Electric Forklifts: The Future Of Material Handling
Our Propane To Electric Forklift Program has helped businesses convert over 10,500 lift trucks, reducing CO2 emissions by 1.42 million tons and saving approximately $224 million in fuel costs. Electric forklifts, powered by Lithium and Lead Acid batteries, offer superior energy efficiency, extended operational hours, and fast recharging, making them the ideal solution for today’s material handling needs while lowering the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

Propane vs Electric Savings – Overview
| Fuel Type | Propane | Electric |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | Hours a Year | Hours a Year |
| Consumption | Gallons a Year | kWh |
| Costs | 1 Gallon | 1 kWh |
| Total | 2.7 | 0.1 |
Cost of Ownership
Propane vs Lead Acid vs TPPL vs LithiumHow to Use This Calculator
- Enter your fleet size and annual operating days at the top
- Adjust the values for each energy type (hover over inputs for details)
- The calculator will automatically update results 3 seconds after your last change
- Compare the yearly costs and potential savings across different energy types
- Results are color-coded (green for savings, red for costs)
This calculator helps you compare the cost of ownership between Propane, Lead Acid, TPPL, and Lithium power sources for your fleet.
General Parameters
Propane
Lead Acid (810)
TPPL (770)
Lithium (518)
Costs Calculation Results
| Model | Propane | Lead Acid | TPPL | Lithium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost by Life Expectancy | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Annual Fuel/Elec Cost Per Truck | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Annual Fleet Cost | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Total Fleet Savings 1Yr | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Total Fleet Savings 5Yr | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Total Fleet Savings 10Yr | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Baseline Case Study: 2026 Fleet TCO (Propane vs. Lithium)
For reference, here is the guaranteed cost breakdown for a standard 10-truck fleet operating 261 days per year. This static baseline demonstrates the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) advantage when converting from Propane (LPG) to Lithium-Ion (518) power.
| Metric | Propane | Lithium (518) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Capital Asset Cost | $32,000.00 | $27,406.00 |
| Expected Lifespan (Years) | 5 | 5 |
| Annual Depreciation Cost Per Truck | $6,400.00 | $5,481.20 |
| Daily Fuel/Elec Cost Per Truck | $27.00* | $9.20 |
| Annual Fuel/Elec Cost Per Truck | $7,047.00 | $2,401.20 |
| Annual Maintenance Cost Per Truck | $5,544.00 | $0.00 |
| Total Annual Cost Per Truck | $18,991.00 | $7,882.40 |
| Total Annual Fleet Cost (10 Trucks) | $189,910.00 | $78,824.00 |
*Propane fuel cost calculated at a standard commercial rate of $2.70/gal utilizing 10 gallons per 8-hour shift.
Total 5-Year Fleet Savings with Lithium: $555,430.00
Switching from Propane to Electric Forklifts
The tide is turning on gas-powered forklifts. Cost savings, cleaner air, and top-notch performance are making electric the clear choice. Forget the outdated excuses – businesses are going green, and soon, propane might be a relic of the past.
1. Slash maintenance costs: Say goodbye to expensive fuel and hello to lower energy bills.
2. Boost your bottom line: Electric forklifts work smarter, longer, saving you money in the long run.
3. Happy workers, happy business: Improved air quality and quieter operation create a healthier, more productive work environment.
4. Go green, stay ahead: Reduce your carbon footprint and embrace a sustainable future.
Ready to trade fumes for savings? At Total Warehouse, we make the switch to electric effortless.