When you look around the industry and take a deep look at the forklift power landscape, the big debate you will find is lead or lithium battery technologies. Electric powered trucks make up more than 60% of the overall truck market, so it’s an important topic. But what if the best technology solution just depended on the application. So, the question you may be asking is, what are the keys to finding the best power for your need?
ITS ALL IN THE DETAILS
Key Lead Points:
Recognize that each technology offers different features and benefits specific to your situation. For example, Deka flat plate flooded lead batteries have multiple types of designs, each with their own benefits. Opportunity and Fast Charge product like the Deka D-Series® or the Deka FastCharge®, allow users to charge on demand, during breaks and lunches, enabling charging stations to be setup throughout a facility. Should a user be interested in low maintenance designs (eliminating the need for watering), there are various Gel battery models available such as the Deka Dominator®.
Key Lithium Points:
- UL Certification– The product should be UL listed like the Deka ReadyPower®. To be UL listed, the product must pass a multitude of tests including nail penetration and drop simulations to name a few.
- Battery Management System– This critical component should be a well-designed, rugged Battery Management System (BMS), which helps monitor the cells for performance and safety.
- Maintenance– As lithium batteries have higher voltage, it is critical to work with a lithium partner who can assist you on all the safety and training protocols should service be required.
- Product Communication– Look for products that offer seamless electronic communications between the battery, truck, and charger.
Green is Good – Sustainability/Recycling:
Lead: Lead batteries are the most recycled consumer product in the world with a recycling rate of 99% (BCI Study). The recycling and sustainability of lead batteries is a massive success story as virtually 100% of a lead battery’s components are recyclable. They are sustainable as the lead and components can be used to create new batteries.
Lithium: As a newer technology, recycling lithium batteries is a process in development. Currently the process is specified to individual components like steel and copper. There is not yet a viable solution where spent lithium batteries can be turned into new ones.
THE POWER YOU NEED
Finding the best power solution is all about knowing the individual application and making the best decision. Both technologies offer benefits and challenges. Everyone likes to have options but knowing the right information is important in making the right decision. It is also critical to find a manufacturing partner that can offer you an unbiased look at the available motive power choices. Choose a manufacturer that offers both lead and lithium technologies, has the capability to provide service and support anywhere, and can match all of it to your specific fleet’s needs. Knowing these keys will unlock success of your operation for years to come.
