Jungheinrich Electric forklifts

An electric forklift is worthwhile once you regularly transport, stack or move loads and value low operating costs and clean, quiet running – both indoors and outdoors. The higher the utilisation and the longer the service life, the faster your investment pays off.

Electric forklift trucks are powerful, reliable all-rounders in the warehouse, in multi-shift operation, for pallet transport, for handling special load carriers and when loading and unloading lorries and containers. With the right attachments, they also master specialised handling tasks. To find the model that suits your requirements, talk to our specialists or use our [Forklift Finder LINK].

A three-wheel electric forklift is the right choice for tight warehouses and frequent manoeuvring – especially on level surfaces. A four-wheel electric forklift suits heavy loads and outdoor use and offers greater stability on uneven ground. The rule of thumb: agility in the tightest spaces calls for the three-wheeler; heavy loads and outdoor use call for the four-wheeler.

The three-wheel model offers a small turning circle and maximum manoeuvrability, while the four-wheel model delivers higher load capacity, greater stability and traction. Both variants are available in various load capacity classes – so you will find exactly the truck that suits your requirements.

An electric forklift is usually serviced once a year. For intensive use in multi-shift operation, shorter intervals are advisable. Electric forklifts are considered particularly low-maintenance, as they have far fewer wear parts than combustion-engine trucks.

The battery is a key factor: a lead-acid battery requires regular care – for example, weekly topping up of water and cleaning of the battery. To avoid this effort, choose lithium-ion technology, which almost entirely eliminates additional battery maintenance. Regular servicing also keeps your fleet highly available and protects your investment in the long term.

Cost-effectiveness comes down to the total cost of ownership over the entire life cycle: purchase price, energy consumption, maintenance, utilisation and residual value. What matters is not the purchase price, but the sum of all costs across the whole service life.

Key levers are energy-efficient drive technology with braking energy recovery, the right battery concept, assistance systems that prevent damage, plus service quality and the financing model. In the Performance PLUS models of the new Series 2/3, modern PSM technology (permanent magnet synchronous motors) delivers even higher energy efficiency. When all components – from the truck to the battery to the charger – are perfectly coordinated, you achieve maximum efficiency.

Electric forklifts run on two battery concepts: lithium-ion and lead-acid. Lithium-ion is now suitable for almost any application – from single-shift to multi-shift operation – and is largely on a par with lead-acid on price. On top of that, the technology scores on flexibility, savings and sustainability. Lead-acid remains a proven, low-cost alternative.

With lithium-ion, you charge flexibly during any work break, save time and energy, and set your operation up for the future and for sustainability – with no battery changes and no separate charging room. Lead-acid, by contrast, requires regular maintenance and a dedicated charging room. The right choice depends on your usage profile, your existing charging infrastructure and your cost and sustainability targets.
 

Buying is worthwhile for consistently high utilisation; leasing offers predictability without a high upfront investment; and hiring is ideal for short-term needs, projects or peak demand. Which option is most economical depends on hours of use, utilisation and your financing strategy.

Buying ties up capital but secures a long-term asset. Leasing keeps your business liquid and independent, while hire – from short-term to long-term rental – provides maximum flexibility for short-notice needs.

Charging time depends on the battery type: a lithium-ion battery is fully charged in around 80 minutes and reaches up to 50 per cent capacity after roughly 30 minutes of interim charging. A lead-acid battery needs several hours for a full charge, plus a cooling-down period.

Thanks to short interim charges with no memory effect, lithium-ion forklifts stay ready for use almost around the clock – ideal for demanding multi-shift operation. The exact charging time varies with battery capacity, charger and state of charge; perfectly coordinated charging technology maximises availability.

Lithium-ion batteries stand out for their short charging times, flexible interim charging with no memory effect, virtually complete freedom from maintenance and a service life up to three times longer – for maximum fleet availability and lower total operating costs.

There is no need to top up water or set aside separate charging rooms. Operation is clean and emission-free. Existing electric forklifts can often be retrofitted with lithium-ion technology.

An electric forklift runs cleanly, quietly and far more cost-effectively than a diesel forklift, making it perfectly suited to indoor use, the food industry and sustainable material handling. Lower energy costs and fewer wear parts also reduce maintenance.

Modern electric forklift trucks recover energy during braking and, with powerful three-phase AC technology, achieve high throughput – even under heavy loads. Together, this makes them cost-effective, high-performing and sustainable. Diesel forklifts still have their place, particularly for very heavy loads or extreme outdoor conditions.

The key difference: lithium-ion can be topped up flexibly during any work break – with no memory effect, no battery changes and no separate charging room. Lead-acid, by contrast, needs fixed charging cycles, regular maintenance and a dedicated, ventilated charging room.

In brief, lithium-ion offers the following over lead-acid: faster charging times, longer service life, higher energy efficiency and significantly less maintenance. That saves time, space and personnel. Lead-acid remains a solid, low-cost entry-level option – but for flexibility, sustainability and future readiness, lithium-ion is the superior choice.