Batteries manufactured in Li-Ion technology and their application in electric pallet trucks. In this article, we will present the advantages and benefits resulting from the use of lithium-ion batteries.

The dynamic development of the Li-Ion battery market results from the fact that their application in warehouse machines and vehicles brings many conveniences and benefits. This applies to both business owners and operators of equipment such as electric pallet jacks. Traction batteries, including Li-Ion, offer their users many advantages resulting from their technological superiority and operational simplicity and efficiency.

Li-Ion batteries enable warehouse work reorganization, which translates into improved efficiency.

An electric pallet jack with a lithium-ion battery definitely wins over its competitors in terms of availability or readiness for work. It has lower energy consumption requirements than pallet jacks with lead-acid batteries. According to analyses, lithium-ion technology will record the highest growth in the market, however lead-acid cells will remain the leader. The most significant advantages of trucks with Li-ion batteries include:

  • Efficiency – this technology allows for generating savings of up to 20% compared to acid batteries.
  • Charging a pallet jack with li-ion battery can take significantly less time than an acid battery. A 24V battery can reach 50% of its efficiency after just 30 minutes of charging.
  • The ability to recharge the battery at any time ensures its continuous availability and readiness to perform work under load. For comparison, acid cells need up to 8 hours for full charging.
  • The lifespan of traction batteries, including lithium-ion ones, is up to twice as long. This results in significant reduction of costs associated with periodic cell replacement.

Practical advantages and benefits of pallet jacks with Li-ion traction battery.

Despite the quite large difference in purchase costs of machines powered by lithium-ion batteries, such an investment can prove very profitable in a short time wherever warehouse work is characterized by high traffic intensity. First, their lifespan, which reaches up to 4 thousand cycles and is up to twice as high as in the case of acid cells. Second, the ability to use up to 95% of the battery’s energy and the possibility of fast charging without detriment to its lifespan. Third, the efficiency of the charging process itself, which is 30-40% higher. All the mentioned advantages mean that investment in pallet jacks equipped with Li-ion traction battery is characterized by quick return on invested costs.

Safety and simplicity of using warehouse trucks equipped with lithium-ion batteries.

Additional advantages of li-ion traction batteries can be noticed when analyzing in detail the requirements regarding the charging process for li-ion and lead-acid solutions. In the case of the latter, it is necessary to add water and monitor, and if needed, equalize the electrolyte level. Performing all these service activities takes time for operators and affects work efficiency in warehouses.

Another issue is where and under what environmental conditions lead-acid batteries can be charged. Due to fumes that occur during charging, it is necessary to organize additional, isolated and well-ventilated battery rooms. Li-ion traction batteries are completely sealed and maintenance-free.

Li-ion pallet jack operators are not exposed to electrolyte burns and their charging does not require separating additional rooms from the facility’s floor space. As a result, lithium-ion technology improves work safety, helps in better and more efficient warehouse space management, and with the use of a distributed network of charging points, allows saving a lot of valuable time. Charging a pallet truck with Li-ion battery is also possible through a mains socket. Thanks to this, you can replenish the battery charge level during work breaks as well as when handing over the shift to another operator.