Lithium or lead-acid battery
Lithium costs more up front but changes how you organise shifts. These are the criteria for deciding.
Comparison
| Criterion | Lead-acid | Lithium (LiFePO4) |
|---|---|---|
| Recharge | Long; usually needs a cooling period | Fast; according to the manufacturer, 1.5 to 2 hours in the K series |
| Opportunity charging | Not recommended | Yes, during breaks |
| Maintenance | Water top-ups and terminal cleaning | No electrolyte maintenance |
| Shifts | Often needs a second battery for multi-shift work | One truck covers several shifts with breaks charging |
| Initial investment | Lower | Higher |
When lithium pays off
When you run two or three shifts, want to avoid a battery room and battery swaps, or need the truck available most of the day. The savings come from maintenance and from not duplicating batteries.
When lead-acid is enough
With a single shift, long pauses to charge and a tight budget, a lead-acid electric truck is still a valid and cheaper-to-buy option.
Cold, warranty and compatibility
If you work in cold stores, ask about battery heating. Always request in writing the battery warranty, the hours or years covered and the type of charger included.