If you are on the lookout for a new forklift to meet your material handling needs, there is one question that you will inevitably encounter: LPG or Battery Electric?

Cost Comparison:

In terms of initial cost LPG forklifts are significantly less expensive than electric forklifts. After this however, the key costs are found in fuel and maintenance. It is here, that the benefits of battery electrics are most keenly felt.

The graph below, provided by NACCO, shows the total cost of ownership for electric vs. ICE lift trucks, including the cost of two batteries and one charger at year zero. Over five years, an electric truck saves more than 8 per cent in total costs. 

The initial cost of for an electric forklift can be double the price of its ICE equivalent, although it is important to take into consideration the total cost of ownership upon your purchase. 

Environmental Impact:

When the working environment is considered, electric trucks can easily be seen as superior to ICE models. As electric models do not emit any exhausts, indoor air quality is greatly improved.  Depending on your application, this can make a big difference:

Take a food distribution centre for example. An internal combustion engines exhaust might be deemed unacceptable, or harmful to your product. The lack of exhaust fumes ensure the integrity of your product as indoor air quality is improved by eliminating all exhaust. Money is also saved on elaborate and expensive HVAC systems that can use a lot of power. Furthermore, your employees are not adversely affected by poor quality air inside the facility. 

Although, it is important to factor in that batteries still require electricity from the grid and are far from perfect in terms of green house gas emissions.

Internal combustion engines (diesel and LPG) regularly require servicing and a top up of consumables such as engine oil, transmission and radiator fluids and filters – parts that are both considerable financially and which can be very harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.

Conclusion? Application! Application! Application!

The most important aspect of choosing the right forklift for your operation is to consider your application and its needs. Food distributions centres are strongly encouraged by OHS standards, but not obliged, to operate with battery electrics. On the other hand, for big trucks, the only viable option on the market is diesel power.