Corporate Buyers Guide

Electric trucks are the fastest growing style of lift truck models, even though they are more expensive than internal combustion trucks. Lift trucks with electric drive include order pickers and narrow isle trucks. The hand trucks come in three styles; Rider, Lift trucks and walk behind (walkies).

Today’s electric trucks use high voltage batteries, typically 36 and 48 volt. This is converted into AC for smooth travel and lift. The higher voltages give more travel and lift speed, but does not affect the load capacity of the truck.

Electric trucks require a battery charge station. If the truck is in constant use, a second battery may be needed to keep the truck running for two shift work and a third extra battery, for three shifts (a battery needs 8 hour charging plus 8 hour cool down before it is ready for use) Because of their weight, special battery hoists are needed to remove and install the batteries in the trucks.

To simplify the whole battery charging system, fast charge batteries and chargers are available. This way, batteries can retain their charge with short charging cycles at lunch plus other idle periods. This method does have its limitations.. The up front cost for the battery and chargers are high and so are the changes to the facility electrical system to handle the high current levels..

A potential answer for a power system is the fuel cell. The hydrogen fuel cell has been around for some time and, it seems that producing and safely distributing H2 is the main technical challenge. Fuel cells for electric hand trucks are available today. They are more expensive than batteries, but there is no handling and charging cost. Fuel cells don’t weigh as much as batteries. This does not affect the center of gravity and counterweight in hand trucks. It does require a change in the structure of forklift trucks.