Yes, that is the contactor I was referring to. And there is a possibility that any contactor can go bad after several years of operation, mostly due to very low voltages, as you stated above.

Crown utilizes PWM technology in it's new designs for many reasons. There is a definite advantage with this technology.

And, yes, Crown also has fully sealed control modules, whether they be DC or AC modules. Crown electric trucks can also be run outside in the rain and push pallets just as well as any competitor.

I cannot speak on Crown's behalf for your question. I would venture to guess, though, that it is because (like any new technology) all the new AC technology isn't fully explored and does not offer a major performance advantage over DC at this time. I do realize that AC technology is gaining ground, but there is not a huge advantage at this time. Also, I would venture to guess that it has something to do with the lack of a high demand for this. If the demand for the AC option grows, I'm sure Crown will make that standard.

We could debate for hours on the advantages of AC, but the simple truth is that, in all brands of trucks, manufacturers are bundling other new technologies into their trucks in order to claim a big advantage with AC. The full gains of AC over DC are yet to be realized in the coming years. At this point (and I've seen the numbers), the main advantage is lack of motor brushes on an AC truck. The motor brushes aren't a big concern for most, but that is up to the individual. Dependability is still the #1 goal for Crown.

Well, that makes sense that you get 14 hours of run time, you have an 80 volt truck. If someone has the infrastructure (charging system) in their warehouse to accommodate an 80 volt system, then this may be a consideration for them. For smaller operations or warehouses that have lower voltage chargers, they must determine whether it is of value for them to switch to this larger voltage. You will definitely gain truck time with a big, high voltage battery. After all, P=E*I, so the more E you have, the more P you will have.