Why Western New York Businesses Are Using Electric Forklifts
The way warehouses and manufacturing facilities power their material handling equipment is changing. Operations that have run on propane for decades are increasingly making the switch to electric forklifts, and there are good reasons for it. Lower operating costs, fewer maintenance demands, cleaner indoor air, and better battery technology have all made electric models more practical and more attractive than they have ever been.
For businesses near Buffalo, the financial case for switching is also stronger than it is in many other parts of the country. In this article, we’ll explain why.
The national shift toward electric
Electric forklifts now account for the majority of forklift sales in North America, and that trend continues to accelerate. Rising fuel costs, stricter air quality standards, rapid improvements in lithium-ion battery technology, and more and more pressure to reduce emissions have all contributed to the shift.
For any facility prioritizing indoor air quality, operator comfort, or sustainability, electric warehouse equipment is increasingly the clear choice. But for the Buffalo region in particular, the benefits don’t stop there.
Why Western New York businesses have a financial incentive to go electric
While New York State as a whole has some of the highest commercial electricity rates in the country, Western New York is a notable exception. That difference matters when calculating the cost of running an electric forklift fleet.
Niagara hydropower keeps electricity costs highly competitive
The Buffalo Niagara region is heavily powered by the Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant. The facility generates over 2.5 gigawatts of clean hydroelectric power and supplies roughly 19% of New York State’s entire grid. The benefit for local businesses is that the New York Power Authority offers specially priced, lower cost energy to many companies in the region.
Propane costs in New York run above the national average
On the other side of the equation, businesses using propane powered internal combustion forklifts in New York pay more for fuel on average than in many other parts of the country. For a fleet with multiple forklifts and multiple shifts, those extra costs add up significantly over the course of a year, not even counting fuel storage, tank rentals, or delivery logistics.
What these two things mean is that, in our area, we’re looking at lower than average electricity costs and higher than average propane costs. For warehouses and manufacturers in the Buffalo Niagara region, these two factors alone create a strong case for switching to electric forklifts.
What to consider prior to making the change to electric forklifts
Before moving to a completely electric forklift fleet, it’s important to consider several different aspects of your operation and make sure it would be a smart decision for your facility.
Your operating conditions
Electric models perform best in indoor and mixed indoor/outdoor environments, on smooth floors, and in applications where air quality matters. If your operation involves exceptionally rough outdoor terrain, extreme cold, or heavy outdoor loads, propane or diesel machines may still be the better fit for at least some of your fleet.
Your shift structure and charging strategy
This is one of the most important planning considerations. Lead-acid batteries typically need six to eight hours to fully charge, which works well for single shift warehouses. Multi-shift operations require a plan for opportunity charging, battery swapping, or lithium-ion batteries, which charge much faster and are built for continuous use. If you’re unsure how your charging situation would work, our team can help you think through the right approach for your particular setup.
Lead-acid vs. lithium-ion
Lead-acid batteries are proven, widely available, and have a lower cost upfront, but they need regular maintenance, including watering and cleaning. Lithium-ion batteries require virtually no maintenance, charge faster, and last longer, but the price tag is higher. For many Buffalo operations running multiple shifts or looking to minimize maintenance demands, lithium-ion is the smarter long term investment.
Battery maintenance and service support
Regardless of type, proper Toyota forklift maintenance and battery care are essential to protecting your investment. A forklift battery can represent up to 30% of a new machine’s total value. Neglecting them can lead to reduced runtime, lower lift capacity, and premature forklift battery replacement.
At JIT Toyota-Lift, we provide full forklift battery service across Western New York, including capacity discharge testing, cell replacement, single point watering, charger repairs, and complete replacement. You can contact our specialist, Bill Larkin, directly at blarkin@jitny.com for all your battery needs.
Charging infrastructure
Before your first electric forklift arrives, your facility needs the right setup in place: adequate electrical capacity, proper ventilation for lead-acid charging areas, and a charging station layout that fits your workflow. If you are making the change to electric, our team can walk you through what is required.
How JIT Toyota-Lift can help
As a Toyota forklift dealer serving Western New York for over 40 years, JIT Toyota-Lift carries the full lineup of electric models. We also have electric forklifts available in our rental fleet for operations that want to try before they buy or need short term coverage.
If you are evaluating whether electric is the right fit, we can analyze your current operation, environment, energy usage, and shift patterns to give you a specific recommendation for your facility. No guesswork.
Our forklift service team with 18 mobile technicians is also available to maintain all of your machines, whether they are electric or internal combustion. They cover Erie, Chautauqua, Niagara, Cattaraugus, Wyoming, and Allegany Counties and are available for routine Toyota forklift service, emergency repairs, and full maintenance agreements.
Frequently Asked Questions about Electric Forklifts