Combustion engines versus electric drives

Efficiency and cost effectiveness are key criteria in choosing battery-powered forklift truck systems. In order to keep the total operating costs (total cost of ownership, TCO) as low as possible, users must consider and analyse the three-part system - consisting of forklift truck, battery and battery charging system - as a whole. The right battery charging technology can play an important role in making forklift truck systems more economical, irrespective of whether the fleet in use has been purchased or leased.

Although battery life and maintenance costs are important factors when purchasing forklift trucks, they are irrelevant for customers with a full-service leasing contract. This is not the case for energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, however: these are a concern for all users and can generate significant costs. Selectiva charging systems from Fronius with the new Ri charging process offer a clear advantage. This charging process does not follow a fixed characteristic; instead it adapts according to the age, temperature and state of charge of the individual battery. Overcharging – which causes high energy losses and harmful battery warming – can thus be reduced to a minimum.

As far as the user is concerned, this system delivers two significant advantages: it increases energy efficiency during charging - thereby reducing energy costs and CO₂ emissions - and it extends the service life of the battery, both of which help to optimise the TCO for the entire forklift truck system.