Your Industry:

For example, food distributors are encouraged to operate with electric forklifts. However, if you operate a large, high-capacity fleet in heavy industry such as lumber, you may want to stick with internal combustion.

Your Fleet Size:

When considering the size of your fleet, transitioning from IC to electric forklifts involves weighing the higher initial acquisition costs against the long-term benefits. For large fleets, while the upfront costs may be significant, the reduction in fuel costs, maintenance needs, and the creation of a safer work environment can justify the investment. In smaller to medium-sized operations, particularly those in confined spaces or narrow aisles, electric forklifts not only enhance safety with zero emissions but also improve maneuverability. To facilitate a smoother transition and allow your staff to adapt to new technologies, renting electric forklifts as a preliminary step can be a strategic approach. This allows you to develop a comprehensive transition plan without committing to immediate full-scale deployment.

Your Space:

Before choosing either an IC or electric forklift, customers must consider both the initial cost and the annual operating costs of the forklift. Most importantly, the total cost of ownership over the life of the forklifts in most cases should be the primary driver on how it will improve your operation. Thus, your decision will depend on the specifics of your site and your intended applications.

Your Long-term Costs:

Many customers make the mistake of only looking at the purchase price of an electric forklift. However, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is a more relevant metric. TCO includes equipment cost, fuel/charging cost, maintenance, operation, and even battery replacement after several years. When comparing IC vs electric, the Total Cost of Ownership shows that in almost all cases electric forklifts (dependent on the application) can be less expensive over the lifetime of the forklift. Plus, minimal maintenance and subsequent costs also mean less downtime and more productivity, which is never a bad thing.