powered operations. We’ve covered it all, so you won’t have to look elsewhere when it comes to determining if battery power is the best fit for your business.
What are electric forklifts?
Electric forklifts are a subtype of forklift that is powered exclusively by electricity, rather than traditional sources such as gas or diesel. These models offer an effective, quiet and powerful way to utilise forklift technology in even tight, enclosed spaces. While this tech isn’t suitable in all instances – for example, where a forklift is used outside for extremely hefty loads – it does provide an alternative to bulkier, less indoors-suitable models of the past.
How are electric forklifts different to other models on the market?
As you might expect, the big difference between electric forklifts and other models is the source of power. While other forklifts may require petrol or diesel to function, electric models require a charge of a few hours (sometimes overnight) to keep running. In many cases, going electric means a quieter machine, and while there are electric forklifts capable of carrying hefty loads, such as the JUKILIFT 5 ton 7-Series, in many cases electric forklifts are designed to be smaller, more manoeuvrable machines.