As the UK government’s target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 approaches, many companies are looking for ways to make their operations as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. But switching from internal combustion engine forklift trucks to electric-powered alternatives might not be the correct solution for all applications.
Also read: Enhance Forklift Safety and Efficiency During Winter with Toyota’s Expert Tips
Toyota’s Approach to Forklift Fleet Renewal
Leading forklift truck supplier, Toyota Material Handling UK, is encouraging any companies looking to renew their fleet to ensure they have considered all fuel sources before making a purchasing decision. This includes exploring the use of biofuel forklift trucks to help reduce the carbon footprint of IC trucks.
“Europe’s forklift users have been migrating from IC engine forklift trucks to battery-powered forklifts on a huge scale for more than 20 years,” says Paul Bowers, Counterbalance Truck Specialist at Toyota Material Handling UK.
“In fact, the decline in demand for diesel and LPG forklifts has been so dramatic that some lift truck manufacturers have stopped producing diesel and LPG-powered forklifts completely,” he adds.
Electricity Costs and Sustainability Concerns
But with the surge in electricity prices that followed the Covid crisis and the invasion of Ukraine, the cost of recharging a truck battery has risen.
As a result, the substantial long-term financial benefits associated with replacing IC engine forklift trucks with electric models have reduced.
Furthermore, there is growing concern that the continued reliance on fossil fuel in the generation process means electricity can be less environmentally friendly than many people think. In 2023, a third of the UK’s electricity supply still came from fossil fuel dependency in forklifts.
Paul Bowers says: “The emergence of these issues surrounding the financial and environmental benefits of running electric trucks has led some companies to question whether swapping IC engine forklift trucks for electric models remains the best strategy for them.”
Alternative Forklift Fuels: Biofuel and Hydrogen
“At Toyota, we believe that despite higher electricity costs and the understandable frustration over the way electricity is produced, the business case for electric forklift trucks can be compelling.
“But, while battery-powered forklifts are still the optimum truck choice for many applications, they are not necessarily the best option for everyone.”
“Toyota is at the forefront of the evolution in alternative forklift fuels, including biofuel forklift trucks and hydrogen-powered forklifts. We aim to ensure that each Toyota client receives the most appropriate handling solution powered by the engine type and fuel source that is best suited to the requirements of their application.”
Finding the Right Forklift Fuel Solution
“For some clients, ‘going green’ doesn’t automatically mean ‘going electric’. Because we offer and service a wide range of electric forklift trucks and internal combustion engine forklift trucks, Toyota truck users know they will receive expert advice to ensure that they receive the correct truck and fuel combination that meets their unique needs perfectly.”
