Why Are More Electric Forklifts Opting for Lithium Batteries? Key Trends and Advantages

At present, the role of electric forklifts in the production, logistics and warehousing processes of enterprises is becoming increasingly prominent, and the demand for electric forklifts in all walks of life is gradually increasing. If the battery of an electric forklift is used or stored for too long and the power is reduced, it must be charged in time. Experienced drivers know that before the widespread use of power lithium batteries, lead-acid batteries have always been the main power source for industrial vehicles, especially electric forklifts. With the rapid development of new energy battery technology and the decreasing cost of power lithium batteries, the sales and ownership of electric forklifts are increasing, and the market for the batteries they are equipped with is also quietly changing. With the inclination of national policies, the market orientation of energy conservation and environmental protection, and the continuous strengthening of environmental awareness, it is an inevitable trend that lithium batteries will gradually replace lead-acid batteries in the next 3-5 years.

Generally speaking, forklift manufacturers will custom-purchase or specially develop corresponding lithium batteries to provide maximum safety and integration while maintaining the overall quality and reliability of the forklift.

What are the benefits of choosing lithium batteries for electric forklifts?

Longer service life

With the further development of lithium-ion battery technology, the battery life can reach about 3,000 capacity cycles, which is a great advantage compared to the traditional lead-acid battery of about 1,000 charging cycles. In most applications, the same life of a lithium-ion battery is equal to at least 3 lead-acid batteries. In addition, the service life of traditional lead-acid batteries will also be affected by post-maintenance. Leakage, lack of proper cleaning and charging or balancing of lead-acid batteries will greatly reduce their life.

One of the biggest advantages of using lithium batteries in electric forklifts is their excellent endurance. Compared with traditional lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries can provide longer working time and shorter charging cycles. This greatly improves work efficiency for warehouses or factories that require continuous operation. For example, a fully charged lithium battery may support the forklift to run for several hours without recharging, effectively avoiding the problem of work interruption.

Easier maintenance

Maintenance-free is a major advantage of lithium-ion batteries, which can reduce labor costs and increase productivity. Traditional lead-acid batteries require weekly maintenance to maintain battery health. Lead-acid batteries are very labor-intensive and their lifespan will be greatly shortened if not properly maintained. Lithium-ion forklift batteries, on the other hand, do not require any daily maintenance other than checking cables and connectors and wiping off dust.

Fast charging is more convenient

The maintenance cost of lithium batteries is much lower than that of traditional lead-acid batteries. They do not require frequent water replenishment and are more durable, reducing the frequency of replacement. In addition, the self-discharge rate of lithium batteries is also very low, and even if they are not used for a long time, the power loss is minimal, which is especially beneficial for scenarios where forklifts are not used every day.

A major advantage of lithium-ion batteries is that they are designed with special consideration for ease of use, especially in fast charging. Whenever possible, they can be simply plugged in, even if it is only for a dozen minutes. It can provide longer charging capacity, and even if it cannot be fully charged, it can be stopped and recharged during the idle period after the operation is completed.

Better safety

Lithium batteries for forklifts require less maintenance and are therefore a safer choice. The battery is completely sealed and very stable. So there is no corrosion, sulfation, acid spills or contamination, which is also good for the environment. The BMS system can communicate with the forklift and send information about the battery status, such as discharge level, which is visible on the standard forklift display. If any problems occur, an error code will be displayed, and in the worst case, the battery will automatically shut down the forklift in a safe way. To provide maximum safety, performance and reliability.

Higher efficiency and lower cost

Lithium-ion forklifts can be charged quickly, and the 1-3 hour fast charging mode is suitable for multi-shift operations. Charge and use immediately, eliminating the time and safety risks of replacing batteries, and more powerful. Another advantage of lithium-ion batteries is that they provide a constant high power supply that does not drop as the battery discharges, and the power output can completely replace internal combustion forklifts. Lead-acid batteries usually require 7-10 hours of charging, and they are uninterrupted. Naturally, the work efficiency is not as good as that of lithium batteries. In addition, the time and labor of maintenance, as well as the cost of replacement, these costs are added up over a long period of time. Choosing lithium-ion batteries for electric forklifts is indeed a very good investment.

Electric forklifts are the future trend. Electric forklifts have less pollution, low noise, sensitive response, and a comfortable driving environment, completely avoiding the drawbacks of large exhaust and noise pollution from internal combustion engines. Driven by the development ideas of "energy conservation and emission reduction, transformation and upgrading, quality improvement and efficiency enhancement" proposed in the national policy planning, the promotion and application of electric vehicles and new energy technologies such as electric drive, lithium batteries, and fuel cells in the field of industrial vehicles have played a very important role in promoting the development of electric forklifts in China. The gradual replacement of internal combustion forklifts by electric forklifts is becoming a reality step by step, which cannot be ignored! Electric forklift batteries will also have broad market development prospects and unlimited business opportunities!

Batteries are crucial as the power source of electric forklifts. The power of forklifts requires: strong power and continuous and stable supply. At present, most electric forklifts use lead-acid batteries, but lead-acid batteries also have many criticisms: for example, acid batteries cannot be charged quickly, need maintenance and water addition, and have a short service life. However, the application of lithium batteries can solve this problem well! With the continuous improvement of lithium batteries and the reduction of related production costs, more and more customers are gradually switching to lithium batteries!

With the continuous advancement of technology and the changing market demand, lithium battery electric forklifts are undoubtedly the best companions for modern logistics and production industries. Whether from the perspective of efficiency, environmental protection or cost, they have brought unprecedented advantages to enterprises. As time goes by, we look forward to seeing more industry innovation cases using this technology! If you need forklift parts, please contact us!