EP Equipment – Electric Forklifts

EP Equipment has been manufacturing and developing forklift trucks since 1993. Now, with over 30 years of expertise, EP offers a full range of electric powered forklifts with the perfect truck for every application.

EFL Series

Discover the versatility of the EFL series in our latest video, showcasing its adaptability across various transportation applications and challenging conditions, from rain-soaked muddy roads to rugged construction sites. Experience the future of eco-friendly, noise-free operations at the same price as internal combustion trucks.

What Is an Electric Forklift and What Is It Used For?

Electric forklifts can be used for a wide variety of applications, they are valuable assets in industries that rely on pallet stackers and other material handling equipment.

EP Electric Forklifts can be used to carry heavy loads on a variety of terrains with many operating just like an IC Truck. They are a great option for businesses looking to maximise warehouse space utilization, as their smaller dimensions increase manoeuvrability, allowing for efficient stacking of goods in tight spaces.

EP takes advantages of the benefits of electric power when designing forklifts, delivering compact electric forklift trucks that transform your business.

Common use cases for electric forklifts – Industry Breakdown

Warehouse

Electric forklifts are perfectly suited to most warehouse applications. They are easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces and can stack pallets form mid or high levels. They can be used for transporting goods over distances on the level surface of a warehouse floor, smoothly.

Electric counterbalance forklifts are ideal for intense use in demanding situations and provide increased performance, stability and safety.

Industrial sites

Electric forklifts can also be used in any other industrial application. With the right forklift attachment, they can be used to deal with any type of load. This means that they can be a very versatile tool in an industrial environment and have a variety of uses.

Electric forklift trucks can be a great all-purpose solution for small-scale industries, allowing you to lift, stack, and position loads without the need for a full-size forklift truck. They can also be used for maintenance tasks and applications.

Construction

As in industrial applications, electric forklifts are a cost-effective, simple way to transport loads. They are easy to use, meaning that operator efficiency can be maximised, and allow operations to be carried out in small spaces.

Electric forklifts are a useful way to load and unload lift trucks on the ground, and to transport construction equipment from a delivery vehicle to a construction site. Some types of electric forklifts are optimised for outdoor use and can be used on rougher terrain. Electric forklifts have a smaller environmental footprint than larger forklift trucks, and so have a lower operating cost.

Electric forklift vs. Gas or Diesel Forklift

Lower energy cost

Electric forklift trucks are the ideal work horse. With flexibility to handle any load and running at the lowest possible costs, after a whole day of work, fuel up with electricity for the price of just 2 litres of fuel. You can save up to 80% on energy costs compared to diesel trucks.

Lower running costs

Within one year, the additional cost of an electric truck can break even with no exhaust gases and a truck that’s always on standby. There will be no engine problems when charging correctly, and using for the right shift with electric forklifts offering the lowest running costs when using longer hours.

Lower maintenance needed

Electric trucks are often perceived as more complex than their internal combustion (IC) counterparts. However, this is not necessarily the case. In fact, electric trucks have fewer moving parts compared to IC engines, resulting in significantly reduced maintenance needs.

While repairs might initially appear more challenging, EP Equipment simplifies this process. Our electric trucks are equipped with ‘open-source software’ and utilize Zapi controllers, making it easy for technicians to conduct maintenance, repairs, or change the drive parameters. This approach ensures ease of handling and flexibility in managing our electric trucks.

Why Choose a Lithium Forklift?

At EP Equipment, electric forklifts are always lithium forklifts. EP uses our industry leading LFP technology to create electric forklifts, with the benefits of lithium-ion.

Lithium-ion forklifts are changing the electric forklift market with added advantages over other electric trucks. The use of lithium-ion technology in forklifts is growing, and lithium forklift truck demand is increasing. EP Equipment has been designing and producing lithium-ion battery powered forklift since 2016.

Benefits of Lithium-ion Forklifts

EP electric forklifts have all the benefits of li-ion technology. Some of the benefits of lithium battery operated forklifts include:

Quick and Opportunity Charging:

Lithium-ion forklifts have batteries that can be quickly charged, decreasing downtime between shifts. Lithium forklifts also support opportunity charging. This allows for frequent and brief charging sessions during breaks or when the forklift is not in active use.

Improved Battery Life:

Lithium-ion batteries have a longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries. This means that you don’t have to replace them as often, saving money for businesses in the long run.

Consistent Performance:

Lithium-ion batteries provide consistent power throughout the discharge cycle. This maintains performance until the battery is empty of charge. No gradual loss of power occurs as the battery discharges, meaning lithium forklifts have improved performance.

Optimised Design:

Lithium-ion battery-powered forklifts, such as those in EP Equipment’s EFL Series, offer a more compact and lightweight design compared to traditional lead-acid forklifts. This advancement in battery technology not only enhances the efficiency of the forklifts but also significantly improves operator comfort.

Benefits of LFP Battery Technology

All lithium forklifts from EP Equipment use LFP technology.

LFP batteries are a type of lithium-ion battery that utilises lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material. EP Equipment uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries. We use these not just for efficiency and performance, but for a safer working environment with our products.

Among the various battery chemistries, LFP and Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) batteries are two prominent contenders, each with its unique set of advantages and limitations.

Why do we choose LFP batteries over NMC batteries at EP? Because of the following advantages of LFP Battery Technology:

• Thermal Stability: The phosphate cathode structure resists overheating, reducing the risk of thermal runaway.
• Reduced Fire Risk: The chemistry of LFP batteries is inherently more resistant to catching fire. In the rare event of a malfunction or damage, the risk of combustion is significantly lower compared to NMC.
• Chemical Stability: LFP batteries are chemically stable. This creates a reliable and safe battery performance providing peace of mind for lithium forklift operators and businesses.
• Lower Toxicity Levels: LFP batteries contain fewer toxic materials compared to other lithium-ion batteries. This makes them environmentally friendly and reduces risk in the case of a battery failure during lithium forklift operation.

Electric Forklift Types

Rear wheel drive electric

3 Wheel, Compact, simple technology, affordable electric truck. Capacity 1.5T:

Rear wheel drive trucks are compact, simple, and easy to use. They are most suitable for indoor applications.

3-wheel electric

Powerful, indoor, and outdoor, inclinations, shortest turning circle. Capacity 1.5 – 2.0T. The 3-wheel electric forklift represents a robust solution suitable for both indoor and outdoor material handling applications. Thanks to its shortest turning circle, the maneuverability is remarkable, allowing precise movements in narrows spaces.

4-wheel electric

Powerful, mostly outdoor. Capacity 1.5 – 4.5T1. Dual drive. With a robust and powerful design, this kind of forklift is well-suited to tackle a variety of challendes in open spaces, such as construction sites, lumber yards and outdoor warehouses. Thanks to the dual-drive system the traction and maneuverability are enhanced.

Single drive

Single drive trucks have the drive train like a diesel truck, just with an electric motor instead of an IC motor. With dual drive you have the benefit of a smaller turning cycle and a lower seating position. Dual drive in general also offers a higher performance.

How To Choose The Right Electric Forklift Truck

Indoor application

For the indoor application in narrow space, the small rear wheel drive 3-wheel forklift trucks are the truck of choice. The most compact electric forklifts for sale have a working aisle of under 3m.

Outdoor application

For forklifts in outdoor applications, on uneven surfaces or for heavy loads, the 4-wheel forklift truck is preferred.

Stability requirement

Stability of forklifts when lifting is not so much the issue, both 3-wheel trucks and 4-wheel trucks have the same stability. 4-wheel trucks are just more capable in tougher handling conditions when loading and unloading lorries or when working on uneven roads.

Dimensions, Batteries & more

Further information regarding Electric forklift dimensions, Electric forklift battery maintenance and Electric forklift price can be found on our resource hub and specification sheets.

Furthermore

If you need help to find the right truck for your business, or if you have other specific requirements, please contact the EP support team to find out more about the different specifications of our machines. We will support you to find the perfect solution for your business.