Lithium vs. Lead-Acid Forklift Batteries: Which Is Better?

If you work in a warehouse or retail environment with storage facilities, you may need to operate a forklift at some point. Forklifts are great tools for transporting heavy equipment, moving pallets onto high shelves, and unloading freight. Two of the most common battery options for electric forklifts are lithium or lead-acid, but which is better, and how can you decide which is best for your workplace?

Overall Cost

One of the first things companies may consider when deciding on a battery option is the cost. Lead-acid forklift batteries have a much lower initial price, which may make them appealing. However, when you factor in additional costs like replacement fees, maintenance, and increased utility bills due to longer charge times, lead-acid batteries often wind up costing much more in the long run.

Charging Options

When determining whether lithium or lead-acid forklift batteries are better, you’ll want to consider charging speed and efficiency. Lithium batteries are able to be opportunity charged on breaks and shift changes, and can often be fully charged in about three hours, which may make them a better option if you don’t have many forklifts to work with and you need to charge them quickly. Comparatively, lead-acid batteries may take over 10 hours to charge, particularly as they near the end of their lifespan, making them a less impressive option if you keep your forklifts in constant motion throughout a night shift.

Weight and Power

A significant advantage of lithium-ion batteries over their lead-acid counterparts is that lithium-ion batteries are much more compact and lightweight while putting out substantially more power. Having a more energy-dense battery for your forklift allows it to operate more efficiently and carry heavier loads without going over its weight capacity, in part due to the significant weight savings when switching to lithium from lead-acid or other gas-powered alternatives.

Lead-acid batteries aren’t without their own merits, but many businesses find long-lasting, powerful, and lightweight lithium batteries to be the smarter choice in the long run. If you’re looking for 36-volt, or 48-volt lithium-ion forklift batteries, BigBattery has a wide selection of options for any make and model. We have helpful blog posts on how to get the most out of your electric forklift and make the battery last as long as possible. For more information or if you have any specific questions, feel free to contact us any time, and a member of our staff will provide you with more details.