How to charge electric forklift trucks in an energy and cost-efficient manner

Many companies are currently suffering from rising energy costs and are therefore trying to reduce them. Intelligent charging solutions for electric commercial vehicle systems offer enormous savings potential. However, energy consulting can also be of great help to fleet managers to save costs in energy consumption.

Reducing energy costs is currently high on the industry’s to-do list in terms of ecology and economy. For this reason, there is an increasing demand for energy-efficient solutions, which also applies to electric commercial vehicle systems. There is significant savings potential when users optimally combine commercial vehicle, battery and charger.

Reducing energy consumption

Fronius Perfect Charging‘s efficient charging technologies help to save energy: Selectiva 4.0 chargers are particularly gentle and efficient during charging thanks to their high overall efficiency. The patented Ri charging process ensures that each charging process is individually adapted to the age, temperature and state of charge of the battery. This prevents overcharging and only supplies the battery with the energy it actually needs. Compared to conventional chargers, energy consumption is reduced by up to 30 % and the service life of the battery is extended by an average of 10 to 15 %.

Scheduled charging

Fleet managers can also save electricity and costs by using the charger’s integrated calendar function. If the user starts the process at individual charging stations or charging rooms, for example, at intervals of 15 minutes each, there is no increase in the cumulative current consumption at the start of charging, and thus peak charging can be avoided. Fluctuations in electricity tariffs, which in many places depend on the time or day, can also be taken into account with the calendar function, so that if the user sets the start of charging at a defined time or on weekends, he can take advantage of the cheapest tariffs.

Identifying additional savings potential

With the I-SPoT Calculator Smart software tool, users can calculate the total operating costs for different locations and departments in detail and determine how energy consumption can be minimised by optimising the charging technology. In this way, the user knows exactly the starting point and the optimisation measures and the savings achieved compared to HF or 50 Hz technology.

Using energy analysis

Fronius Perfect Charging’s charging experts carry out more detailed analyses and offer energy advice, showing owners other energy-saving alternatives. In doing so, they analyse the conditions regardless of manufacturer and technology, always with the aim of reducing costs and increasing availability and performance. The Fronius specialists rely on the identified potential to support the user with regard to the charging process, battery technology and interconnection solutions. Fronius Perfect Charging takes a holistic approach, supporting customers from analysis and advice, through design and planning, to implementation and ongoing support.