Lithium-Ion Battery Technology for Forklift & Warehouse Equipment from EP

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CPD15 electric counter balance forklift

Lithium-Ion Forklifts

What is Lithium-Ion?

First adopted in the early 1990s, lithium-ion is the fastest growing and most promising battery technology. While lithium-ion batteries have taken over the industry of computing and portable devices, it has yet to have a similar impact on industrial equipment and vehicles. However, due to recent advances, the technology has unrivalled potential for widespread use. This presents a compelling case for investing early in lithium-ion for the forklift industry.

lithium-ion batter technology
lithium ion forklift

What advantages do Lithium-Ion batteries have in forklift trucks?

Firstly, lithium-ion batteries provide a much higher energy density compared to lead-acid. This means that less mass is needed to provide the same level of output. Another aspect of lithium-ion batteries is that they do not need a prolonged period of priming on first use. Instead, they come ready to go straight from the factory.

A common theme when talking about lithium-ion batteries is the low amount of maintenance required; no periodic discharge is needed and, unlike lead-acid batteries, there is no ‘memory effect’ present. Furthermore, the batteries retain their charge for longer periods compared to other battery types. Ease-of-use is unparalleled compared to lead-acid.

Lithium-Ion Products

With regards to the industry of forklift trucks, lithium-ion technology offers numerous benefits:

No Continuous Maintenance

There are no continuous maintenance routines typical of operating lead-acid batteries. Although traditional battery technology is more mature and refined than lithium-ion, progress in areas such as efficiency has stagnated due to the limiting factors of the chemical reactions involved.

Much Longer Lifespan

Lithium batteries have much longer lifespans than lead-acid ones, allowing them to hold their value much more and could even be considered long-term investments (especially in an industry whereby the technology is yet to reach mainstream usage). Savings over a longer duration of time will be apparent and the industry will move over to the more affordable lithium-ion solutions.

Save Time & Space

Warehouses operating lithium-ion-powered fork lifts will benefit from the shorter time spent by staff maintaining forklift batteries, opportunity charging & a constant discharge rate. There is also a considerable amount of space saved from the lack of the need for a dedicated charging room. End users will enjoy flexibility of indoor and outdoor use from zero-emission trucks.

"The PHL team were so helpful when answering the many questions I had and were very accommodating when I visited them at their premises. I'd definitely recommend them."

Ryan Hill