How long will an electric forklift run
What is an electric forklift?
Electric forklifts are simple and flexible to operate, requiring significantly less operator effort than internal combustion forklifts. Their electric steering, acceleration, hydraulic, and braking systems are all controlled by electrical signals. The highly sensitive operation significantly reduces operator workload, significantly improving work efficiency and accuracy. Furthermore, compared to internal combustion forklifts, electric industrial vehicles offer the advantages of low noise and zero exhaust emissions, which have been recognized by many users. Furthermore, there are other technical reasons for choosing electric forklifts. The rapid development of electronic control technology has made electric forklifts increasingly comfortable to operate, extending their application range and providing a growing number of logistics solutions. Given these factors, market demand for electric forklifts is expected to grow rapidly, and their market share will continue to grow.
Electric counterbalanced forklifts are electrically powered and, compared to internal combustion forklifts, offer advantages such as zero pollution, ease of operation, and high energy efficiency. With economic development and increasing demands for environmental protection and energy conservation, electric forklifts are experiencing rapid growth, with market sales increasing year by year. Electric forklifts are gradually replacing internal combustion counterbalance forklifts, particularly in industries like ports, warehousing, tobacco, food, and textiles.
We are a professional forklift manufacturer. Let me discuss some of the features of our forklifts, including charging time, operating time, and lifespan.
Electric Forklift Operating Time
How is the daily operating time of an electric forklift calculated? The operating time varies depending on the tonnage of the electric forklift. Generally speaking, the operating time of an electric forklift is calculated using the following formula: Operating time = battery voltage * current / 1000 / forklift power consumption. For example, a 1.5-ton electric forklift consumes 2 kWh of power and its standard battery is 60V 70Ah. Using the above formula, we can calculate: 60 x 70 / 1000 / 2 = 2.1 hours, meaning the electric forklift can operate continuously for 2.1 hours on a full charge. Larger electric forklifts consume more power, such as a 2-4 ton forklift, which consumes approximately 3 kWh. If you need to increase the vehicle’s operating time, the only solution is to increase the battery capacity. This can be achieved by connecting batteries in series to increase the current and battery energy, or by connecting batteries in parallel to increase the voltage.
As batteries become larger, the charging time of electric forklifts inevitably increases. So how can we shorten charging time?
Currently, only lithium batteries offer fast charging capabilities. As an electric forklift manufacturer, we can customize fast chargers for our customers. Generally, fast chargers charge at the industrial voltage of 380V. We also offer conventional voltage electric forklift chargers, such as 60V 40Ah. This charger is more affordable and also provides fast charging. For example, a 60V 150Ah lithium battery can be charged in 3.75 hours using a 60V 40Ah fast charger. We also offer customized plug options, including US and European standards. You can choose different voltages (110V-380V) and plugs based on the country and region, and we can provide customized services.
Electric forklift chargers can be external or internal, but most are external. However, our high-end electric reach trucks use built-in chargers, effectively preventing the risk of exposed chargers getting wet.
We offer a six-stage smart charger that effectively protects the battery during charging and extends its lifespan.
Electric forklift service life
The vehicle’s service life is closely related to the lifespan of the vehicle body, motor, hydraulic system, and battery.
Our vehicle body is constructed of high-quality steel, including gantry material, 148 forklift-specific steel, high-manganese carbon steel, enlarged seven-plate leaf chain, and a high-quality Wuxi motor. The hydraulic system utilizes an enlarged hydraulic oil tank and cylinders with reinforced, wear-resistant seals, reducing oil leaks and significantly increasing lifting capacity. Furthermore, the high-quality vehicle body significantly extends the service life of the electric forklift.
Another key component of an electric forklift is the battery, which comes in both lead-acid and phosphoric acid batteries. Electric forklifts use electricity as their power source, making their cost significantly lower than fuel.
Lead-acid batteries are maintenance-free dry-type batteries, requiring no regular water or fluid additions, saving customers time and costs associated with maintenance.
The lithium iron phosphate battery is designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -20 to 80 degrees Celsius. Lithium iron phosphate boasts high energy density and discharges easily. It also lasts longer than lead-acid batteries of the same capacity. Our lithium iron phosphate batteries use the same cell type as those from CATL. Furthermore, they are equipped with a battery management system that monitors battery charge, temperature, and health. Our electric forklifts also feature a power-off protection function. Perhaps everyone is concerned about the possibility of the forks suddenly falling, potentially damaging cargo or injuring personnel, if the battery is running low. Our electric forklifts prevent forks from falling due to power outages during use, but remain firmly in place.
As a forklift manufacturer, we offer custom battery options of varying capacities and types, as well as various other features. We believe we can offer you a better price and superior quality for electric forklifts.
