Why Choose Electric Lift Trucks
If you are considering joining the thousands of material handling professionals who have replaced their in-plant internal combustion trucks with battery-powered electric ones, you will want to consider the characteristics which make electric vehicles preferable under most conditions. In typical industrial truck applications, electric trucks provide the following advantages:
1. Lowest operating costs
Although the initial capital cost of electric trucks is usually higher than that of internal combustion models, the day-to-day running costs are significantly less, due to the relatively low cost of electricity. Maintenance costs are also lower because electric vehicles contain far fewer moving parts to wear out. Bottom-line savings for operations of medium- and large-sized fleets often reach 30%. Smaller fleets regularly save at least 10%.
2. Low impact on the working environment
Electric trucks produce no exhaust emissions, and they are odor-free and quiet. They also generate little or no heat. The resultant driver comfort cuts fatigue and can improve productivity.
3. Long service life
The life expectancy of an electric truck is 10-15 years of one-shift operation, compared to 6-10 years for an internal combustion truck used under the same conditions. Replacement costs are therefore reduced over the long term.
4. High safety factor
Electric trucks have a lower center of gravity, providing better operating stability. Fire and explosion hazards are also greatly reduced. Simpler controls are an added safety feature.
5. Versatile, compact design
Lead battery power systems permit design flexibility, resulting in highly maneuverable trucks that can work in narrow aisles and restricted spaces.
6. Fast operation
Higher starting torque, smoother handling and ease of operation allow a task cycle to be performed more quickly with an electric truck than with a comparable internal combustion truck, where point-to-point travel is less than 1,000 feet. Modern electric fork lifts have lifting speeds up to 100 feet per minute.
Other factors may also need to be considered when choosing a truck for a particular application. For example, only electric trucks are suitable for use in food processing plants, cool stores and confined areas. In fact, electric trucks should be preferred in almost all indoor applications.