Published: July 2025
Deciding on the right forklift can feel like a balancing act between performance, cost, and long-term value. Electric forklifts have surged in popularity across industries, especially in warehousing, manufacturing, and logistics. But are they the right fit for your operation? In this article, we break down the pros and cons of electric forklifts to help you make an informed decision.
1. Lower Operating Costs
Electric forklifts typically have fewer moving parts than internal combustion (IC) models, which means reduced maintenance. They don’t require oil changes, fuel filters, or spark plugs. Over time, this can lead to significantly lower service and repair costs. According to Toyota Forklifts, electric models can be up to 40% cheaper to maintain than their gas or diesel counterparts.
2. Cleaner, Safer Work Environment
Electric forklifts produce zero emissions, making them ideal for indoor use, especially in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and other environments where air quality is critical. OSHA highlights the importance of air quality in enclosed facilities, especially when using IC forklifts. Between 2020 and 2025, there were 79 investigations of fatal carbon monoxide poisoning at workplaces conducted by OSHA.
3. Quieter Operation
Electric forklifts run much quieter than combustion models, helping to reduce noise pollution and operator fatigue. This can also improve communication in busy warehouses and reduce the risk of accidents.
4. Improved Energy Efficiency
With advancements in lithium-ion battery technology, electric forklifts can now deliver consistent power with shorter charging times and longer run-times. They’re also more energy efficient, converting a higher percentage of battery power into usable energy. EQDepot reports that switching from IC to electric can save as much as 20% in energy costs.
5. Incentives and Sustainability Goals
Many local governments and utility providers offer incentives or rebates for switching to electric industrial vehicles. Going electric can also support your company’s ESG goals and sustainability reporting. If government incentives are a great selling point for your organization, electric is the way to go.
1. Higher Initial Cost
Electric forklifts usually cost more upfront than similar-capacity IC forklifts. Best Buy Forklift says the initial cost of an electric forklift “ranges between $15,000 and $50,000.” However, this cost is often offset over time through lower operating and maintenance expenses. Sustainability is an investment.
2. Charging Infrastructure Requirements
Implementing electric forklifts requires planning for charging stations, battery swap areas, or multi-shift charging solutions. If your facility isn’t already equipped, this could mean added infrastructure costs.
3. Limited Outdoor Use
While electric forklifts are improving in this area, most are still better suited for indoor or smooth-surface environments. Wet or uneven outdoor conditions can affect traction and performance.
4. Downtime for Charging
Unless you invest in fast-charging systems or spare battery packs, electric forklifts can experience downtime while charging. For high-volume, multi-shift operations, this may require logistical adjustments.
Before choosing electric forklifts, ask yourself:
In many cases, electric forklifts offer a strong return on investment over time, especially when paired with the right infrastructure and operational planning. For environments focused on indoor use, sustainability, and low maintenance, electric models are a compelling choice.
More and more industries have been adopting electric forklifts as their go-to equipment for materials handling. Warehouses, especially those in retail with many on-the-ground employees, have been expanding the electric market at breakneck speed.
However, if your operations involve heavy outdoor use, multiple shifts, or limited ability to charge or swap batteries, it’s worth considering hybrid or IC models—or a mixed fleet strategy.
If you're considering electric forklifts, consult with your operations, facilities, and safety teams to ensure the transition aligns with your company's long-term goals and capabilities.
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