Electric Forklifts: 19 Models Compared

An electric forklift replaces the engine with a battery pack and one or more traction motors. It produces no exhaust, so it can work indoors and in food handling; it is quieter, and running cost per hour is usually lower. Against that, the purchase price is higher, the battery is a consumable with its own replacement cost, and charging or swapping takes time that a shift plan has to absorb. Note that the battery doubles as ballast, so a pack lighter than the stated minimum battery weight will reduce the truck's rated capacity. Compare battery voltage and capacity alongside lift capacity, and use the cost calculators to see whether the higher purchase price pays back at your hours.