Sustainability has become more than just a talking point - it's a key business priority. With growing pressure to reduce your carbon footprint, one area that’s often overlooked is the energy source behind your material handling equipment. From forklifts and pallet trucks to automated guided vehicles (AGVs), these machines keep your warehouses, production sites and distribution centres moving, so the energy they use matters. Making smarter energy choices not only reduces environmental impact but can also boost efficiency across your operation.
Why does energy choice matter in material handling?
Material handling equipment works hard in high-demand environments. While internal combustion engines, fuelled by diesel or LPG - are still in use and still relevant for many businesses, more companies are switching to electric-powered trucks. It’s a shift that pays off long term. Compared to combustion engines, electric solutions offer cleaner performance, reduced emissions, lower noise levels, and improved air quality.
Electric energy solutions
Electric trucks powered by lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries offer significant sustainability and efficiency gains:
• Zero emissions at the point of use, ideal for improving air quality
• Lower operating costs, thanks to fewer moving parts and less maintenance
• Quieter operation, creating a healthier, more pleasant working environment
Lead-acid:
A lead-acid battery contains charged plates suspended in a mixture of sulfuric acid and water.
They work by suspending the electrolytes between two charged plates within the acid mixture. Evaporation occurs during the operating and charging process.
• Cost-effective with the lowest initial investment
• 8–12 hours to fully charge
• Tried-and-tested technology
• 98% recyclable - supporting circular economy principles
• Requires regular maintenance and a dedicated charging area
Lithium-ion
A lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery that uses the reversible reduction of lithium-ions to store energy. These batteries are designed to last 1,500 charging hours in a forklift.
• The most energy-efficient option
• Suitable for single or multi-shift operations
• Allows opportunity charging
• Long lifecycle - matches the life of the truck
• No battery maintenance required
• No emissions when used with green electricity
• Low total cost of ownership
Hydrogen fuel cell
Hydrogen is an increasingly popular energy solution that delivers electric truck performance with the fast refuelling of combustion engines:
• Ideal for intensive multi-shift operations
• CO₂ emissions-free
• Refuels in just 3-5 minutes
• Compact storage - no dedicated battery room required
• No drop in performance as the tank empties
• Long service life with low maintenance
• Can be retrofitted to existing equipment
Multi-path approach
Some businesses could benefit from a multi-path approach - using a mix of energy solutions across their fleet to suit different needs. For example, lithium-ion trucks might be ideal for indoor operations, while combustion or hydrogen-powered trucks handle outdoor or multi-shift applications. This approach is especially useful during a transition period or where charging or refuelling infrastructure is still being developed.
In summary:
• Reduced carbon footprint: Shifting from diesel or LPG to electric or hydrogen can cut greenhouse gas emissions dramatically.
• Enhanced energy efficiency: electric forklifts use less energy to do the same work, lowering overall consumption.
• Better regulatory compliance: Adopting cleaner energy solutions can help businesses stay ahead of evolving environmental regulations.
• Cost savings over time: While the upfront investment may be higher, the lower fuel and maintenance costs have long term savings.
Choosing the right energy solution
When it comes to energy, there’s no one-size-fits-all. It’s important to consider your own operation, challenges and goals. Ask yourself:• How intense is your operation?
• Are your trucks used indoors, outdoors, or both?
• Do you run single or multi-shift operations?
• How large is your fleet?
• What are your sustainability targets?
• Do you have infrastructure in place for charging or refuelling?
• What’s your balance between upfront cost and long-term savings?
Your trusted energy advisor
At Toyota Material Handling, we work with you to assess your current operation, goals, and challenges to recommend the right energy solution. Here’s what you can expect:
• Tailored solutions - aligned to your operational needs and sustainability ambitions
• Expert advice - grounded in our knowledge of the full range of energy technologies
• Future-proof technology - adaptable systems that evolve with your business
• Ongoing support - helping you maximise uptime, performance and energy efficiency
Working towards a more sustainable future
Whether you're looking to improve your environmental impact, reduce costs, or future-proof your fleet, your choice of energy is a powerful place to start. Toyota offers all energy solutions - lead-acid, lithium-ion, hydrogen fuel cell, and combustion - to give you the flexibility to match your sustainability goals.