If you are in the market for a new forklift and are wondering if an electric forklift is a good choice for you, here are answers to the most common questions about electric forklifts. Click on each question to find out the answer.
If you are looking for the widest range of forklifts for the best prices and the best warranties in the industry, contact us.
Get all of your questions answered about electric forklifts
Electric Forklift: Questions & Answers
1. How much does an electric forklift cost?
The price that you pay for your electric forklift will depend on the type, make, and capacity that you choose.
Electric pallet jacks can cost $2,500 to $7,000 + depending on the capacity and features.
Basic electric counterbalance forklifts can cost $20,00 to $45,000 and up depending on their capacity and features.
Lithium powered forklifts will usually cost more than lead-acid forklifts. However, your total cost of ownership will be lower with a lithium forklift because they last longer.
Here is a handy calculator that you can download for free to determine the total cost of ownership of each type of forklift.
If you are looking for the best quality electric forklift for the best price, then take a look at Hangcha. Their new electric forklifts are as good and often better than other top brands, but they are priced much lower.
An electric counterbalance forklift can cost $20,000 to $45,000 and up
2. What is the best electric forklift?
The best type of electric forklift is one that is powered by a lithium battery rather than a lead-acid one, for many reasons including:
Longer Lifespan: Lithium-ion batteries last much longer than lead-acid batteries. For example, lithium-ion forklifts manufactured by Hangcha can last up to 20,000 hours so if you use it 8 hours a day it will last 2,500 days.
No Battery Watering: Lithium batteries never need watering! However, if you have a lead-acid battery, you need to keep the right amount of water in it in order for it to work properly.
No Battery Cleaning: Lithium batteries never need cleaning or need to have their acid level checked. They are virtually maintenance-free.
Faster Charging Speeds: Lithium-ion forklift batteries can be fully charged in as little as 2 hours and don't need to cool down after charging. It can take 8 to 10 hours to charge a lead-acid battery plus another 8 hours for cooling.
For a complete list of why lithium is your best choice for an electric forklift, download the free PDF: "13 Reasons Why Every Forklift Fleet Should Be Switched to Lithium"
Lithium batteries are easy to maintain
3. How much power does an electric forklift have?
With the advancement of technology and the use of lithium-ion batteries, it is now possible to get electric forklifts that have the strength to handle heavier loads. You can now get models that have lifting capacities ranging from 4,000 lbs to 35,000 lbs.
However, the more lifting capacity a forklift has, the larger the forklift needs to be. Therefore, you should choose a model that will give you the best balance between power and size.
Some electric forklifts can lift up to 35,000 lbs.
4. Why are Some forklifts electric?
Two of the main reasons why there are electric forklifts are:
They’re safer:
Many industries need to use forklifts indoors, so electric forklifts are your safest option as they don't produce harmful emissions like fossil-fuel powered forklifts do.
They’re better for the environment:
Fewer emissions also means that electric forklifts are environmentally friendly. In addition, lithium-powered electric forklifts don't use acid, and they have twice the service life when compared to lead-acid powered electric forklifts, which means less waste.
Electric forklifts are also substantially more efficient when charging and discharging and are completely recyclable, making them even better for the environment.
Electric forklifts are safer to use inside and are better for the environment
5. What does lithium-ion mean?
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) is an "advanced battery technology that uses lithium ions as a key component of its electrochemistry." The electrodes inside a lithium-ion battery are made from lithium and carbon.
Because lithium is a highly reactive element, it is capable of storing a large amount of energy in its atomic bonds. This means that lithium-ion batteries have a very high energy density.
The following video explains the main differences between a lithium-ion battery and a lead acid battery.
Lithium is an advanced battery technology
6. Why choose an electric forklift over a propane or diesel one?
Indoor applications:
An electric forklift is your best choice if you need to use your forklift indoors as it doesn't give off harmful emissions. Propane forklifts can also be used indoors if you have the proper ventilation.
Working around food:
If you use your forklift around food products, then you will also want to choose an electric one because it won't produce harmful fumes that could contaminate your products.
On-board charging:
You may think that a propane or diesel forklift is a better choice because you can do consecutive shifts without having to stop to charge your forklift.
However, many of Hangcha’s lithium-ion forklifts are also equipped with onboard chargers, which means that you don’t have to stop working while your forklift is charging.
This feature will help you reduce downtimes and increase productivity.
Electric forklifts are safer for working aroung food
7. How long does it take to charge an electric forklift?
The time it takes to charge an electric forklift will depend on the type of battery you have. A lithium-ion battery can receive charge at a much higher rate than a lead-acid battery so their charge times are much quicker.
Lithium-ion forklift batteries can be fully charged in as little as 2 hours and don't need to cool down after charging. It can take 8 to 10 hours to charge a lead-acid battery plus another 8 hours to cool down.
Lithium batteries charge faster than lead-acid
8. Are electric forklifts cheaper to run than gas ones?
Yes. Even though electric forklifts cost more to purchase initially, their operating costs are much lower and they generally have a longer lifespan, which means you will have a lower total cost of ownership. The cost for fossil-fuels is much higher than the cost of electricity to charge your batteries.
Wayco has the best forklifts at the best prices
If you are looking for top-quality forklifts, contact Wayco. We sell the widest variety of forklifts, including electric, that you can buy and our knowledgeable staff will be able to help you choose the perfect model that will best suit your particular applications.
We will be happy to answer all of your questions and our service department can make sure that your forklifts are always in top working condition. Contact Wayco today for all of your forklift needs.
What Our Customers Are Saying…
“I have used Wayco twice, and both times I experienced excellent customer service. They had the right forklift for my needs at a reasonable price. I will be using their services in the future and recommend you do as well.”
