The advantages of using lithium-ion batteries
- No maintenance required
- Reduced vehicle downtime
- Low energy consumption
- Faster and more efficient charging
The designs of industrial batteries have come a long way since they were first mass-produced. The technology for today’s Li-ion (lithium-ion) batteries has come so far that they can now be used to power modern forklifts.
Gone are the days where you had to waste valuable space installing a dedicated charging room in your warehouse. Installing a charging room is just one of the issues you had to deal with before the introduction of Li-ion batteries for forklifts.
You’ll be amazed at just how much time you can save from using Li-ion batteries that don’t require regular maintenance or lengthy change over times. Read on to find more reasons why Li-ion batteries are one of the best options for powering your forklifts.
Lifetime cost savings
Compared to lead-acid batteries, Li-ION batteries consume up to 30% less energy for charging. This can result in a significant reduction of the electricity bill and costs of your business’s day-to-day operations.
The installation and setup of a Li-ION battery charger is also significantly cheaper when compared to the infrastructure required for lead-acid batteries. It is a requirement to build an entire charging room in order to facilitate the charging of lead-acid batteries for forklift truck fleets. Li-ION batteries only require compact chargers that can be mounted on the walls of your warehouse.
Another extraordinary comparison to make is the average lifespan of the two battery types. Li-ION batteries offer over 12,000 hours of service which equates to roughly 3000 charging cycles. Lead-acid batteries only offer half the amount of service at 6000 hours and 1500 charging cycles.
Energy efficiency
Looking to make your workplace more eco-friendly? Switching to Li-ION batteries can make a significant reduction in the amount of electricity consumed. Compared to lead-acid batteries, Li-ION batteries consume around 30 per cent less energy from the grid during charging periods.
A truck’s performance can deteriorate when it’s running on a battery with a low voltage. Thankfully, Li-ION batteries are capable of sustaining their voltage levels until they run flat. A common issue with lead-acid batteries is that their voltage drastically lowers when they start to run low on charge.
So if a truck driver wants to keep their vehicle operating at maximum efficiency, they’re forced to swap a lead-acid battery out even before it’s fully depleted. Alternatively, a Li-ION battery offers the same voltage and performance right up until its charge has been depleted.
Li-ION batteries also offer incredibly fast charging times compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. A 24 V Li-ION battery can achieve a staggering 50 per cent charge in just 30 minutes.
Head to jungheinrich.com.au to find out which lithium-ion battery is suitable for your forklift truck.
Operating efficiency
With an incredibly fast charging capability comes less vehicle downtime for day-to-day operations. Faster charging enables you to utilise vehicles like your forklifts throughout the day by charging batteries during convenient times such as breaks and employee downtimes.
Another factor that contributes to vehicle downtime is battery maintenance. Lead-acid batteries require water filling and cleaning on a regular basis to prevent corrosion. Qualified maintenance staff are required to carry out these maintenance tasks, which further contribute to running costs.
Staff with specialised training are not required to maintain Li-ION batteries. There’s no need to changeover or clean Li-ION batteries. You simply need to plug in and recharge a Li-ION battery when it runs out of charge.
Why you should make the switch today
With so many advantages to using Li-ION batteries, it’s hard to ignore they’re one of the best solutions for modern warehouse operations. Incorporate batteries with faster charging times, and you’ll drastically reduce vehicle downtime.
Install compact charging docks for your Li-ION batteries, and you’ll drastically save on space that would have been used for an entire charging room. You’ll also save valuable time that would have been wasted by your staff having to replace lead-acid batteries every time they run low.
As we build towards a more sustainable future, there’s no denying that using Li-ION batteries is a step in the right direction. Li-ION batteries consume far less energy from the grid than lead-acid batteries, and they don’t emit any gas or fumes that would otherwise be released straight into the atmosphere.
So if you’re looking for a cleaner, energy-efficient, and cost-effective alternative to lead-acid batteries, make the switch to Li-ION batteries. It’s one of the best solutions for improving the productivity and sustainability of your warehouse operations.
Visit jungheinrich.com.au to learn more about lithium-ion batteries.
