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How to Choose Between a 24V and 48V Reach Truck?

Date: 2026-09-16 View:

24V vs 48V Electric Reach Truck: A Complete Buyer’s Guide
A 24V reach truck is generally suitable for lighter-duty warehouse operations, while a 48V reach truck is better suited to higher lifting heights, heavier loads and longer working shifts.
However, voltage alone does not determine a reach truck’s capacity or operating time. Battery capacity, motor power, mast configuration and residual capacity must also be considered.

high capacity reach truck

stand up electric reach truck

What Does Battery Voltage Mean on a Reach Truck?
Voltage determines the operating mode of the electrical system. For a given power requirement, a 48V system draws lower current, which reduces energy loss and heat generation in cables and electrical components.
But, voltage alone cannot indicate the driving range.

Battery energy should be compared in kilowatt-hours rather than amp-hours alone.

Computational formula as below:
Key Differences Between 24V and 48V Reach Trucks

 
For example

24V × 400Ah = 9.6kWh,
48V × 400Ah = 19.2kWh,

Therefore, it is not correct to simply compare that both cars have "400Ah". The voltage is different, and so is the total energy storage.

24V vs 48V Electric Reach Truck Comparison

Comparison

24V Reach Truck

48V Reach Truck

Typical application

Light- to medium-duty handling

Medium- to heavy-duty handling

Suitable lift height

Generally lower or medium heights , 3M-6M

Better suited to higher lifts

3M-12M

Load capacity

1.5-1.6TON

1.5-3.0Ton

Lifting Motor output

6.3KW

 3.0KW

Driving Motor output

4.5KW

2.2KW

Energy efficiency

Suitable for lighter work

Generally better under high power demand

Operating time

Depends on battery kWh and workload

Better potential with a larger battery pack

Initial cost

Usually lower

Usually higher

Charger requirement

24V-compatible charger

48V-compatible charger

Best for

Small warehouses and shorter shifts

High-rack warehouses and intensive shifts


Advantages of a 24V Reach Truck

·  Lower initial purchase cost, 
·  Compact electrical system, 
·  Suitable for light-duty warehouse operations, 
·  Adequate performance for lower lifting heights,
·  Lower-cost battery and charging equipment in many configurations.

 Advantages of a 48V Reach Truck

·  Better suited to high-power drive and lifting motors
·  Lower current for the same power output
·  Reduced electrical losses under demanding conditions
·  Suitable for higher lifting heights and intensive operation
·  Greater potential battery energy when paired with an appropriate Ah capacity.


Does a 48V Reach Truck Always Run Longer?
Not necessarily. Operating time depends on total battery energy in kWh, load weight, lifting height, travel distance, motor efficiency and working intensity.
A 48V battery does not automatically provide longer runtime unless its total usable energy is greater.

What Is the Main Difference Between a 24V and 48V Reach Truck?
The main difference is the operating voltage of the electrical system. A 24V reach truck is commonly used for light- to medium-duty warehouse operations, while a 48V reach truck can support higher motor power and is generally more suitable for demanding applications. However, voltage alone does not determine the truck’s lifting capacity or performance.

Is a 48V Reach Truck More Powerful Than a 24V Model?
A 48V system can support higher drive and lifting motor output while drawing less current for the same power demand. However, the actual performance also depends on the motor power, controller, battery capacity, hydraulic system and reach truck design.

Is a 24V Reach Truck Suitable for High-Rack Warehouses?
It depends on the reach truck’s rated lifting height, residual capacity, motor power and mast configuration. Some 24V models can work in high-rack warehouses,
but 48V reach trucks are generally better suited to higher lifts, heavier loads and intensive warehouse operations.

Which Voltage Is Better for a Lithium-Ion Reach Truck?
A 24V lithium-ion reach truck can be suitable for lighter loads, shorter shifts and lower lifting heights. A 48V lithium-ion reach truck is generally more appropriate for higher lifts, greater power demands and intensive warehouse operations.But regarding to the lithium reach truck, we suggest to choose the 48V system, even though the purchse cost is more higher than the 24v system , as well as higher than the lead acid battey reach truck.  But we can choose the more bigger lithium battery capacity and get the more shorter charging time.

For our 1.6t or 2t lithium battery electric reach truck series, we usually equip with the 51.2V / 400Ah lithium battery capacity. Only need 90 minites to fully charge.
Pls note : The 51.2V/400ah lithium battery only can equip with the 48V electric reach truck system, the 24v is unavailable.



electric reach truck China manufacturer

Not sure whether your warehouse needs a 24V or 48V reach truck? Send us your required load capacity, lifting height, working hours and aisle width.
FLIFT will recommend the appropriate voltage, battery capacity and reach truck configuration.