Lithium-ion Benefits
Why li-ion is better
Lithium-ion batteries deliver superior performance across every metric. They last 3,000+ cycles compared to just 500-1,000 for lead-acid, while charging in 2-3 hours versus 8-12. Their 95% efficiency surpasses lead-acid’s 80-85%, and opportunity charging eliminates downtime; just plug in during breaks. At one-third the weight, they improve equipment ergonomics and performance.
With zero maintenance requirements, no toxic emissions, and lower long-term operational costs despite higher upfront pricing, lithium-ion technology represents the clear choice for modern material handling operations seeking efficiency and sustainability.
| Lead Acid | Li-ion | |
|---|---|---|
| Water refill required | Yes | No |
| Special charging room | Yes | No |
| Possible misuse damage | Yes | No |
| Charging time | 10 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Battery exchange required | Yes | No |
Li-ion vs lead acid
While lead-acid batteries offer lower initial costs, lithium-ion technology excels in performance and total value. Lead-acid requires full 8-12 hour charge cycles to maintain battery chemistry, whereas lithium-ion thrives on opportunity charging; even 10-minute charges during breaks. Lead-acid batteries need regular maintenance, watering, and dedicated battery swapping infrastructure, while lithium-ion operates maintenance-free.
Energy efficiency differs dramatically: lead-acid wastes up to 50% of energy as heat compared to lithium-ion’s 15%. Though lead-acid remains cheaper upfront, lithium-ion’s longer lifespan, reduced labor costs, and elimination of battery rooms deliver superior long-term economics for warehouse operations.
benefits of switching to Li-ion
The battery choice varies by equipment type. For pallet trucks, including ride-on models, Li-Ion is the logical choice; prices are comparable to lead-acid with tremendous advantages. However, for reach trucks and forklifts, the price gap remains an obstacle for many customers. Only manufacturers with Li-Ion customized trucks can match lead-acid pricing through optimised production costs. The standout Li-Ion features that justify the investment include:
Longer lifespan
6x More Charge Cycles Than Lead-AcidLithium-ion batteries have a life cycle of 3000 or more compared to just 500-1000 cycles in lead acid. Lithium-ion batteries generally last for several times the number of cycles as lead acid batteries, leading to a longer and more effective lifespan for lithium-ion products. Cycles are also counted in percentage of charge rather than one cycle every time you connect the battery to the charger. This means a 10% charge is 1/10 of a cycle with a Li-Ion battery, while a 10% charge at a lead acid battery is 1 full cycle.
Opportunity charging
Quick 10-Minute Power Boosts During BreaksWhile lead acid batteries always need a full charge cycle of 8-12 hours to keep the batteries chemistry in balance, LI-Ion batteries really like opportunity charging. They can be plugged in to the wall and charged for 10 Minutes during a break. This offers a unique way to work your shifts and reduce the overall Ah carried around in the truck.
Lighter weight
One-Third the Weight for Better ErgonomicsLithium-ion batteries offer high power density which cause lithium-ion batteries to be relatively small and light. A lithium battery is only one-third of the weight of a lead-acid battery. This offers manufacturers like EP the opportunity to develop the trucks with higher standards of ergonomics, bigger legroom and better performing trucks due to the smaller size and weight of the batteries.
Higher efficiency
95% Energy Utilization vs. 80% for Lead-AcidMost lithium-ion batteries are 95 percent efficient or more, meaning that 95 percent or more of the energy stored in a lithium-ion battery is actually able to be used. Lead acid batteries see efficiencies closer to 80/ 85 percent.
Faster charging
2-3 Hours to Full Charge vs. 8+ HoursHigher efficiency batteries charge faster, improved efficiency means a higher effective battery capacity. Lithium batteries takes 2-3 hours to charge while lead-acid needs at least 8 hours. Lithium batteries high effective capacity reduces downtime in operations.
Zero maintenance
No Watering, No Upkeep RequiredWhile lead-acid batteries need special maintenance, Lithium batteries don’t require active maintenance to extend their service life. That largely eliminates the costs of battery up keeping, maintenance and infrastructure.
Why choose EP li-ion?
EP’s extensive lithium battery R&D expertise led to the 2019 launch of “LiST” – lithium-integrated smart trucks offering weight savings, superior cycle life, and rapid charging. The series features intelligent BMS with telematics for real-time usage monitoring and Bluetooth diagnostics streaming to operators’ phones, enabling remote support.
EP LiST trucks serve diverse industries including logistics, retail, manufacturing, and food/beverage sectors. Their reduced pollution, higher energy efficiency, and lower maintenance costs are driving widespread adoption among manufacturing professionals seeking operational improvements.