Toyota Material Handling UK (TMHUK) is encouraging companies which use forklifts and other materials handling equipment to consider all fuel sources when renewing their fleets.

Counterbalance truck specialist with TMHUK, Paul Bowers, explains: “Europe’s forklift users have been migrating from IC engine trucks to battery electric machines on a huge scale for more than 20 years”.

“In fact, the decline in demand for engine trucks has been so dramatic, that some lift truck manufacturers have stopped producing diesel and LPG-powered forklifts completely,” Bowers continues.

He adds rising electricity prices and the Ukrainian war, have coupled to increase the cost of recharging batteries, and in doing so, reduce what has been the “substantial long-term financial benefits associated with replacing gas or diesel trucks with electric models”.

Bowers continues saying there is also increasing concern that continued reliance on fossil fuels - which he says account for one-third of the UK’s electricity supply - suggests electrification “can be less environmentally friendly than many people think”.

“The emergence of these issues surrounding the financial and environmental benefits of running electric trucks has led some companies to question whether swapping engine trucks for electric models remains the best strategy for them,” Bowers adds.

“Despite higher electricity costs and the understandable frustration over the way electricity is produced, the business case for electric trucks can be compelling. 

“But, while battery-powered trucks are still the optimum truck choice for many applications, they are not necessarily the best option for everyone.”

Bowers adds that alternative forklift fuels are now being examined, including biofuel and hydrogen.