Forklifts (or lift trucks) are an essential piece of material handling equipment that can be found in a variety of logistical operations, such as distribution warehouses and shipping depots, and are primarily used for lifting and moving heavy loads within and around facilities. Although traditionally powered by fossil fuels, electric forklifts can offer numerous economic and environmental benefits to businesses. This tool estimates lifecycle costs and emissions for electric, propane, diesel, and gasoline forklifts.

    Location

    Lift Capacity

    Annual Operating Hours

    Energy Prices (Location Avg.)1

    Emissions Factors (Location Avg.)2

    O&M Costs

    Cost Comparison

    Months of Operation
    Electric Propane Diesel Gasoline
    Capital Costs3
    Installation Costs

    Results Summary

    Electric Propane Diesel Gasoline
     Total Energy Consumption
     Total Energy Costs
     Total O&M Costs
     Total Lifecycle Costs
     Payback  
     CO2 Emissions Savings4,5
     NOx Emissions Savings4,5
     SOx Emissions Savings4,5

    Notes:

    1. Energy Prices represent state and national averages for 2019 ( State Energy Data Systems )
    2. Electric Emissions Factors represent state and national averages for 2019 (United States Electricity Profile )
    3. Capital Costs for electric equipment includes the forklift, two batteries, and a conventional charger
    4. Fossil Fuel Emissions Factors are derived from the EIA (Carbon Dioxide Emissions Coefficients ) and EPA (Air Emissions Factors and Quantification )
    5. Negative emission savings indicate a net increase in emissions

    For more information contact:

    Allen Dennis, Sr. Program Manager, (865) 218-8192, adennis@epri.com
    Baskar Vairamohan, Program Manager, (865) 218-8189, bvairamohan@epri.com
    Brandon Johnson, Technical Leader, (865) 218-8198, bjjohnson@epri.com