Electric vs. Internal Combustion Lift Trucks: Pros and Cons

11 Aug.,2025

 

Electric vs. Internal Combustion Lift Trucks: Pros and Cons

One of the most common questions in the forklift industry is, “Should I use an electric or internal combustion (IC) forklift truck?” Choosing the right forklift for your industry can save your business both time and money. 

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Work environments and applications can significantly vary. It’s important to talk about the potential uses before making a final decision. Luckily, the professionals at Prana Machinery can help you with all of these major choices. 

Internal Combustion Trucks

Much like the engine on your personal vehicle, an internal combustion engine works in a similar way. It requires fuel to run, usually gasoline, diesel, liquified petroleum gas, or compressed natural gas. It’s a very common engine type for forklifts for many reasons. 

Here are a few pros and cons of internal combustion trucks:

Advantages

  • Fast and easy gas tank replacement
  • Lower price than electric (up to 20% less)
  • Can be used indoors and outdoors
  • Better for heavy loads long distances and ramps
  • Faster 
  • Steady power even on an almost empty tank and easy to refuel

Disadvantages

  • Low back visibility
  • Fuel price is higher and constantly changes
  • Fuel warehousing can be dangerous
  • You can harm yourself when lifting a heavy, full tank 
  • In extreme weather conditions, the truck might not work

Electric Trucks

Electric forklifts are on the rise with their capabilities. They use a rechargeable battery to power the engine making them more environmentally friendly. However, this also has increased their costs upfront, but over time you may realize that you’ll be saving money without the fuel costs to consider. 

Advantages

  • No pollution
  • Noiseless
  • Fewer accessories to replace
  • No transmission maintenance
  • Better stability
  • More effective in narrow aisles
  • Better back visibility since there is no gas tank
  • More effective in the food and medicine industries
  • Fuel prices (power) more market stable
  • Low maintenance cost

Disadvantages

  • Power decreases as battery charge decreases
  • The initial buying price is higher
  • Less load capacity models
  • In a multi-shift operation, they are not very effective
  • Needs ample enough battery space to change batteries
  • New batteries are needed every 5 to 10 years

Prana Machinery Is Here For Your Forklift Needs

When it comes down to choosing which forklift is best for your business, we’re here to help. No matter what industry you operate in, we know the pros and cons of every machine we have in stock. We can help take a look at your day-to-day workflow and give you all of the best options that will benefit your business. 

With competitive price and timely delivery, FAWDE sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Understanding Different Forklift Types and Their Applications

Finding the right parts for your equipment is easy when you have your model and serial number which can be found on the data plate. Luckily, a forklift data plate is installed on every truck on the market to help you understand what your forklift can do and provide vital information.

Model Number: The model number of your toyota forklift is extremely important for relaying information to your dealers about repair or technical assistance and for looking up replacements part!

Serial Number: The serial number on your lift is the most important number.The model serial number combination will allow us to provide you with the parts that will fit your particular piece of equipment.

Finding the right parts for your equipment is easy when you have your model and serial number which can be found on the data plate. Luckily, a forklift data plate is installed on every truck on the market to help you understand what your forklift can do and provide vital information.

Model Number: The model number of your toyota forklift is extremely important for relaying information to your dealers about repair or technical assistance and for looking up replacements part!

Serial Number: The serial number on your lift is the most important number.The model serial number combination will allow us to provide you with the parts that will fit your particular piece of equipment.

The company is the world’s best combustion engine forklift supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.