Find the right forklift energy solution for your operation
At Toyota Material Handling UK, we understand that choosing the right forklift energy solution for your truck fleet is crucial for maximising productivity, efficiency, and sustainability, while minimising costs. We offer a full range of energy solutions, including traditional diesel and LPG for counterbalance forklifts, lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and hydrogen fuel cell technology. Our energy specialists work as your trusted advisers, analysing your operations to find the right energy solution for you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach - we partner with you to identify the best fit for your unique needs, helping to reduce energy-related waste across your operation, in line with our Zero Muda philosophy.
Toyota Forklift Energy Solutions
Combustion Engine
A forklift with an internal combustion engine has a lower initial cost compared to an electric truck. Engine-powered forklifts are suitable for outdoor applications and operate well in unfavourable weather such as rain.
Lead-acid
Lead-acid batteries are the cheapest to buy, widely applicable and suitable for all kinds of forklift operations. Lead-acid is great for a simplistic logistics process with circular economy principles, as they are 98% recyclable.
Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion batteries deliver maximum power to your forklifts at all times, regardless of how much charge is left, providing your business with a high-quality and safe way to power your material handling equipment.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Hydrogen fuel cell forklifts combine the sustainability of an electric truck with the practicality and short refuelling time of an internal combustion engine. If you manage a heavy-duty application, fuel cell is the right way to go.
Which energy source is right for my forklift trucks?
When deciding which energy source is right for your forklifts and material handling equipment, we work with you to assess your business requirements, to ensure you get the most effective and efficient energy solution for your fleet. We understand that operating costs are one of the main contributors to the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of material handling equipment, that’s why choosing the right energy solution is crucial.
Lithium-ion
Time to fully charge: 80 min
Charging Infrastructure: None, charges on your electricity network
Maintenance: None
Life cycle: 5,000 charging cycles
Emissions: None (combined with green electricity)
Availability: Full electric range
Some benefits include:
- More than three times the lifecycle of lead-acid batteries
- 30% more energy-efficient than lead-acid
- Easy and fast charging
- No battery servicing required
- No emissions when green electricity is used
- Low life-cycle cost
Lead-acid
Time to fully charge: 8-12 hours
Charging Infrastructure: Separate charging room
Maintenance: Intense: regular water topping
Life cycle: 1,500 charging cycles
Emissions: Chemicals during charging
Availability: Full electric range
Some benefits include:
- Cost-effective
- 98% recyclable
- Tried and tested technology
- Available on most of our electric trucks
Combustion Engine LPG
Time to fully charge: Quick bottle exchange for continuous operation
Charging Infrastructure: Requires safe gas bottle storage and handling in line with regulations
Maintenance: Regular oil and water checks required; engines are designed for easy maintenance with self-cleaning components
Life cycle: Durable with a strong performance lifespan
Emissions: Lower emissions than diesel, but not emission-free
Availability: Dependent on gas bottle deliveries, which may affect remote operations
Some benefits include:
- Lower initial cost compared to an electric truck
- Suitable for outdoor applications
- Suitable in unfavourable weather, such as rain
- Don't require any charging time
- Quick and easy to refuel
Combustion Engine Diesel
Time to fully charge:Quick refuelling via on-site diesel tank
Charging Infrastructure:Requires secure on-site fuel tank and space
Maintenance: Regular oil and water checks required; engines are designed for easy maintenance with self-cleaning components
Life cycle: Long-lasting and built for harsh conditions
Emissions:Stage V engines are cleaner but still produce emissions
Availability:Widely available, suitable for remote sites
Some benefits include:
- Lower initial cost compared to an electric truck
- Suitable for outdoor applications
- Suitable in unfavourable weather, such as rain
- Don't require any charging time
- Quick and easy to refuel
Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Time to fully charge: 3 min
Charging Infrastructure: Fuel station and optional electrolyser
Maintenance: Minimal
Life cycle: 10 years
Emissions: None (combined with green hydrogen)
Availability: 90% of electric range
Some benefits include:
- CO2 emissions-free
- Quick refuelling
- Easy to store and transport
- No performance loss, even when the tank is almost empty
- Low maintenance
- Can be retrofitted into existing equipment
Energy Source Calculator
Choosing the right energy source for your fleet is easier than you think.
Choosing the right energy solution for your forklift fleet can have a significant impact on productivity, efficiency and cost.
Our energy calculator helps you select the right energy source based on your operational needs - from working hours to usage intensity. This allows you to make an informed, data-driven decision tailored to your business.
Start the calculator
We'll help you to find the right solution
At Toyota, we recognise that no two businesses are the same. We consider your specific needs such as business type, operational patterns, application, utilisation rate, company vision, complexity level, sustainability goals and more to find the ideal energy source that aligns with your operations.
We’re more than just a provider, we’re your partner in ensuring that your material handling operations run smoothly, sustainably, and cost-effectively. We help you find the optimal combination of energy source, trucks, and operation layout to suit your business.
Our energy commitment
Our company vision is zero muda (meaning zero waste) in everything that we do. This is also shown in our energy approach. We have committed to being carbon-free by 2030 within our own operations.
Get battery insights from I_Site
Our I_Site Fleet Management offers a battery management function within the I_Site Explorer package, through which you can gain useful insights on your batteries to improve cost and energy efficiency.
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