Convert to Electric
Why Leading Companies Are Converting Their Fleets
to Battery-Powered Electric Forklifts
Tyler Truttmann
Kansas Sales Engineer, EnerSys
Joe Monahan
Western Regional Manager, EnerSys
Business Trend
For over 30 years, battery power has been replacing Liquid Propane
(LP) as the preferred choice for industrial forklift fleets.
Source: Industrial Truck Association (ITA)
Trend Drivers
Battery-powered forklifts positively impact every aspect of a business:
Savings
Sustainability
Safety
Productivity
Performance
Applications
Savings
Electric forklifts reduce
Total Cost of Ownership.
•
40¢ of electricity does
the same work as $2.50
of LP.
•
Maintenance costs are
reduced by up to 40%.*
Leasing batteries and chargers turns them into a monthly “fuel” expense,
generating instant positive cash flow.
*Source: EPRI. Chart above: lift trucks @ 5000lb; annual hours @ 2000; LP @ $2.40/gal; electric @ 10¢/kWh.
More at: convert2electric.com/calculate
Savings
This manufacturer switched more than 200 forklifts in 30 plants from LP to
electric. They are saving $1 million dollars per year in fuel.
Source: convert2electric.com/forklift-fleet-conversion-saves-auto-supplier-flex-n-gate-1000000/
Savings
Source: convert2electric.com/forklift-fleet-conversion-saves-auto-supplier-flex-n-gate-1000000/
Sustainability
Electric power produces
the lowest well-to-wheels
greenhouse gases (GHG)
of any forklift fuel source.*
Compared to fuel cells or LP, battery power is better for your company’s
sustainability goals and best for the environment.
*Source: greet.es.anl.gov/fleet_footprint_calculator. Average U.S. energy mix (14), 4000 hrs/yr.
More at: convert2electric.com/facts/green
Safety
Electric forklifts eliminate
oil and coolant spills,
reducing accidents,
injuries and damage.
Electric trucks also eliminate on-site CO2, CO, NOX and particulate
emissions, providing cleaner air for your employees.
More at: http://convert2electric.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/C2E_MaintenanceProTip_WEB.pdf
Productivity
Compact high frequency fast chargers eliminate battery and LP tank
changes, reducing non-value added facility traffic and downtime.
Source: convert2electric.com/facts/one-battery
Productivity
Fast charging increases uptime by allowing operators to charge during
regular breaks. Analysts expect the technology to grow 300% by 2020.*
*Source: Navigant Research
More information: http://convert2electric.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/24.17_C2E_OneBatteryProfile_WEB1.pdf
Performance
Electric forklifts are available in capacities up to100,000lb, meeting the
needs of paper, lumber and building supply operations.
Source: convert2electric.com/facts/power
Performance
5000 LB
ELECTRIC*
5000 LB
LIQUID PROPANE (LP)
12.3 mph
11.1 mph
134 fpm
112 fpm
Gradeability
39%
30%
Length (LTF)
82.8”
90.2”
Travel Speed
Lift Speed
The average electric forklift outperforms LP in critical metrics. Increased
lift speed leads to improved operator productivity.
*Equipped with a 48 volt battery.
Performance
Lift truck manufacturers anticipate increased
demand for electric forklifts.
“
Electric trucks were once regarded
as providing lower performance than an
IC (internal combustion) truck, but they
are now at the same level.
….we will see more and more customers
going for CB (counter balanced) electrics
than IC trucks.
— Matthias Fischer
Toyota TMHE President & CEO
”
Applications
Manufacturing
Paper and Lumber
Agriculture and Processing
Beverage and Bottling
3PL, Logistics and Distribution
With powerful AC motors, electric forklifts operate in the all-weather, high
demand, multi-shift operations formerly served by LP trucks.
Source: convert2electric.com/converting-to-electric-lift-truck-fleet-nets-big-savings-for-atlantic-plywood
LP Industry Outlook
The LP industry has recognized the
growing threat presented by batterypowered forklifts.
“
“
“
Electric trucks represent the primary
threat to propane in this market.
”
The electric battery, battery charger, and
motor technologies incorporated into
electric lift trucks have continued to
improve over time…
”
Unless the forklift industry is able to
develop a new generation of propane
forklifts with lower operating costs…ICF
projects that propane sales to the forklift
market will decline for the foreseeable
future.
”
Source: Propane Education & Research Council ICF Mkt Outlook 2013
Summary
Leading companies are converting to electric forklifts to save money,
meet sustainability goals, increase productivity and improve safety.
Contact EnerSys to see how electric works for your business.
For More Information:
Tyler.Truttmann@Enersys.com
www.convert2electric.com | blog.convert2electric.com