Fuel types for material handling equipment

There are many fuel types that can be use to run material handling equipment, below i have listed some examples.

Electric
Electric vehicles are designed for indoor use only. Their big advantages are the absence of fumes and their quiet operation. If you only intend to use your vehicles indoors, this is the way to go. In multi-shift operations you will need additional batteries and charging/transfer stations. In single shift operations, or, if the truck is not used 100% of the time, you can charge it during off hours. Note that the batteries and chargers for lift trucks are usually priced separately from the lift truck itself. You will also have choices of standard batteries or sealed maintenance-free types.

AC or DC
Recently AC (alternating current) motors are being offered by several lift truck manufacturers. AC powered lift trucks run off of DC batteries and convert the DC power back to AC to power the motor. The advantages of AC motors include faster acceleration, higher efficiency, and lower maintenance costs.

Regenerative braking
This technology recharges the batteries using the momentum of the lift truck when slowing down (braking). The frequent starting/stopping of lift trucks make them an excellent application for this technology. Similar to the technology used in hybrid automobiles.

Fast charging
Fast charging provides a means to reduce or eliminate the need to change batteries on multi-shift operations. The idea here is to quickly recharge the batteries during breaks, lunches, and between shifts (frequently called opportunity charging). Though more expensive than conventional charging systems, fast charging is growing in popularity.

LP Liquid Propane
Advantages of using LP include minimal fumes (however heavy use indoors requires adequate ventilation), the ability to use both indoors and outdoors, and the ability to quickly change LP tanks. Commonly used in indoor/outdoor operations such as lumber yards.

Gasoline or Diesel
Outdoor use only. Heavily used in construction, scrap yards, etc.

Fuel-cell Technology
There are a handful of companies already testing hydrogen fuel cell power sources for industrial trucks (more information on hydrogen fuel cells available at GeneralHydrogen.com , Hydrogenics.com or cellexpower.com ). The advantages of hydrogen fuel cell power include the ability to quickly refuel (similar to LP, Gas, or Diesel) avoiding the hassles and costs associated with battery changing/charging while providing the clean-air benefits of electric. Cost is still an issue at this point, but this is a technology to watch.