One of the common arguments against electric equipment is that it is no greener than ICE-powered machines when you take into account the emissions associated with battery production and ongoing electricity supply.
Well, at least one study disputes that, with the International Council on Clean Transportation claiming that emissions over the lifetime of an electric vehicle are considerably lower than those of a comparable ICE model - and that they are coming down further as energy generation becomes more decarbonised.
The study cites emissions savings from 19-34% in India and 66-69% in Europe, comparing electric and ICE.
Not only are electric forklifts quieter and more efficient, they are becoming more powerful and better suited to tasks previously only within the capability of diesel units.
The fact that they're more sustainable in the long run is just the icing on the cake.