Lithium-Ion Batteries or Lead-Acid Batteries?

One of the main objectives of logistics companies is to achieve energy efficiency. However, choosing the most favorable energy solution for our fleet will require a detailed study of the company's needs (sector, daily operations, the volume of goods, etc.), an evaluation of the costs, and the layout of our facilities. , among other things.

Currently, we can find a wide variety of technologies on the market from which to choose: Lithium-Ion Batteries, Lead-Acid Batteries, Fuel cells, Diesel, LPG or CNG.

If we look at the volume of electric trucks present in the market, we can see how their percentage increases exponentially year after year in all sectors and applications. The battery technology is in continuous development by the different suppliers of handling equipment since this technology offers a highly efficient and safe solution to achieve maximum performance and operability.

In this article, we will explore Lithium-Ion and Lead-acid battery technologies.

WHICH BATTERY IS BETTER? WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF BATTERIES?

The answer to the question will depend on the specific needs and operations of your business. The most efficient energy solution for you may not be the best for another company. Therefore, below we will develop the main differences and benefits of each technology that will help you choose the perfect solution for your trucks.

The main difference between the two batteries lies in the level of demand of the application: if the use of your forklift is focused only on a single work shift (that is, a low to medium level of demand), you have enough time to charge the batteries, change them when required and carry out regular maintenance; conventional lead-acid batteries may be the most suitable solution.

If, on the other hand, the company's operational activity is highly synchronized, it has several work shifts and high performance is required, lithium-ion technology is the most appropriate.

One Lithium-Ion battery can replace three to four lead-acid batteries in a three-shift operation

Lithium-Ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries offer numerous advantages: they have a higher energy density, higher efficiency, and a longer life cycle. Lead-acid batteries allow 1,500 life cycles, while lithium battery technology lasts up to 2,500 cycles. Furthermore, they require much less maintenance than lead-acid batteries and do not need to be replaced.

The combination of the Lithium-Ion battery and the correct charger increases the overall efficiency by up to 30% compared to lead-acid batteries. This translates into a reduction in energy costs: constant voltage prevents loss of performance even as the battery charge level drops.

Furthermore, since the battery no longer emits gases, additional investments in both battery charging areas and ventilation systems can be dispensed with.

The high energy density of these batteries allows, unlike the more traditional lead-acid batteries, to have a greater capacity in the same space.

However, despite the large storage capacity, the capacity of today's lithium-ion batteries is not always sufficient in all cases when it comes to allowing a three-shift operation. For continuous operation of two or even three shifts, it will be necessary to carry out partial loads that may coincide with the rest of the operators throughout the day. This allows us to avoid continuous battery changes and added costs.

To achieve maximum efficiency, it is necessary to develop specially adapted working and charging strategies with short-intermediate charging times for users who have these requirements.

Lead-acid batteries

Lead-acid batteries offer more than well-known and prestigious technology. These are somewhat cheaper in terms of maintenance than thermal engines and are also indicated for indoor use thanks to their low emissions.

However, its life cycle is shorter, so in demanding applications, it will be essential to make battery changes or opt for another type of technology.

These battery changes mean having adequate charging facilities with proper ventilation, as well as auxiliary machinery that allows the batteries to be replaced and moved.

In addition, due to their composition based on sulfuric acid and water, their incorrect handling can cause risks of burns or possible fires if a sufficiently ventilated space is not enabled.

If we observe the self-discharge rate (understood as the loss of energy when the truck is not used) in lead-acid batteries, it is observed on average between 6 and 10% of the total in an entire month without use, while in lithium-ion batteries this rate drops to 1% in the same period of time.

Ultimately, lithium-ion batteries offer multiple advantages over conventional lead-acid batteries. However, it is necessary to correctly study the feasibility of each technology compared to the operation of each client.

While it is true that both battery technologies allow the power system of a forklift to be tailored exactly to the appropriate application, you should have a trusted supplier to do a thorough study of your specific needs. In this way, we will receive an efficient energy solution adapted exactly to our needs. In some cases, greater efficiency will be achieved using lithium-ion or lead-acid battery technology, while in other cases combustion engine technology may be the best solution.