Many industries and businesses utilize forklifts. The warehouses and loading docks of your favorite big chain department stores use forklifts daily to move heavy palettes and conduct operations safely and efficiently. Lithium-ion batteries are the preferred choice for these machines, as lithium battery technology continues to improve and surpass lead-acid models in terms of safety, performance, and reliability. But are they the right upgrade for your business? Today, we’ll take a look at some of the pros and cons of a lithium-ion forklift battery and see if this is a move in the right direction for your equipment.

Pro: Less Maintenance

Lithium-ion batteries are much easier to take care of than lead-acid batteries, which require balancing water if they’re flooded, and other crucial maintenance, regardless of design or construction. Lithium-ion batteries are self-contained, with many having closed terminal connections versus the open terminals of lead-acid batteries, and require very little maintenance beyond the occasional brushing away of dust.

Con: Initial Investment

Lithium-ion batteries are more costly up front than lead-acid batteries. On average, the price tag may be up to three times higher for a lithium-ion battery pack.

Pro: Longer Life

While initial costs may be significantly higher for lithium-ion batteries, they do have significantly longer lifespans. Companies can see extended years of use from a lithium-ion battery pack, up to 3 or 4 times longer than lead-acid, meaning you’ll save money in the long run because you won’t need to replace them as often.

Con: Potential Modifications

While many modern forklifts come with basic lithium-ion batteries, an older model may not be compatible with a different battery type, or not be suited for electric battery power at all, requiring further modifications. You may need to make costly modifications to the forklift that take it out of commission for a while to accommodate a new battery type. Although this is not incredibly common, ensure you understand the power systems of your forklifts and what they require before upgrading.

Pro: Environmentally Friendly

When looking at both the pros and cons of a lithium-ion forklift battery, lithium batteries are viewed as the greener alternative. Compared to lead-acid options, they are built with more components capable of being recycled, leading to less overall waste after they’ve reached the end of their life. Furthermore, when compared to gas-powered forklifts, the answer is obvious – there’s no gas or other fuel required. When comparing lithium-ion, lead-acid, and gas, often propane, as a power supply for your forklift, lithium-ion is the best choice for the cleanest energy consumption.

For any additional questions, comments, or concerns about industrial lithium-ion battery packs, BigBattery has the answers, products, and services you need for forklifts, golf carts, recreational vehicles, and more. Contact us today for more information or to speak to one of our certified specialists.

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