Extreme Temperature Applications for Lithium-Ion Battery Forklifts

Lithium-ion batteries are becoming more popular for many Reasons

COLD STORAGE APPLICATION

There are many applications where lithium-ion batteries make sense to power your electric forklifts – but one is getting more attention than others.

The cold storage industry is the most obvious and popular because of lithium’s ability to perform in a wide range of temperatures and environments.

One advantage is that the temperature of LiBs can be more easily regulated to combat the cold. For example, unlike lead-acid batteries, LiBs can be manufactured with heaters installed to endure cold environments. Also in cold / refrigerated storage, lead acid batteries don’t perform as well because of condensation, and also because cold temperatures impede the chemical reaction in lead-acid batteries that releases electricity to power the forklift.

Lithium-ion batteries changed the game and gone are the days of assigning two or more batteries to a single truck, rotating them so that one is always charging while another is powering the truck. And gone are the days of increasing the battery size, for longer life and more reliable operations.

Toyota also offers cold storage conditioning packages and galvanization options to ensure your equipment will run in cold, wet environments.

PHARMACEUTICAL AND FOOD INDUSTRY

Due to the need to eliminate emissions and possible impurities in lead-acid batteries, the Lithium-ion technology is also particularly suitable for use in areas where a high degree of sensitivity is required, for instance the pharmaceutical or food industry.

While the hydrogen produced by lead-acid batteries can turn into dangerous oxyhydrogen gas, Li-ION batteries eliminate this risk. The Li-ION batteries forklifts produce fewer pollutants than that of conventional lead-acid batteries to keep your food and chemicals safer. Another advantage of this technology is the longer life cycle of the batteries, that also helps to conserve environmental resources.

MULTI-SHIFT OPERATIONS

The use of Li-ION batteries is suitable for all applications. However, their advantages are particularly useful in intensive applications such as multi-shift operations.

Compared to lead-acid batteries, the improved efficiency and longer run time of lithium-ion technology helps in handling multiple shifts with no need for extra batteries saving you substantial time and money through increased productivity, smarter use of resources and a lower cost of ownership.

The combination of Toyota electric forklifts and Li-ION solution increases the energy yield by 30 – 40 percent compared to lead-acid batteries. This leads to lower energy costs and increased productivity. Plus, the battery can be recharged during short breaks, meaning costly and time-consuming battery changes are no longer necessary.

For companies looking for an alternative to their internal combustion forklift fleet, contact us about Li-ION batteries and their environmentally friendly option.

ASK IF LI-ION IS THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR BUSINESS

If you use electric forklifts for applications where extreme temperatures are present, need to move sensitive product or are running multiple shifts, then making the shift to lithium-ion technology may be the right solution for you.

To learn more, schedule an appointment with a Southwest consultant to discuss what battery solution best suits your unique needs.