Warehouse operations are a major part of the logistics industry and are a significant contributor toward this industry’s global carbon emissions. According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Supply Chains Initiative, freight transportation makes up 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which inflates to 11% if you include warehousing operations. Warehousing consumes immense amounts of energy due to its reliance on lighting systems, temperature control and ventilation, and material handling equipment.

With the need to address climate change becoming more urgent each year, industries across the board are reassessing their environmental impact and shifting toward more sustainable practises. Warehouse operations are no exception to this. In response to newer environmental regulations and corporate sustainability goals, many warehouses have replaced diesel- and gasoline-powered forklifts with their electric counterparts.

But how exactly do electric forklifts contribute to broader environmental efforts in warehousing and logistics? Here, we delve deeper into the role that electric forklifts play in sustainable warehouse operations.

1. They Contribute to Reducing Carbon Emissions

The main advantage of switching to electric forklifts is their positive environmental impact. Unlike their diesel and gasoline-powered counterparts, which emit harmful pollutants during operation, electric forklifts rely entirely on battery power. This means that they produce no direct emissions.

The use of electric forklifts significantly reduces the carbon footprint of individual warehouse facilities and contributes to lower overall emissions in the logistics supply chain. It also leads to a much cleaner working environment for warehouse employees.

Many companies have begun switching to electric forklifts to meet their sustainability targets. They can even take it a step further by using green energy sources, such as solar power, to power these machines. Charging forklifts with clean energy allows warehouses to become less dependent on fossil fuels altogether, making the overall transition to renewable energy easier.

2. They Can Be Powered Using Renewable Energy and Have Fewer Moving Parts

It’s true that electric forklifts typically have a higher initial price point than diesel- and gasoline-powered forklifts. However, they are still a better investment considering that their operation costs are much cheaper than their fuel counterparts. First, this is because electricity is generally less expensive than gasoline or diesel fuel, especially if the electric forklifts are charged with renewable energy.

Electric forklifts also have fewer moving parts, which result in fewer maintenance costs in the long run. For businesses looking to optimise long-term operational costs without compromising their sustainability efforts, electric forklifts are a smart choice.

3. They Are Energy Efficient

Many electric forklift models can operate longer than their diesel or gasoline-powered counterparts, leading to increased productivity and decreased downtime. Their long battery life can keep them running for several hours, or even an entire workday, on a single charge, allowing them to operate without any interruptions.

Rather than having to stop for time-consuming refuelling sessions, operators can opt to recharge their forklifts overnight. This helps minimise disruptions during operating hours and improves overall warehouse productivity.

4. Using Them Can Lead to a Healthier Working Environment

Incorporating electric forklifts into business operations contributes to a healthier and safer warehouse environment. Because they don’t produce direct emissions, these forklifts can help maintain air quality and are thus much safer for the respiratory health of warehouse employees.

Many electric forklifts also come equipped with advanced safety features, such as stability controls and braking systems. This helps decrease the risk of workplace accidents and injuries, further contributing to employee well-being. A safer and healthier work environment, in turn, can boost employee morale and lead to increase in productivity and improved retention rates.

5. They Require Simplified Regular Maintenance

Maintenance is a major factor in the total cost of ownership for warehouse equipment. Diesel and gas-powered forklifts have more moving parts than electric forklifts, all of which need constant maintenance. Frequent maintenance is costly in the long run, and if a part needs to be replaced, it also contributes further to the waste that warehousing operations produce.

On the other hand, electric forklifts are much simpler to maintain. With fewer parts that require routine servicing, they offer greater uptime and lower maintenance expenses. They also generate less waste, as there is no need for used oil disposal or frequent part replacements.

6. They Can Be Integrated with Smart Technology

Modern electric forklifts have several smart technology features that make them easier to operate, monitor, and maintain. They typically are able to connect to their manufacturer’s mobile app, allowing operators to instantly receive important information such as impact alerts, checklist notifications, and battery usage and issues.

Operators can also use the same interface to check on a particular model’s utilisation, availability, charging, or maintenance statuses. Some models also have built-in impact cameras in case of any incidents. These functions enable efficient warehouse management, further reducing operational waste.

Electric Forklifts Are Integral for Sustainability and Productivity in Modern Warehouses

Switching from gasoline- and diesel-powered forklifts to electric forklifts has many benefits, both from an environmental and a business standpoint. Avoiding fossil fuels and switching to renewable energy sources is the right move for sustainability-focused warehouse facilities worldwide, not just to decrease the logistics industry’s global greenhouse gas emissions, but also to save on operational costs while maintaining or even increasing overall productivity.