With zero emissions, faster charging times and enhanced energy efficiency, electric forklifts are leading the transition to more sustainable and efficient material handling.

In addition to environmental and operational benefits, many electric models are equipped with advanced safety and ease-of-use features, helping to streamline workflows and boost productivity. 

Toyota Material Handling, a division of CFAO Equipment, corporate sales executive Jenna Botterill says that, beyond environmental advantages, electric forklifts offer operational and financial benefits too. 

“Operations no longer need to store diesel fuel on-site, reducing the risk of contamination and creating a safer work environment. The shift to electric also eliminates the potential for fuel theft, a significant concern in the South African market,” notes Botterill.

“This is an added incentive as operations that reduce their carbon emissions and achieve their sustainability goals are afforded tax rebates by government,” Botterill adds.

Powered by lithium-ion batteries, electric forklifts are said to be comparable with diesel machines in areas such as travel speed, lifting and lowering capabilities, ground clearance and overall efficiency while also being able to operate on the same types of terrain as diesel forklifts. 

“Today’s electric forklifts are highly advanced, featuring roof covers and sealed compartments that protect electrical components. To add to this, our forklifts are IPX4-rated, meaning they are resistant to splashing water from any direction, ensuring that they operate in all weather conditions,” adds Botterill.

Toyota Material Handling consultants use a data-driven calculator to determine the return on investment for customers considering converting from a diesel to an electric fleet. 

Botterill asserts that the average running cost for electric units amounts to about a tenth of the cost of running diesel units.

In addition, no special setup is required to accommodate electric forklifts and lithium-ion batteries only require 50 minutes of charging a day. Batteries can also be charged for shorter times during routine work breaks, helping to reduce operational interruptions. 

Toyota Material Handling’s 8FBE and 8FBN forklifts incorporate an anti-rollback feature to facilitate incline work. When the accelerator or brake pedal is released while stopped on an incline, the forklift stops and then descends at a constant speed, ensuring smooth operation on slopes. 

An additional feature of the 8FBE and 8FBN models is the ‘rear pillar grip assist handle’ with hooter. Recognising that about 50% of work is conducted in reverse, the company developed the feature to improve comfort and safety during reverse travel.

The forklifts also incorporate weighing system scales as a standard feature, allowing operators to access real-time weight readings, enabling accurate assessment of loads, helping to avoid overloading and optimise the material handling process.