From Awareness to Action: Make the Switch to Lithium-Ion with Confidence
Why Businesses Are Making the Switch
The materials handling world is changing fast. Fleets that once relied entirely on lead-acid batteries are now embracing lithium-ion technology — and for good reason.
From faster charging times and longer lifespan to reduced maintenance and improved sustainability, lithium-ion batteries offer a step-change in performance. But making the switch isn’t just about buying new batteries; it’s about understanding what to expect and how to make the transition smoothly.
This guide will help you move from awareness to action — with practical steps, expert insights, and a free visual resource to make planning easier.
The Lithium-Ion Advantage
Lithium-ion batteries deliver a range of tangible operational benefits that fleets can feel from day one:
- Rapid Charging: Charge in a fraction of the time, even during short breaks or shift changes.
- Zero Maintenance: No watering, no cleaning, no acid spills — freeing up time and reducing risk.
- Consistent Power: Unlike lead-acid, lithium-ion delivers full performance until fully discharged.
- Longer Life: Typically lasting 2–3 times longer than lead-acid, cutting replacement frequency.
- Energy Efficiency: Up to 30% more efficient, reducing your energy costs and carbon footprint.
In short, lithium-ion means more uptime, more productivity, and fewer headaches.
What to Expect When You Switch
Transitioning to lithium-ion doesn’t have to be disruptive. But it does come with some changes to how you operate:
- No Battery Swaps: One truck, one battery — all day.
- Opportunity Charging: Plug in during breaks to top up power, no cooling periods needed.
- New Charging Infrastructure: Chargers are compact and easy to install, but may differ from your existing setup.
- Smarter Management: Built-in Battery Management Systems (BMS) monitor performance, temperature, and safety in real time.
These changes simplify your day-to-day operations, making your fleet more flexible and your maintenance schedule almost effortless.
How to Transition Smoothly
Switching to lithium-ion is not a one-size-fits-all process. Here’s how to make it successful:
Assess Your Fleet Needs
Audit your trucks, shift patterns, and charging routines. Understanding your current energy usage helps determine the right battery capacity and charger type.
Plan Your Charging Strategy
Unlike lead-acid, lithium-ion thrives on frequent opportunity charging. Plan where and when charging will take place — near break areas, loading bays, or high-traffic points.
Train Your Team
Operator confidence is key. Training ensures staff understand charging best practices, safety, and how to get the most from lithium-ion performance.
Monitor and Optimise
Use the BMS data to track performance, identify usage patterns, and fine-tune charging cycles. Small adjustments can make a big impact on battery life and efficiency.
The Bigger Picture: Cost, Uptime, and Sustainability
While lithium-ion batteries have a higher upfront cost, the long-term savings are substantial.
- Reduced downtime means more productive hours.
- Longer lifespan means fewer replacements.
- Energy efficiency means lower running costs.
- And with zero emissions and recyclable components, environmental performance improves too.
The result? A smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable operation that pays back in reliability and performance.
Download: What to Expect When Switching to Lithium-Ion — A Visual Guide
To make your transition even easier, we’ve created a free visual guide that breaks down what to expect step-by-step.
DOWNLOAD OUR FREE VISUAL GUIDE
You’ll find:
- A clear before-and-after comparison of lead-acid vs. lithium-ion
- Key performance and cost insights
- A simple transition checklist for your team
It’s the perfect quick-reference resource to help you plan with confidence.
Ready to Make the Switch?
At Hannaman Material Handling, we’ve supported businesses across the UK in upgrading their fleets to lithium-ion technology — safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption.
Whether you’re exploring options or ready to get started, our team is here to help you find the right solution for your operation.
Contact us today to discuss your transition to lithium-ion
