The Big Question for Irish Businesses
One of the most common questions we hear at Clearlift Material Handling is: can electric forklifts really last a full shift?
For many businesses across Ireland and Northern Ireland, forklifts are the backbone of daily operations. Traditionally, diesel has been the go-to for reliability and endurance. But with rising fuel costs, stricter emissions rules, and sustainability targets, more companies are asking whether it is time to switch to electric forklifts.
The short answer: yes. Modern lithium-ion electric forklifts can last a full shift and often significantly longer. Here is what you need to know.
Electric vs Diesel: Power and Endurance
Diesel forklifts have long been trusted for heavy lifting and long shifts. They refuel quickly and are seen as the reliable choice. But lithium-ion electric forklifts have closed the gap completely. Here is how they compare:
- Battery life: A fully charged lithium-ion battery powers an electric forklift for 6–10 hours of continuous operation, comfortably covering a standard single shift
- Opportunity charging: Lithium-ion allows quick top-ups during breaks or shift changes — 30–60 minutes gets you back to full — unlike lead-acid which requires overnight charging and battery swaps
- Consistent power: Unlike diesel where performance can vary with engine temperature and fuel quality, electric forklifts deliver consistent torque and lift capacity from the first hour to the last
- Lower running costs: No fuel, fewer moving parts, minimal servicing
Explore our full range of Electric Forklifts.
EP Equipment Model Runtime — Specific Figures
Rather than speaking in general terms, here is what you can expect from the specific EP Equipment models we supply:
24V/150Ah lithium battery. Designed for busy warehouse floors and tight spaces. Handles a full 8-hour single shift under normal operating conditions. Opportunity charging during a 30-minute break restores sufficient charge for extended shifts.
EP EFL302 3-Wheel Electric Forklift
Lithium power pack rated for 6–8 hours under standard warehouse conditions. The 3-wheel design makes it ideal for compact environments and indoor use where diesel would create fume issues.
EP EFL Series Counterbalance Forklifts
High-voltage lithium systems. Rated for multi-shift operations with opportunity charging. Suitable for heavier applications including outdoor yard work and manufacturing.
EP XP15 / EXP15 Automated Pallet Movers
Designed to run continuously across full shifts with opportunity charging during natural workflow pauses. Because they operate autonomously at lower speeds, energy consumption per hour is lower than a manned truck.
Want to see any of these running a full shift? Come to our demo centre in Navan and we will show you. Book here.
Charging and Shift Planning: What You Need to Know
The concern about charging downtime is understandable but often overstated. With lithium-ion, here is how it works in practice:
- Fast charging: Most EP lithium-ion batteries reach 80% charge in under an hour
- Opportunity charging: Top up during breaks, lunch, or shift changeovers — no specialist equipment needed, standard plug socket
- No battery swap: Unlike lead-acid, there is no need to physically remove and swap batteries, which requires equipment and trained staff
- Overnight charging: Charge at lower overnight electricity rates and your truck is full every morning
In real terms, lithium-ion integrates into multi-shift operations without the complexity that lead-acid demands.
Can Electric Forklifts Handle Heavy Loads?
The misconception that electric forklifts are only for light warehouse work is outdated. The EP Equipment range covers everything from compact 1.5-tonne pallet trucks for retail backrooms to 3.5-tonne counterbalance forklifts for manufacturing yards, all electric, all lithium-ion.
See the full range of warehouse equipment.
Why More Irish Businesses Are Switching
Across Ireland and Northern Ireland, businesses in every sector are making the move because:
- Lower total operating costs compared to diesel — typically 60–70% less per year
- Simpler servicing — fewer parts, no engine maintenance, less downtime
- Sustainability targets — supporting Ireland’s Climate Action Plan and EU Green Deal commitments
- Quiet operation — essential for indoor environments, food production, and urban sites
- No fumes — critical for food, pharma, and any enclosed space
See why businesses across Ireland are choosing to switch.
Reliability and Local Support
Electric forklifts are more reliable than diesel because they have fewer moving parts — no engine, no gearbox, no exhaust. When something does need attention, our Parts and Aftersales team covers all of Ireland and Northern Ireland from our depots in Navan and Portadown.
The Answer: Yes — With the Right Model and Charging Plan
Electric forklifts can last a full shift. With lithium-ion technology, they can run longer than a single shift with smart opportunity charging. The key is matching the right model to your operation — shift length, load weight, application, and environment all influence which EP Equipment model is the best fit.
Talk to us — we will recommend the right model for your operation and tell you honestly what to expect from it.
Ireland: 01 5267 411 | Northern Ireland: 028 3833 7038 |
Or visit our demo centre in Navan to see the machines running a full operating cycle before you decide.
