CLEAN POWER THAT MEANS BUSINESS

FORKLIFT FLEET ELECTRIFICATION

HIGH PERFORMANCE. LOW IMPACT.

EMPOWERING MATERIAL HANDLING DECARBONIZATION

At Hyster, we have been manufacturing electric forklifts for decades and recognized time
and again with awards for our clean power solutions. While we have deep experience in
forklift electrification, we understand that converting from equipment powered by internal
combustion engines (ICE) is a big decision. Our team, including our extensive network of
dealers, stands ready to help you navigate the shift and harness the financial and
performance advantages of electric forklifts.

CHARGE UP YOUR UNDERSTANDING

FORKLIFT ELECTRIFICATION - FAQ

Electrification Costs

Are electric forklifts more expensive than gas or diesel equivalents?

While electric forklifts may have a higher initial acquisition cost, they can offer potential savings and a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) through reduced operating and maintenance expenses. That’s because electric drivetrains have fewer components and less complexity than ICE, and lithium-ion batteries in particular require zero battery maintenance or equalization. The useful life of these two types of equipment is also a factor. An average, moderately used ICE truck has an economic life for the first owner of about 10,000 – 12,000 hours, whereas similarly maintained lithium-ion trucks could well surpass this mark. Energy prices, incentives and regulations in your area should also be factored into the cost analysis.

 

Are rebates available for electric forklifts?

Various state and federal programs administer grants, rebates, tax incentives or carbon offset credits. Speak with your local Hyster dealer to learn more about financial incentives that are available in your area to help you pursue decarbonization.

Emissions

Do electric forklifts produce carbon emissions?

Hyster forklifts powered by lithium-ion and TPPL produce zero tailpipe emissions. Lead acid batteries do not produce emissions while in operation but do emit fumes that require ventilation during battery charging.  

 

Are electric forklifts better for the environment?

Electric forklifts can help companies meet decarbonization goals by reducing reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and their environmental footprint relative to ICE forklifts. For operations where ICE remains the most appropriate power choice, Hyster ICE-powered forklifts are certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for emissions compliance.

 

What is the allowable carbon monoxide level of propane forklifts?

OSHA requires that concentration levels of carbon monoxide gas created by PIT operations do not exceed the levels specified in standard number 1910.1000. Clean power options, such as electric forklifts can help improve air quality because they do not produce harmful emissions. Electric forklifts can also help enhance workplace safety and employee wellbeing because they are generally quieter and transmit fewer vibrations to the operator than ICE forklifts.

PRODUCTIVITY

Can electric forklifts really offer performance comparable to ICE?

Yes. Newer electric forklifts that use lithium-ion batteries provide consistent power until depletion, putting them more in line with ICE performance than the legacy electric option, lead acid batteries. And while lead acid batteries are generally too large and heavy to be adequately scaled up to satisfy the energy draw of a high-capacity forklift, lithium-ion has a smaller, lighter form factor and it can tolerate a high energy draw without overheating or dropping in efficiency. Compared to lead acid batteries, lithium-ion offers far greater energy density, power transfer and service life.

 

Do electric lift trucks have the ability to use heavy attachments?

Yes. Attachments used on ICE forklifts can be used on electric forklifts. The front-end architecture on Hyster forklifts is designed to the same industry standard for either type of truck.

 

Will an electric lift truck lift heavy loads to great heights?

Electric lift trucks can lift the same, or in some cases even slightly more, weight to the same height as the equivalent ICE forklift. This will vary based on your application and configuration, but in general electric forklifts are heavier due to the weight and positioning of the battery, which can allow them to outperform ICE in high-lifting scenarios.

 

Can outdoor forklifts that work in the elements be electrified?

Yes. ICE forklifts have been the tried-and-true option for demanding outdoor operations because they offer remarkable durability and have a proven record of standing up to the most extreme environments. But electric trucks can handle these environments, too. For example, lithium-ion batteries offer strong performance in hot and cold environments, helping forklifts run reliably and consistently over multiple shifts, no matter the season. Our integrated lithium-ion forklifts use a sealed battery housing to keep out moisture.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Do all electric forklifts require battery charging rooms?

No. Lithium-ion batteries are plugged into a charger without removing them from the truck, and their rapid charging speeds can allow for a 1:1 power source to forklift ratio – no need to buy extra batteries to keep trucks moving while depleted batteries charge. This redundancy can happen with lead acid battery packs and even liquified petroleum tanks, eating into valuable space that could be used for other purposes. Lead acid batteries require significant space for battery maintenance, charging and storage.

 

Does electrifying my forklift fleet require upgrades to the electrical infrastructure in my facility?

Not always, but depending on the fleet size, chargers and existing electrical wiring and connections, transitioning a fleet to electric can require upgrades. Unlike ICE, electric forklifts depend on the electric grid in your area and areas with weak grids become more susceptible to interruptions the more intense the charging requirements are. It’s important to work with partners who can help you understand the power requirements for your planned fleet, communicate with your utility provider and develop an appropriate charging strategy.

CHARGING

What kind of charging equipment do I need for electric forklifts?

Electric forklifts require the installation of chargers, though the amount of chargers does not always exactly match the number of forklifts. Developing an effective charging strategy can help operations determine how many and what type of chargers are necessary. Important factors influencing this approach include the types of batteries, the necessary voltage, number of trucks on-site and total application hours they must run, and operator charging discipline.

 

Where should you place electric forklift battery chargers?

To determine the right location for electric forklift battery chargers, it’s important to consider your operators, your facility layout and your electrical infrastructure. Chargers should be placed in locations that are convenient for operators to access, particularly for charging strategies that include opportunity charging to top off the battery’s state of charge during lunch or other breaks when the forklift is not in use.

 

How long does it take to charge an electric forklift?

Specific charging times vary based on the charger and battery type and size, but lithium-ion generally offers fast recharging times and enables opportunity charging. As an example, a lead acid battery typically requires about 20 minutes for the operator to switch out the battery, followed by approximately 16 hours of charging and cool-down time. By comparison, some lithium-ion forklifts like the J50-60XNL can fully charge in less than an hour.

 

Who can charge and change batteries in electric-powered forklifts?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that only trained personnel charge and change batteries in electric forklifts. However, unlike lead acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries have a simpler charging protocol because they do not need to be removed from the truck to charge.

Training

Do operators need special training for electric forklifts?

Regardless of the forklift power source, be it electric or ICE, OSHA requires that forklift operator training must cover topics tailored to both the specific type of truck that the operator will be using, such as controls, operation and refueling or recharging, as well as the particular worksite. 

 

Do electric forklifts require special technician training for maintenance?

The answer depends on the particular forklift. Not all electric-powered materials handling equipment is high-voltage, but high-capacity electric forklifts can be high voltage, and there are important safety standards operations must understand to prevent electrical danger or injury.

Other

What is the difference between electric forklifts and internal combustion engine (ICE) forklifts?

While electric forklifts are powered by batteries or hydrogen fuel cells, ICE forklifts are typically fueled by propane, gas or diesel. These different power sources each have their own unique characteristics including their carbon emissions profile, operating costs, power output and requirements for maintenance, space, and operator involvement.

 

What if there is a power outage in my area?

Having a contingency plan in place can help you to mitigate equipment downtime in the event of a natural disaster or other issue that causes a temporary power outage. Local dealers often have ICE rental forklifts on hand that could provide support in case of an unexpected outage. 

 

Haven’t found the answer you’re looking for?

Our team can probably answer it. Find your local dealer.

PROVEN SOLUTIONS

ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS WITH ICE-LIKE POWER

 

RESOURCES ABOUT FORKLIFT FLEET ELECTRIFICATION

Smart decisions are informed decisions. Get a better understanding of how and why to convert your forklift fleet to electric with these insights and resources.

WANT TO SWITCH TO ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS NOW? HERE’S HOW.

WANT TO SWITCH TO ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS NOW? HERE’S HOW.

Experts share a clear pathway, including how to determine the forklift type, motive power source and battery charging infrastructure for your unique operation.

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TIME TO RETHINK YOUR LIFT TRUCK POWER

TIME TO RETHINK YOUR LIFT TRUCK POWER

It’s tough to know when you need to make a change. Review four signs that a different forklift power source could be the right move.

Read this article
SWITCHING TO LITHIUM-ION CUTS COSTS AND EMISSIONS

SWITCHING TO LITHIUM-ION CUTS COSTS AND EMISSIONS

A paper and packaging manufacturer reduced emissions and saved $1.5 million by switching their ICE fleet at just one facility.

Read this case study
Hyster electric forklift is being charged

ELECTRIC OR ICE: WHICH TYPE OF FORKLIFT IS BEST FOR YOUR INDOOR USE?

Decide on the best type of forklift for your business to use indoors, ICE or electric. Read to learn more about indoor electrification, including costs and benefits.

Read this article

GRANTS AND INCENTIVES FOR FORKLIFT ELECTRIFICATION

Programs and availability vary by state, but resources are available to help make the conversion to electric materials handling equipment possible.

Programs to help offset the acquisition cost of electric equipment, chargers and even infrastructure upgrades include:

Speak with your local dealer to learn more about financial incentives in your area.

CONNECT WITH A FORKLIFT ELECTRIFICATION EXPERT

Not sure where to start? Need help finding the right solution? Our experts can give you a hand.

FIND YOUR DEALER