Why Consider Electric Forklifts for Your Business

Why Consider Electric Forklifts for Your Business

Electric forklifts are transforming material handling operations across British Columbia. With advancements in battery technology and a push towards sustainability, now is an opportune time to evaluate the benefits of transitioning to electric forklifts

Key Benefits

1. Lower Operating Costs

  • Fuel Savings: Electric forklifts can reduce energy costs to approximately 14% of those for gas-powered models.
  • Maintenance: Fewer moving parts mean less wear and tear, leading to reduced maintenance expenses.

2. Environmental Advantages

  • Zero Emissions: Electric forklifts produce no exhaust fumes, contributing to cleaner air quality.
  • Noise Reduction: Quieter operation minimizes noise pollution, enhancing workplace comfort.

3. Enhanced Efficiency

  • Battery Technology: Modern lithium-ion batteries charge up to eight times faster than older lead-acid versions and don’t require swapping or watering.
  • Operational Flexibility: Ideal for indoor use and sensitive environments due to their clean and quiet operation.

Considerations Before Switching

  • Usage Patterns: Assess how many hours per year your forklifts operate to determine cost-effectiveness.
  • Operating Environment: Ensure the selected electric forklift model suits your specific conditions, such as cold storage or outdoor use.
  • Charging Infrastructure: Evaluate your facility’s electrical capacity and plan for necessary charging stations.

Financial Incentives

Provincial Electrical companies offer incentives covering up to 50% of the electrical infrastructure costs required for fleet electrification.

British Columbia (BC)

1. Plug In BC – Specialty-Use Vehicle Incentive (SUVI)

  • Rebate Amount: Up to $5,000 per electric forklift.
  • Eligibility:
    • Only specific makes and models qualify.
    • Rebate capped at 35% of the forklift’s MSRP.
    • Maximum of 5 rebates per organization.
    • Forklifts must be operated, licensed, and insured in BC.
    • Applications must be submitted within 90 days of purchase or lease.

2. BC Hydro – Electrical Infrastructure Incentive

  • Coverage: Funding for up to 50% of the electrical infrastructure costs necessary to install fleet chargers.
  • Eligibility:
    • Pre-approval required.
    • An approved EV Ready fleet plan may be necessary.

Alberta

1. Municipal Climate Change Action Centre (MCCAC) – Electric Vehicles for Municipalities (EVM) Program

  • Rebate Amount: Varies; for example, the Town of Okotoks received a $27,210 rebate for an electric forklift.
  • Eligibility:
    • Available to Alberta municipalities.
    • Supports the purchase of electric vehicles, including forklifts.
  • More Info: Municipal Climate Change Action Centre

2. Federal Incentives – Incentives for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles (iMHZEV) Program

Eligible organizations can receive up to 10 incentives or a maximum of $1,000,000 per calendar year.

Rebate Amount: Up to $200,000 per vehicle.

Eligibility:

Applies to medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles.

Calculate Your Savings

Use BC Hydro’s Electric Forklift Cost Calculator to estimate potential savings based on your operational data.

BC Hydro Electric Forklift Cost Calculator

Get Started

For personalized advice and to explore how electric forklifts can benefit your operations, contact our solution experts at Arpac.

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