Should you invest in Lithium-Ion batteries or improve your Battery Change procedures?

What fits your organization best depends on your production requirements and local situation.

Fast charging of Lithium-Ion batteries on forklifts is growing and recommended by my most OEM manufacturers.

But, especially on large and intensely used forklift fleets, a modern battery change system for lead-acid batteries can be a competitive alternative.

Worth considering is, that fast charging is not instant charging. It normally takes at least 20% of operational time off the equipment – while a battery change can be performed in just minutes.

Power requirements for fast chargers, especially if used all at ones during brakes, are many times that of lead-acid chargers.

Fast charging drastically reduces the round-trip-efficiency for Li-Ion batteries and their lifetime charge cycles. (This data is commonly presented for ideal charge cycles). A modern battery changing system allows ideal charge cycles for the batteries, extending lifetime and improving efficiency.

Many insurance companies have concerns with the safety of Li-Ion batteries because of the fire hazard. Li-Ion fires do not need to start in the battery but are very hard to extinguish.

Battery change systems need much less space and can be placed further from the lunch areas.

In the end, the choice between the two energy systems is down to local requirements and should be studied in detail in each case, we at Jopro are happy to help you in case you need contrasting data to the information provided by your forklift suppliers.