Lead-acid batteries are the standard when it comes to vehicular power. From golf carts to your personal car, these battery styles dominate the industry. The forklift that carries every good around your workplace also relies on these power sources. However, that’s not the case anymore. Lithium-ion batteries are making their way to a forklift near you. These batteries have numerous benefits that make them better than lead-acid types any day.
Takes Up Less Space
Lithium-ion batteries are smaller than lead-acid designs, which leads to less space taken up on your forklift, reports Warehouse IQ. You’ll technically have more storage space for other items as you move about the warehouse.
If you purchase a new forklift with lithium-ion batteries already installed, that machine will actually be a lot smaller than the designs with lead-acid batteries. Tight, warehouse aisles may not have been accessible with the forklift in the past, but lithium-ion batteries make those areas easy to maneuver into now.
Offers High-Density Storage
Energy and Capital reports that almost everything you and your customers deal with on a daily basis is touched in some way by a forklift. These machines are the workhorses of almost every industry. As a result, forklift owners and operators need batteries that can last a long time.
Lithium-ion batteries can last around three times longer than their lead-acid counterparts. This is an average value, however, so lifespans can vary. If you use the forklift each day and charge it overnight, the battery will always be ready to go.
Charges More Efficiently
Lead-acid batteries are known for their long, charging times. It’s the nature of the design and chemicals involved. Lithium-ion batteries are unique because they have starkly different chemical exchanges that occur between the internal metals. As a result, lithium-ion technology charges faster than others.
After about 40 minutes, 50 percent of the battery’s cells are ready to go. With only 80 minutes necessary for a full charge, these batteries contribute to productivity on every level. Businesses can technically swap out the batteries to keep the forklifts running 24 hours a day if necessary.
Produces Little Heat and Fewer Gases
Lead-acid batteries are known for their special needs, such as ventilating them during charging. They produce quite a bit of gas and heat as the chemical processes continue. Lithium-ion batteries don’t have this issue. They remain relatively cool throughout the charging time.
From a business’s perspective, cool batteries lead to safer conditions within the workplace. Fewer accidents occur as well. When employees feel comfortable in their workplace, they’re typically more productive than before.
Eliminates Excess Wear on Forklifts’ Internal Parts
The heat and weight contributed by lead-acid batteries creates significant wear on the forklift. Lithium-ion batteries reduce wear by producing less heat and offering a reduced weight. There’s also a steady current emanating from lithium-ion technology.
The forklift’s wiring and electrical parts don’t decline over time from fluctuating power. Excessive current moving through any electrical parts is wearing over time. As a result, the forklift has a longer lifespan than with the lead-acid designs.