As a key transportation tool, forklifts play an important role in various industries. The most common electric forklifts are lithium battery forklifts and lead-acid battery forklifts, and different battery types have an important impact on the performance and operating costs of the forklift. We analyze the main differences between the two in terms of performance, life, maintenance, cost and environmental protection.
1. Performance comparison
Lithium-ion batteries are known for their high energy density, which means a battery of the same size can store more energy, providing longer use time. Research shows that lithium-ion batteries charge efficiently and typically have shorter charging times. For example, lithium-ion batteries can be fully charged in 1-2 hours, while lead-acid batteries typically require 8-10 hours to charge, according to research in the journal Energy Storage Materials.
Lead-acid batteries, on the other hand, have lower energy density, causing them to be larger and take longer to charge. In addition, when the discharge depth of lead-acid batteries is large, the battery life will be significantly reduced, which is especially obvious in lead-acid battery forklifts that are used frequently.
2. Service life comparison
Lithium-ion batteries have a significantly longer service life than lead-acid batteries. According to data in the Journal of Power Sources, the cycle life of lithium-ion batteries usually reaches 2000-3000 charge cycles, while the cycle life of lead-acid batteries is generally 500-1500 charge cycles. The longer service life not only reduces the frequency of battery replacement, but also reduces the overall operating costs of lithium-ion battery forklifts.
3. Comparison of maintenance requirements
Lithium-ion batteries require almost no maintenance. Its internal design means that the battery does not require regular checking of electrolyte levels or cleaning of the battery case. In contrast, lead-acid batteries require regular checking of electrolyte levels and keeping the battery clean to prevent battery leakage or corrosion, which increases the complexity and cost of lead-acid battery forklift maintenance.
4. Cost comparison
The initial cost of lithium-ion batteries is higher, but in the long term, their economics are more advantageous. “Battery Technology” journal points out that although the initial investment of lithium-ion batteries is about 2-3 times that of lead-acid batteries, the final total cost of ownership is usually lower due to their longer service life and lower maintenance costs. The higher maintenance requirements and shorter lifespan of lead-acid batteries mean their long-term costs are likely to be higher than those of lithium-ion batteries.
TEU’s lithium battery forklifts and battery forklifts have good performance and meet the needs of different scenarios. Welcome to consult us about related products.