Modern Mining July 2025

MATERIALS HANDLING

Investment in electric forklifts aligns with many businesses’ Environmental, Sustainability and Governance (ESG) strategies.

Electric forklifts lead the charge in materials handling As industries transition toward more sustainable and efficient operations, electric forklifts powered by lithium ion batteries are leading the change. With zero emissions, faster charging times and enhanced energy efficiency, these forklifts are revolutionising material handling. I n addition to their environmental and operational benefits, many electric models are equipped with advanced safety and usability features, further streamlining workflows and boosting productivity. Jenna Botterill, Corporate Sales Executive of Toyota Material Handling, a division of CFAO Investment in electric forklifts aligns with many businesses’ Environmental, Sustainability and Governance (ESG) strategies. “This is an added incentive as operations that reduce their carbon emissions and achieve their sustainability goals are afforded tax rebates by government,” notes Botterill. Addressing concerns relating to the

Equipment, says beyond the obvious environmental advantages of owning or renting electric forklifts, there are operational and financial benefits too. “Operations no longer need to store diesel fuel on-site, reducing the risk of contamination and creating a safer work environment. The shift to electric also eliminates the potential for fuel theft, a significant concern in the South African market.”

performance of electric forklifts, she notes that electric forklifts are on par with their diesel counterparts in key areas such as travel speed, lifting and lowering capabilities, ground clearance and overall efficiency. “Not only do they deliver power in motion, but they can also operate on the same types of terrain as diesel forklifts.”

32  MODERN MINING  www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | JULY 2025