What type of battery is commonly used in forklifts for energy storage?

Lead-acid batteries are commonly used in forklifts for energy storage due to several key advantages. Primarily, these batteries have a well-established track record in the material handling industry, being recognized for their reliability and capability to deliver high bursts of power, which are essential for the demanding operations of forklifts. They also have a lower initial cost compared to other battery types, making them an economic choice for many businesses.

Additionally, lead-acid batteries are relatively robust, able to endure harsh conditions, including variations in temperature and heavy usage. Their maintenance requirements are well understood, and while they do require regular checks of the water levels and occasional equalization charges, these maintenance tasks are straightforward.

Other battery types, such as lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium, while gaining popularity due to their longer life cycles and faster charging times, tend to come with higher costs. Alkaline batteries, on the other hand, aren’t suitable for the consistent and high-demand energy application that forklifts require, making lead-acid batteries the predominant choice in this sector.