What are the benefits of lithium-ion battery powered vehicles over lead acid batteries?
The substantial benefits that lithium-ion technology offers over lead acid batteries means that using lithium-ion is becoming a popular choice as they provide that extra edge by reducing costs and improving productivity.
The most common battery type used in electric material handling vehicles are lead acid. Whilst lead acid is cheaper, lithium-ion provides many more benefits when it comes to increasing productivity and efficiency.
Lead acid batteries require a recharging period of between 6 and 12 hours, which limits the possibility of continuous use. A workaround for this is having additional batteries on charge and switching them over once depleted. This, however, adds additional cost of more batteries and also requires the availability of extra space to house a battery change station. When you add to this lead acid batteries have a shorter lifespan and require regular maintenance to keep them running properly, the initial cheaper price tag might not be the best option over time.
So if you are running multi-shift operations, it’s easy to see that lithium-ion batteries pay for themselves in just a few years.
Charging ahead of the competition
Lithium-ion batteries can quickly pay for themselves through reduced operating costs.
A lithium battery life span will last 2-4 times longer than a lead acid battery, so no need to replace them as often and they do not require maintenance.
Lithium-ion batteries have a higher power capacity and will have as long a runtime as a lead acid battery, but have no decline in performance as the battery discharges.
Lithium-ion batteries are 30% more energy-efficient and charge 8x faster than lead-acid batteries.
They support opportune charging during operator breaks. This is of great benefit to multi-shift operations in which trucks are running for extended periods. Lithium-ion batteries can charge throughout the day in 15 or 30 minute sessions, or fully charge during a one to two hour continuous session.
If your business works with cold storage lithium-ion can also be a big benefit. Lithium-ion batteries can be charged in cold temperatures and maintain their capacity in cold temperatures better than lead-acid batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are also less hazardous as they don’t emit hydrogen gas when charged, there’s no risk of acid spills, and you’ll have fewer batteries to dispose of as they don't need to be replaced as often. Lithium batteries can also be recycled once they have reached the end of their life.
What are the key benefits of lithium powered material handling vehicles?
- High Performance
- No Maintenance
- Fast and Opportune Charging
- Quick and Easy
- Longer Life Cycle
- Less Energy Consumption
- Cost Reduction
- Less CO2 Emissions
- Reduced Noise Levels
- Free up Space
For more information on making the switch to lithium-ion, to see out how much you could save on fuel & emissions, or to arrange an onsite demonstration, get in touch with one of our team.
