There is a lot to think about when investing in an electric forklift truck. The right one for you will depend on various elements. These include where the truck will operate and the types of loads you will handle.
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A common question people ask is how long do electric forklift trucks last? Several factors will determine this. We have provided all the answers to your burning questions in this article.
- How long do electric forklifts last?
- What types of conditions can electric forklifts operate in?
- How do you power an electric forklift?
- How fast does an electric forklift drive?
- Are electric forklifts more cost-effective than other solutions?
- Do electric forklifts need an MOT?
- Do drivers need to be certified to drive an electric forklift?
- How long does it take to charge an electric forklift?
- Are electric forklifts safer than other solutions?
- What benefits can electric forklifts offer to your business?
1. How long do electric forklifts last?
On average, you can expect an electric forklift to last longer than an internal combustion engine. Most electric forklifts will last between 10,000-12,000 hours of use. This equates to five to six years of eight-hour operation.
2. What types of conditions can electric forklifts operate in?
Electric forklifts are typically built to work best indoors. However, in recent times electric forklift trucks have become more and more suitable for outdoor work.
3. How do you power an electric forklift?
Traditionally, electric forklifts have always been powered by lead acid batteries. However, most models are now available with a choice of three power sources: lead acid, lithium-ion and hydrogen fuel cell. Each has its pros and cons and we have outlined everything you need to know in our in-depth comparison guide.
4. How fast does an electric forklift drive?
Most electric forklifts have a maximum speed of ten miles per hour. However, depending on the type and model — some can reach a speed of 15 miles per hour.
5. Are electric forklifts more cost-effective than other solutions?
Electric forklifts have a higher initial cost than their IC counterparts. However, it is essential to remember that they cost less to run long-term. The average electric forklift costs around £25,000 to purchase and £2,000-£3,000 to operate.
6. Do electric forklifts need an MOT?
Yes, they do. But it is not known as an MOT in the industry. Electric forklifts require a Thorough Examination inspection. Your legal responsibility is to periodically ensure your forklift truck passes a Thorough Examination inspection. These inspections must be carried out every 12 months as a minimum.
7. Do drivers need to be certified to drive an electric forklift?
You do not need a driving license or any electric forklift license to operate an electric forklift truck. However, providing forklift operator training is essential for ensuring your operation is safe and efficient. This is something we offer and you can find out more here.
8. How long does it take to charge an electric forklift?
The time it will take to charge your electric forklift will depend on which energy source you use to power it. Lead-acid batteries can typically be recharged in 8-12 hours, lithium-ion batteries charge in 1-2 hours and refuelling only takes 2-3 minutes with hydrogen fuel cells.
9. Are electric forklifts safer than other solutions?
Every type of forklift should be designed to offer maximum safety. At Toyota, we take pride in building the safest forklift trucks on the market. This is down to several reasons, including our innovative safety features such as our unique System of Active Stability (SAS) and our commitment to always meeting industry standards. Discover the reasons our fork lifts are the safest on the market here.
10. What advantages can electric forklifts offer to your business?
Electric forklifts are advantageous in several ways. First of all, they are environmentally conscious. This can be crucial in helping you achieve your sustainability goals. These solutions are also highly versatile, require less maintenance than other solutions and can be much more cost-effective. Find out more benefits of electric forklift trucks and how they can support your business here.
Once you have decided which type of electric forklift you need, the next step involves choosing the right energy source. This also requires a lot of consideration. To help start weighing your options, download our comparison guide.
Learn more about the different energy sources for your materials handling fleet.
Every power source has its pros and cons. That is why it is important to know all about them before making decisions. Our comparison guide discusses everything you need to know, including initial costs, performance, energy efficiency and storage requirements.
Download your energy source comparison guide below.
