In the operation of electric forklift, rechargeable battery is the core power source, and its performance directly affects the operation efficiency and operation cost of forklift. At present, the common types of rechargeable batteries for electric forklifts are lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries.
Lead-acid battery is the traditional choice in the field of electric forklift, this type of battery technology is mature, low cost, its structure mainly consists of positive and negative plates, electrolyte, partitions and shells, the plates are made of lead and its oxides, and the electrolyte is sulfuric acid solution.
However, this type of battery has low energy density, limited range, long charging time, generally need 8 - 10 hours to be full, and short service life, about 1 - 2 years, only for strict cost control, not high frequency of use of electric forklifts.
In recent years, the application of lithium-ion batteries in the field of electric forklift trucks has gradually become widespread, and the main lithium-ion forklift battery material used in the market is lithium iron phosphate. Lithium iron phosphate batteries, with lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material, are characterized by high energy density (generally 100 - 150Wh/kg), long cycle life and good safety performance.
It can provide forklift trucks with long range, fast charging speed, fast charging 1 - 2 hours to meet the use of demand, service life of up to 5 - 8 years, good thermal stability, not easy to fire, explosion, applicable to the operation of the higher requirements for range and safety scenes. View BSLBATT Forklift Lithium Battery Products.
Performance characteristics: low upfront cost, mature technology, relatively simple maintenance. However, low energy density, limited range, long charging time, usually takes 8 - 10 hours to fill up. The service life is short, about 1 - 2 years.
Applicable forklift types and performance: It is more suitable for small counterbalanced forklifts and electric pallet trucks that are not used frequently and have a relatively fixed operating environment. In this type of forklift, although there is a shortage of range and charging time, the lower cost can meet the needs of some customers with limited budget. However, for counterbalanced forklift trucks that need to operate continuously for a long time, frequent charging will seriously affect work efficiency.
Performance characteristics: high energy density, long range, fast charging speed, fast charging 1 - 2 hours to meet the needs of use. Long service life, up to 5 - 8 years, high security, good thermal stability. The upfront cost is relatively high.
Applicable forklift types and performance: It is very suitable for all kinds of forklift trucks, especially counterbalanced forklift trucks and reach forklift trucks with high requirements for range and charging efficiency. In counterbalanced forklifts, its high energy density and long range can meet the demand of long-time handling of heavy loads; in reach forklifts, the fast charging characteristics can quickly replenish the power in the narrow passageway between operations and improve work efficiency.
Different types of batteries have their own advantages and are suitable for different environments. Therefore, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing the right power source for your electric forklift.
If the forklift is mainly used in indoor warehouses, or frequently operated in high and low temperature environments, then there are certain requirements on the battery's range and charging speed.
It is recommended to choose lithium batteries because of their fast charging speed, which can quickly replenish the power when the forklift stops for a short period of time, effectively reducing fleet downtime. On the contrary, if your forklift is used infrequently, lead-acid batteries may be sufficient for your needs.
Generally lead-acid batteries have a lower upfront purchase cost, but require higher maintenance costs later on, making them an economical choice for businesses with limited budgets.
Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, have a higher up-front purchase cost, but require no maintenance later on, which reduces maintenance costs later on and has a longer service life than lead-acid batteries. If your fleet has a long-term operating plan and daily tasks need to be done efficiently, then lithium-ion batteries are the most cost-effective option.
Lithium batteries are smaller and lighter than lead-acid batteries for vehicles that need to reduce weight and energy consumption. However, for forklifts that require weight balance, heavier lead-acid batteries are available. Or you can choose lithium batteries plus counterweights. Check out our Lithium Batteries for Heavy Duty Forklifts products.
Lithium forklift batteries have minimal environmental impact and comply with environmental regulations, making them in line with current trends. In contrast, lead-acid batteries emit harmful emissions that affect the environment and human health.
Choosing the right battery for electric forklift is not only a simple battery purchasing decision for enterprises, but also an important strategic decision about their operational efficiency, cost control and social responsibility.
Upgrading your lithium-ion forklift battery system is a trend that will help your organization reduce costs, increase efficiency and achieve sustainable growth. If your company is looking for an efficient and environmentally friendly battery solution, please feel free to contact us, our engineers will provide you with customized lithium-ion forklift battery solutions from a professional point of view.
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E-mail: inquiry@bsl-battery.com
