It might seem like the world is quickly moving away from lead-acid batteries and increasingly becoming dependent on lithium-ion batteries for their forklift trucks. However, despite this traditional lead-acid powered battery forklifts aren’t going anywhere soon. Below we go into a couple of reasons why. 

Cost-effectiveness

One of the main advantages of lead-acid batteries is their cost-effectiveness. They are significantly cheaper than lithium-ion batteries and can provide comparable performance, making them an attractive option for businesses that need to keep their operating costs low. Additionally, lead-acid batteries have a longer lifespan than lithium-ion batteries, which means they can be used for longer before needing to be replaced.

Reliability

Lead-acid batteries are also known for their reliability. They have been used in forklifts for decades, and their performance and limitations are well understood. This means that maintenance and repair costs are usually lower than for lithium-ion batteries, which are a newer technology that is still evolving and the limits are still unknown. 

Safety

Lead-acid batteries are considered safer than lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are known to have a higher risk of fire and explosion if they are damaged or overcharged. Lead-acid batteries, on the other hand, are less likely to catch fire, and if they do, they usually produce less heat and smoke.

Environmental impact

In comparison to lithium-ion batteries, traditional lead-acid batteries are recyclable and have a higher recycling rate. They also have a lower carbon footprint than lithium-ion batteries, which are manufactured using a more energy-intensive process.

In conclusion, lead-acid batteries have several advantages over newer lithium-ion batteries when it comes to powering forklifts. They are cost-effective, reliable, safe, and have a lower environmental impact. While lithium-ion batteries may be more advanced and have some benefits, such as a longer runtime and faster charging times, lead-acid batteries are still the preferred option for many businesses.

At Dawsongroup | Material Handling, we offer a wide range of forklifts, including diesel, electric, and propane models, so we can help you find the right forklift for your business. We are always happy to have an informal discussion if you are looking for help and advice, so get in touch today.