There are several options when choosing an energy source for your electric truck fleet. However, lithium-ion batteries have become an increasingly popular solution in recent years.
In this article, we take a deeper look at what lithium-ion batteries are and the benefits they can offer your business.
What are lithium-ion solutions?
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 — if maintained well.
Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable, making them better suited to multi-shift, 24/7 operations. This is because you can use them around the clock. As soon as the battery starts running low, you can recharge it on the job.
Watch the video below to learn more about lithium-ion battery solutions and how they work.
What are the advantages of lithium-ion battery solutions?
Lithium-ion battery technology has significant advantages for businesses compared to traditional forklift batteries like lead-acid. Opportunity charging is a unique selling point, but there are other reasons you may look to invest in this solution.
Energy efficiency.
Lithium batteries have 2-3 times the cycle life of lead-acid and are more energy efficient. Greater energy efficiency can result in lower costs and emissions for your business. This is key if your are looking to achieve your sustainability goals.
Productivity.
Lithium-ion batteries do not need to be swapped out and can be opportunity charged during operator breaks. This means operators can enjoy longer run times and do not need to worry about the forklift truck declining in performance.
You can fully charge a lithium-ion battery in only 80 minutes and they only need 30 minutes of charging time for 50% battery capacity. In comparison, lead-acid batteries can be recharged in around 8-12 hours.
Safety.
Safety should always be a top priority when choosing an energy source for your trucks. Here at Toyota Material Handling UK, we have gone the extra mile to ensure our lithium-ion batteries deliver a range of safety benefits to your business.
Our lithium-ion batteries use cylinder-shaped cells that do not touch each other. If there is a safety hazard with one cell, it will not directly impact the other cells around it.
Adaptability.
Lithium-ion batteries are suited to hot and cold environments, making them more adaptable than other energy source solutions.
In cold storage, lead-acid batteries do not perform as well. Condensation and cold temperatures impede the chemical reaction that releases the electricity used to power the forklift. It might be worth switching to lithium-ion batteries if you use cold storage as part of your operation.
To find out more about lithium-ion solutions from Toyota click here
Take the first steps to find the right energy source for your trucks.
Inside, we compare your three options: Lead-acid, lithium-ion and hydrogen. The guide explains everything you need to know, from initial costs to performance and energy efficiency.
