The new year is a time for fresh starts and smarter business decisions. If you’re considering buying an electric forklift in 2025, you’re already making a sustainable, cost-effective choice. But there’s an important question to answer: should you go for a forklift powered by lead-acid batteries or lithium-ion batteries?
Both options have their advantages, but choosing the right one depends on your business needs. Contact CT Power forklifts to discuss the key questions to ask before deciding and help you make an informed choice for the year ahead.
What are your operating hours?
Lead-acid batteries: these batteries take approximately 6–8 hours to charge and often require a cool-down period after charging. If your operations run-in shifts, you may need spare batteries to avoid downtime.
Lithium-ion batteries: these charge much faster—often within 1-2 hour, and support opportunity charging during breaks. If you need continuous operation with minimal interruptions, lithium-ion batteries are the better choice.
How much maintenance can you handle?
Lead-acid batteries: These require regular maintenance, including topping up water levels and cleaning terminals to prevent corrosion. Neglecting maintenance can affect performance and lifespan.
Lithium-ion batteries: Virtually maintenance-free, lithium-ion batteries are a more convenient option for businesses that want to minimise upkeep.
What’s your budget?
Lead-acid batteries: the upfront costs are lower, making them an attractive option for businesses on a tight budget. However, they may require additional investments in spare batteries and maintenance.
Lithium-ion batteries: whilst initially more expensive, lithium-ion batteries last longer, reduce energy costs, and eliminate the need for multiple batteries. They offer better long-term value for high-demand operations.
Do you have space for charging and storage?
Lead-acid batteries: charging stations for lead-acid batteries require significant space and good ventilation to manage heat and fumes. If space is limited, this could be a challenge.
Lithium-ion batteries: these don’t emit harmful gases during charging, so they can be charged almost anywhere. Their compact charging setups save valuable floor space.
What’s your priority: sustainability or initial cost?
Lead-acid batteries: whilst recyclable, lead-acid batteries aren’t as energy-efficient and may not align with businesses focused on reducing their carbon footprint.
Lithium-ion batteries: these are more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, using less power to charge and lasting longer, which reduces waste.
How important is performance in cold or hot conditions?
Lead-acid batteries: performance can drop in extreme temperatures, making them less reliable for certain industries, such as cold storage or outdoor operations.
Lithium-ion batteries: these perform consistently across a wide range of temperatures, offering reliable performance in both cold and hot environments.
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What is your long-term business strategy?
If you’re planning for growth, investing in a lithium-ion battery-powered forklift could save you money and headaches in the long run. However, if your operations are smaller or less demanding, lead-acid batteries might meet your needs at a lower cost.
Choosing between lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries for your electric forklift comes down to your specific requirements. While lead-acid batteries are more affordable upfront, lithium-ion batteries offer unmatched efficiency, convenience, and long-term savings. Need help deciding? Our CT Power team is here to guide you!
Contact us today to learn more about our range of electric forklifts and forklift batteries, and how we can help you make the best choice for 2025!
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