Now, more than ever, businesses operating in the materials handling sector are expected to reduce their carbon footprints by adopting more environmentally-friendly practices, especially when it comes to energy consumption.

Not only is this the right thing to do in a world where climate change continues to threaten livelihoods, it is necessary to ensure South Africa meets its legally binding commitment - under the Paris Climate Accords - to cut emissions from 442 million tonnes in 2020 to between 350 and 420 million tonnes by 2030.

For warehouses and mining and industrial operations, this means streamlining work processes and using machinery that helps reduce carbon emissions and the time it takes to complete work.

This is where electric forklifts come into their own, offering several significant advantages over their diesel counterparts. Not only do they produce zero emissions during operation, they generate less noise compared to diesel-powered machines.

Acting National Operations Manager of Heavy Lift, a division of CFAO Equipment SA, Lenny Naidoo, says the uptake of electric forklifts in South Africa has been fairly slow.

“Challenges with energy supply, due to load-shedding or load reduction, have played a significant role in this. With the country’s efforts to stabilise the energy situation and the Energy Minister’s recent announcement at Energy Africa Week that there will be greater focus on renewable energy, we expect to see more operations adopting eco-efficient machines.”

Not only do electric forklifts make sense from an eco-conscious perspective, they cost less to operate. This is because when electricity is stable, it generally costs less to charge an electric forklift than to refuel with diesel. They are also made up of less moving parts, making them less costly to maintain.

Naidoo says one of the eco-stars of CFAO Equipment SA’s Heavy Lift division is the Konecranes E-VER electric forklift, which incorporates Ecolifting innovations that are aimed at reducing fossil fuel emissions without any loss in performance.

“The E-VER has a fully electric driveline that can help eliminate fossil fuels from any operation and cut energy consumption by up to 70%. With zero CO2 tailpipe emissions into the atmosphere, the forklift is more sustainable for people, the workplace and the environment.”

The machines use a lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries that power the electric motors for traction and hydraulics. These batteries take less than an hour to charge, which means a battery break is as short as the average lunch break.

Naidoo says in addition to being quick to charge, lithium-ion batteries last longer – between five and 10 years – with opportunity-charging reducing the need for a full charge and extending battery life.

“They also have an almost flat discharge curve, meaning that full power is available until the battery is empty; require virtually no maintenance; and can be charged anywhere.”

A battery management system (BMS) constantly monitors battery condition and a thermal management system (TMS) always keeps it at the right temperature.

The latest BMS software allows operators to pre-heat or -cool the E-VER when connected to the grid and have it ready for operations whenever needed.

Naidoo says these heavy-duty electric forklifts are built with durability in mind. “Nothing has been compromised because the forklift is electric. The electric motor is powerful and delivers impressive lift capacity and speed, making the machine capable of handling a wide range of material handling tasks. Its strong lifting ability, even at maximum capacity, ensures that it can perform in demanding environments, such as warehouses, manufacturing plants, and distribution centres.

“Moreover, the Konecranes E-VR forklift is designed for continuous operation, with fast charging times and long-lasting battery life, making it suitable for multi-shift operations.”

The E-VR’s low centre of gravity, along with its advanced stability control system, helps prevent tipping, even when handling heavy loads. The forklift also includes intuitive operator interfaces, with clear and easy-to-understand displays, which contribute to greater control and awareness during operation. In addition, its electric powertrain means fewer vibrations, resulting in smoother handling and reduced operator fatigue. This leads to a safer and more productive working environment.

Naidoo says the multitude of benefits offered by the E-VR make investing in the machine a no-brainer. “For businesses looking for a greener, more cost-effective and high-performance material handling solution that helps them comply with environmental regulations, it is the obvious choice.”