Which one is better for your forklift?
If you are a company that uses forklifts, you will know there are 2 commonly used kinds of batteries: lead-acid battery and lithium battery. There are quite a few differences between a lead-acid battery and a lithium battery.
Not all forklift batteries function the same way. If you are a forklift company or a company that uses a lot of forklifts, you will know the difference. It’s a choice companies will have to make when they have to transport a lot of material from one location to another. Battery cost will be an issue too as efficiency is always key.
You will want to look for a well-functioning forklift battery that you can rely on in the long term. That way your operations will run smoothly and have a significant influence and impact on the bottom line.
What should you look for in a forklift battery?
There are a few things to look out for when you are choosing between a lead-acid battery and a lithium battery for your forklift. Here are some pointers for you to consider before making that final decision.
1. Cost savings of the battery’s life
Some vehicle batteries, including forklift batteries, don’t last very long. When they don’t last very long, you will find that you have to keep changing the batteries regularly. When you change the batteries, it will cost you money. No matter how small these amounts of money are, it adds up. Choose a forklift battery that will not cost a bomb in your overhead expenses.
2. Operational life of the forklift battery
This sort of ties into the previous point. You do not want to have a battery life that has a short life span. When you have a battery life that has a short life span, it means you will have to charge it often. When you charge it often, the battery’s lifespan will decrease over time. In the end, it burns out on itself and, before long, you will have to get a new one.
3. Opportunity charging
Opportunity charging means when you get the chance (the time) to charge your forklift batteries. Most companies will do it in between lunch breaks while they are out for their meals. When they come back, the battery’s life may be higher. That means the forklift will be able to last to the end of its shift at the end of the day.
4. Consistent battery performance
When you are looking for a battery for your forklift, you will usually look for the ones that have consistency. Typically, a battery’s performance is at its highest during the start of its shift. Towards the end, it usually has lower performance and feeds less power to the forklift. Choose one that is consistent through the entire shift.
5. Whether the forklift battery emits dangerous fumes or not
Some forklift batteries emit harmful fumes such as hydrogen fumes. When your workers inhale these fumes, it can lead to a lot of health problems. Choose a battery that does not emit dangerous fumes.
Which forklift battery should you choose?
We have put together a comparison table for you to choose the best forklift battery for your forklift. Both batteries have their own uses in forklifts so choose according to your needs.
| Forklift Lithium Batteries | Forklift Lead Batteries |
| Lower maintenance in cost. These batteries are cheaper to buy and will not dent your overhead expenses. They are cost-effective because they tend to last longer to the end of their life as compared to acid batteries and whatnot. | Higher maintenance in cost. If you are planning to use forklifts in the long term, perhaps this type of battery is not the best for your work’s intentions. |
| Lithium batteries are also within budget range for companies who are looking to get new forklift batteries. Even if it may be slightly more expensive than lead batteries, it isn’t exactly too expensive to an impossible level. | The initial cost to buy a forklift lead battery is cheaper than lithium one. So yes, for new companies that do not have a lot of capital, then this will be a good option to jumpstart your new business. |
| Lithium batteries are designed and made to stay in the forklift. That means if you want to recharge your forklift lithium battery, then you will need to take the entire vehicle with it to the charging station. That’s why you will need a much bigger charging space if you use lithium batteries on your forklifts. | You can remove lead batteries from the forklift and charge them at its designated charging stations. So if the current battery runs out of power, you can replace it with one that has 100% power and let the forklift continue its operation. Then you can take the empty battery to its charging station to have it refilled. L |
| Good for companies that have multiple-shift operations. | Good for companies with single-shift operations. |
| Lasts for 2000 to 3000 charge cycles. | Lasts for 1000 to 1500 charge cycles. |
| Has battery density of 100 Wh/KG to 265 Wh/KG. It is 3 to 6 times stronger than lead-acid. Its energy is more consistent and more spread out. So when you start off with high power operation on your forklift with lithium batteries, you will get the same energy at the end of your shift. | Has an energy density of 80 Wh/L to 90 80 Wh/L, with a specific energy of 34 80 Wh/KG to 40 Wh/KG. Meaning to say: lead batteries are not very good at keeping their energy stored. When you are nearing the end of your shift, forklift batteries with these types will usually become weaker and weaker. |
Key Takeaway
Hopefully, the comparison can show you which batteries you should get for your forklift. Both forklift batteries have their own uses. So it’s important that you weigh out the pros and cons of each before settling for one.
If you need some help or advice regarding forklift batteries, feel free to contact us today!