The materials handling market is starting to feel the battery shortages facing the automotive industry. There are widespread reports that automotive battery manufacturers are struggling to source key materials, notably cobalt and lithium, while vital electrical components are also in short supply.

the energy efficiency of using a hydrogen fuel cell in a forklift truck isn’t great, in fact it’s really quite poor. The infrastructure required in even getting the fuel cell to the truck is truly inefficient and by the time it gets to the truck, the energy output is 25% as efficient as “traditional” lead-acid batteries.

With a plethora of choices available on how to store energy, one of the most important factors to consider in uncertainty, is cost. With the sales line having peaks and valleys over the past few months, having a clear understanding of the true cost of purchasing, charging and using batteries is one clear path we can take to make the right decision.

There is one aspect of the warehouse directly affected by the increased demands that feature editor Simpson doesn’t mention and that’s the battery room. An increased demand for products means an increase in work time for forklift trucks and the lead-acid batteries that power them.