For decades, lead-acid batteries powered every electric forklift. Lithium-ion has changed the equation. Here is a practical comparison.
Maintenance
Lead-acid batteries need regular water top-ups, equalisation charges and a ventilated charging room. Lithium-ion packs are sealed and need zero battery maintenance.
Charging
Lead-acid needs a full 8-hour charge followed by cooling — usually a second battery for multi-shift work. Lithium-ion supports opportunity charging: plug in during tea breaks and lunch and the truck runs all day on one pack.
Life cycle
A lead-acid battery typically delivers around 1200–1500 cycles; lithium-ion commonly delivers 3000+ cycles, meaning a longer battery life cycle and lower cost per shift.
Efficiency and uptime
Lithium-ion charges faster and holds voltage steady until nearly empty, so hydraulics and travel speed do not fade towards the end of the shift — higher operational efficiency and improved uptime.
Environment
No acid fumes, no water, no lead disposal — a cleaner, energy-efficient solution suited to food, pharma and indoor operations.
When lead-acid still makes sense
Single-shift, low-utilisation operations with a tight upfront budget may still choose lead-acid. For anything more intensive, lithium-ion usually wins on total cost of ownership.
Our EP make electric pallet trucks, stackers and forklifts are available with lithium-ion packs — ask us for a comparison based on your shift pattern.