Tractors, Push-Backs, Forklifts, Order-Pickers and electric pallet trucks – all need a reliable battery. When it comes to deciding which battery to choose, customers usually have two options: Lithium-Ion and Lead-Acid.
In the following, we would like to have a brief look at the main differences customers should take into consideration when it comes to making a long-term commitment and decision.
The first, and arguably the most important, aspect to focus on is the cost. Here, the consumer should differentiate between short- and long-term costs of the application. In the short-term, the up-front cost, the Lead-Acid Battery can usually convince with a lower price. However, when looking at the long-term costs of the application, Lithium-Ion Batteries offer a longer lifetime, a reduced energy consumption and close to zero maintenance. This results in a significantly lower total-cost-of-ownership – up to 50%.
When looking at charging, lithium batteries save time and electricity. You can fast-charge a Colibri Lithium Battery, within 15-120 minutes. A Lead-Acid Battery requires 3x the time to charge. Colibri Lithium also ensure minimal energy loss, whilst charging. Colibri customers enjoy total energy savings of over 35%, compared to Lead-Acid.
When drawing a conclusion, it becomes obvious that on the first look, Lead-Acid Batteries seem like the cheaper option. However, upon reflection and a deeper look at the numbers and facts this changes and one realizes that in the long-term Lithium-Ion Batteries offer the more energy- and cost-efficient option to choose.