Lithium-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery. They have a high energy density (meaning that they can store lots of energy), no memory effect (they don’t need to be fully discharged before charging), and a low self-discharge.

Li-ion batteries are growing in popularity for battery-powered electric vehicles, as they’re more energy-efficient than other battery alternatives available, and they don’t produce harmful emissions.

How do lithium-ion batteries work?

Lithium-ion batteries come in many different chemistries and cell types, with each having its own unique properties, depending on requirements for the individual battery. Since lithium is a highly reactive element, it can store lots of energy in its atomic bonds — that’s why Li-ion batteries are described as having a ‘high energy density’.

TCM uses Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) chemistry, since it offers optimum performance, lifetime and safety levels for forklift trucks, as well as in the EV industry.

To see if Lithium suits your business, we need to understand your application better, so discover which battery technology best suits your operation by getting in touch with one of your local dealers. 

With a broad range of batteries on the market and conflicting information on each, it can be difficult knowing which battery type is best suited to your business. That’s why at TCM, we help you to analyse your operation and better understand your requirements.

The more you use your forklift fleet, the quicker the return on your investment when it comes to lithium-ion batteries — especially for multi-shift operations.

However, that’s not the only reason to consider Li-ion battery technology; Li-ion batteries are also more energy-efficient than traditional forklift batteries, making them a more cost-effective alternative for businesses looking to save in the long run.

Charging your TCM Li-ion batteries couldn’t be easier

Simply connect the charger and the truck will automatically shut down ready for charging.

Due to their fast charging capability, your battery can be fully charged in as little as one hour.

Position your chargers where they will be the most accessible during shift breaks. That way, charging your forklift batteries will quickly become a daily habit and you’ll never have to waste unnecessary downtime again.

What about lithium-ion battery life?

It’s worth noting that lithium-ion technology has a much longer battery life than other battery alternatives — usually by about three times — including lead-acid. There is also no risk of damaging the battery due to poor maintenance, which is not unusual for lead-acid batteries.

Discover which battery technology best suits your operation. Click here to speak to your local dealer today.

At TCM, we are continuing to develop our Li-ion battery technology. This means that an increasing number of products will become available for use with Li-ion batteries in future.

TCM products that are currently compatible with lithium-ion batteries include our rider pallet trucks, powered pallet trucks, and stackers.

We continue to develop further products, which will be available later this year. This will include our walkie low-lifter and stacker range, in addition to new and improved reach and counterbalance trucks.

To learn more, check out our guide on investing in electric forklifts.