Switching to electric forklift trucks can enable your business to significantly reduce the total cost of ownership and streamline day-to-day operations.
The future of material handling is battery-powered.
Between the impending 2030 diesel ban and many companies’ growing sense of environmental responsibility, the widespread uptake of electric forklift fleets is imminent. But for many, 2030 still seems like the distant future, while the pressure to run and maintain smooth material handling operations can deter businesses from making the switch sooner.
The irony is, switching from internal combustion engines (ICEs) to electric vehicles (EVs) can significantly benefit both the short-term efficiency and long-term profitability of your operations.
From lower fuel costs to reduced CO2 emissions and everything in between, here are five incentives for making the switch:
1. Reduced fuel costs have a cumulative effect on TCO
Switching from a diesel or gas forklift truck to an electric offering like one of our electric counterbalance forklifts will enable you to make considerable savings on fuel. Additionally, recharging batteries costs far less than fossil fuels, particularly if you recharge overnight on more favourable tariffs.
Although making the switch from internal combustion engines (ICE) will be an adjustment — especially if you’re currently operating an entirely non-electric fleet — cumulatively, this could lead to a dramatic reduction in your business’ material handling costs, releasing funds that can be invested elsewhere in your organisation.
Have you considered forklift charging station power requirements?
2. Fewer breakable parts enable maximum uptime
Aside from the saving you’ll make on fuel costs, electric forklifts are easier to maintain than their diesel counterparts. This makes servicing quick and straightforward, maximising uptime. Electric forklifts also have fewer breakable parts than diesel trucks, and the associated issues tend to be minor and easily fixed.
By simplifying maintenance procedures to reduce downtime, your business could see even further savings that reduce the cost of your forklift fleet.
3. Reduced noise levels enhance operator safety and efficiency
ICE forklifts are often associated with noise complaints from nearby homes and businesses, which isn’t pleasant for anyone involved. Switching to an electric forklift truck will significantly reduce your noise levels to avoid creating any disturbance; this could even facilitate extended operating hours, maximising your warehouse’s output potential.
Creating a more peaceful operating environment is also beneficial to employee safety, as it improves operator visibility, reducing the likelihood of a devastating forklift accident occurring.
4. Cleaner work environment improves employee health
Adopting electric forklifts in your warehouse creates a cleaner and safer work environment for staff. With a significant reduction in harmful CO2 fumes, air quality problems will become a thing of the past, and your employees will appreciate that you’re investing in ensuring a healthy workplace.
A healthier and happier workforce is also likely to lead to a reduction in staff turnover and health-related absences, which will have a knock-on effect on warehouse productivity, too.
5. Reduced CO2 emissions lower your business’ carbon footprint
Electric forklift trucks — such as our range of electric counterbalance forklifts — produce significantly lower CO2 emissions than their diesel counterparts. This makes them a healthier choice for both the environment and your operators.
Not only will making the switch lower your carbon footprint, but for many businesses, opting for an electric truck results in significantly lower operating expenses.
If you’re keen to lower your fuel costs, create a healthier work environment for employees, and reduce your carbon footprint, there may well be a better way of powering your operations.
To find out more about making the switch from ICE to EV and how to prepare, download our electrification checklist today to get started.
