The Core Definition

Low-voltage lithium forklift

Typical system voltage: 24V / 48V / 51.2V/76.8V / 80V

Architecture is similar to traditional lead-acid forklifts, but with lithium-ion batteries.

High-voltage lithium forklift

Typical system voltage: 96V / 153.6V/

Designed as a new-generation electric drivetrain with higher electrical efficiency and power density.

Technical Comparison (Key Differences)

Item	Low-Voltage Lithium Forklift	High-Voltage Lithium Forklift
System Voltage	24–80V	96–309.12.V
Lift  Motor Power	15KW	30KW
Drive Motor Power	11KW	30KW
Current (A)	High current required	Lower current at same power
Energy Efficiency	Standard	Higher (less energy loss)
Heat Generation	Higher	Lower
Acceleration & Torque	Moderate	Strong and responsive
Battery Size	Larger for same output	More compact
Charging Speed	Fast(With 4.5 hours)	Very fast (With 1 hours )
Initial Cost	Lower	Higher
Control System	Basic AC / standard controller	Advanced high-voltage controller (CAN-Bus).As same as the EV Model.

Performance Impact in Real Operation

Low-Voltage Lithium Forklifts

Suitable for light to medium duty cycles,Stable and cost-effective replacement for lead-acid forklifts.

Best for:Warehouses, Factories with flat floors,Single-shift or intermittent operation.

High-Voltage Lithium Forklifts

Designed for heavy duty and high-intensity operations.Stronger acceleration under full load,Excellent performance on ramps and outdoor yards.

Best for: Heavy-capacity forklifts (3–5 ton and above).Continuous multi-shift operation,Logistics hubs, ports, construction materials handling

Why High Voltage = Higher Efficiency

At the same power output:

Power (kW) = Voltage × Current

Higher voltage → lower current. 

Less cable loss and Less heat, Higher system reliability,Longer component lifespan.
This is why high-voltage lithium forklifts feel more powerful, smoother, and more energy-efficient, especially under load.

Cost & ROI Consideration

Low-voltage lithium forklifts:

Lower purchase price, Faster ROI for small fleets,Ideal when budget sensitivity is high.

High-voltage lithium forklifts:

Higher upfront cost and Lower long-term energy consumption

Reduced downtime. Better total cost of ownership (TCO) for intensive user. 

 

Which one owns the stronger gradeability?

Definitely, the high voltage lithium battery forklift owns more higher gradeability than the tradfitional low voltage lithium battery. Can reach to 25% gradeability in the circumstance of no loading. Howerer the low voltage lithium forklift only has 15% climb ability.

How long doese it take for high voltage lithium battery forklift to complete a single charge?

For example, our 3t-3.5t high voltage lithium forklift series, the battery capacity is 30.12V/96ah, Just by charging the forklift for 25 minutes, it can be fully charged to 80% of its capacity. Fully charged need 45 minutes totally. On the contrary , the low voltage lithium forklift need 4.5hours.

 

 

Application Recommendation (Practical Guidance）

Choose low-voltage lithium if:

Load capacity ≤3 tons and Indoor operation.

Flat working srface and Single-shift usage.

Choose high-voltage lithium if:

Load capacity ≥3–3.5 tons. Frequent ramps or outdoor work

High productivity requirements,Expect diesel-level performance from an electric forklift.

Low-voltage lithium forklifts prioritize affordability and standard performance, while high-voltage lithium forklifts deliver higher efficiency,

stronger power, faster charging, and superior performance for heavy-duty industrial applications. 
 
 
High Voltage Lithium Forklift Manufacturers Showcase 6000lb–7000lb Electric Forklift Trucks