Debunking 5 Popular Electric Forklift Myths

Whenever new technologies are developed, misconceptions come out of the woodwork to explain why it’s not as good as other options. This is true with electric forklifts, as many companies hold themselves back from using them because they believe they are inadequate. We’ll debunk five popular electric forklift myths to demonstrate that they have a place in industrial workspaces.

Electric Forklifts Don’t Work Outdoors

Early electric forklifts had open motors and struggled when exposed to elements such as seawater or sawdust. However, modern electric forklifts have sealed motors that protect the battery. Forklift manufacturers anticipated the need for outdoor work, and modern machines have no such limitations.

Electric Forklifts Require Battery Changes Between Shifts

Too many people assume an electric forklift battery won’t last back-to-back shifts and that workers need to stop working and swap it out. While there is a grain of truth to this myth, particularly when it comes to lead-acid powered electric forklifts, lithium-ion batteries, with their fast-charging technology and efficient chemistries, enables workers to charge batteries between multi-shifts without needing to swap them out entirely.

Fast-Charging Ruins the Battery

While this can be true for older lead-acid batteries, when it comes to lithium options, that isn’t the case. If you keep the batteries in good condition and avoid discharging too deeply, fast-charging a lithium battery causes no additional wear and tear than normal usage. Keep in mind that the limitations of fast-charging a battery may vary depending on the manufacturer. BigBattery industrial batteries can be fully discharged without issue, and handle fast charging without negative repercussions, both of which work together to maximize their lifespan.

Electric Forklifts Aren’t Powerful

We’ll debunk one of the most popular electric forklift myths right here and now: internal combustion forklifts are not inherently more powerful. Many industrial lithium batteries enable electric forklifts to match or even exceed a traditional model’s power and performance.

Electric Forklifts Are Expensive

One thing that holds many people back from converting to electric forklifts is the idea that the upfront costs of new equipment and batteries are too high. However, many leasing companies for equipment allow businesses to bundle the cost of batteries and chargers into the original paperwork. This process allows companies to make the switch at a much lower risk and start reaping the benefits of saving money with electric forklifts sooner rather than later. Plus, when you factor in the cost of maintenance and replacements for lead-acid batteries or propane tanks, the lifetime savings from switching to lithium power cover the cost of upgrading multiple times over.

BigBattery is here to help you learn more about industrial lithium battery packs for your electric forklifts. We have a catalog of battery packs to choose from and several helpful blog posts to help you get the most out of your equipment. If you have any additional questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to contact us anytime, and a helpful member of our staff will gladly assist you.