There’s a lot of talk these days about climate change and what we can do as an industry to contribute to the effort to reverse its effects, but there could be something in it for you as well.
Obviously, the fuel forklifts use is the easiest target when it comes to decreasing your facility’s carbon footprint starting with your lift.
Internal combustion engines create emissions that can be harmful, but if you wanted to replace your fleet with electric forklifts, you could be looking at a hefty price tag.
There are some options that may soften the blow, and you can start by searching for US Government programs that offer tax breaks and other incentives for powering your fleet with something other than gas or propane.
Consult the “Alternative Fuels Data Center” https://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/search
You’ll note, though, that most incentive programs in this area are handled at the state level. Don’t limit yourself to searching your home state, though. Look at neighboring state’s policies and incentives as well- some states may allow you to use their incentives and rebates provided you conduct some business in their state as well as your home state.
Your breaks and incentives may not be limited to the forklift unit itself. There’s money in your battery charging room and in your charging set-up as well.
There’s an argument to be made that you could incentivize any piece of equipment in your battery room, whether you charge your forklift in that room or out in the facility in the fly.
If you’re replacing a large combustion-fuel fleet with an electric, there may be some more money in large numbers of units as well. Ask lots of questions and do your research.
As always, if you have any questions about the benefits of electric over internal-combustion- our guys have all the answers.