Guide to Electric Forklifts: Costs, Brands, and Advantages
Last Updated: October 15, 2023
Fact Checked By: Ryan Maguire
On This Page
CostOwl.com note: Need a forklift at an affordable price? Fill out the 30 second questionnaire below and our forklift partners will send you free price quotes.
Summary: Electric Forklift Cost #
A new electric forklift is going to retail for $20,000 to $70,000. That will be the total after you have bought a battery and charger. The battery and charger alone will cost $2,000 to $8,000.
The general rule of cost is that the bigger the forklift, the more power it delivers, the greater the cost will be.
The same goes for the forklift batteries. The bigger and more powerful they are, the higher the cost.
Forklift costs will also vary greatly from brand to brand.
Electric Forklift Costs #
Here are some typical price ranges for new and used electric forklifts:
New Electric Forklifts
- Small capacity (3,000 - 5,000 lbs): $20,000 - $35,000
- Medium capacity (5,000 - 8,000 lbs): $30,000 - $50,000
- Large capacity (8,000 - 12,000 lbs): $40,000 - $70,000
- Heavy capacity (12,000+ lbs): $60,000+
Used Electric Forklifts
- Small capacity (3,000 - 5,000 lbs): $5,000 - $15,000
- Medium capacity (5,000 - 8,000 lbs): $10,000 - $25,000
- Large capacity (8,000 - 12,000 lbs): $15,000 - $35,000
- Heavy capacity (12,000+ lbs): $20,000+
Other pricing factors:
- Hours of use: More hours means lower price
- Condition: Well-maintained units cost more
- Options: Features like masts, tires, attachments add cost
In summary, new electric forklifts range from $20,000 to $70,000+, while used electric lifts are about 50% cheaper. Actual prices vary based on capacity, features, brand, condition and more.
Average Prices for Popular Brands and Models of Electric Forklifts #
- 8FGCU Series - $25,000 - $40,000
- 8FDU Series - $30,000 - $50,000
- 8FBE Series - $20,000 - $35,000
- J1.6-3.5XNT Series - $25,000 - $45,000
- E25-35XN Series - $30,000 - $60,000
- E50-80XN Series - $40,000 - $70,000
Crown
- ES Series - $30,000 - $50,000
- FC Series - $25,000 - $45,000
- SP Series - $20,000 - $40,000
Raymond
- Raymond EASi Series - $25,000 - $50,000
- Raymond Orderpicker Series - $30,000 - $60,000
- Raymond Swing-Reach Series - $35,000 - $70,000
Yale
- Yale ERP Series - $25,000 - $45,000
- Yale MO Series - $20,000 - $35,000
- Yale NR Series - $30,000 - $50,000
Prices vary based on capacity, lift height, battery options and other features. This gives a general idea of cost range for new electric forklift models from the major brands.
Pricing Insights from Real Electric Forklift Owners #
We interviewed a number of business owners to learn about their experiences purchasing electric forklifts. Below are first-hand accounts detailing the models they bought, prices paid, usage situations, and impressions of their electric lifts.
I bought a used 5,000 lb Yale electric forklift model ERC050 for $16,500. It had about 8,000 hours on it but had been well maintained. It has worked great in our warehouse.
We upgraded to a new Raymond Model 740AS pallet jack for $26,000 including the battery and charger. This 3,000 lb capacity model is perfect for our needs and being new means no maintenance worries.
I found a used Hyster E30XN on auction for only $9,800. It's an older model from 2002 but only had 4,000 hours. It has been a workhorse in our facility for lower cost lifts.
We purchased a new 6,000 lb Still R60-25 electric forklift for $42,500 fully loaded. This is on the higher end but we wanted a brand new unit with all the modern features and capacity.
Green Electric Forklifts #
Electric forklifts save the environment just because of the fact they don't use fossil fuels. They don't expel smoke and toxins into the environment. Be kind to Mother Nature. If you have the option of buying electric over gas you should seriously consider taking the sustainable option of electricity.
Electric forklifts do not emit toxic fumes like gas powered forklifts. In a warehouse where the doors stay open all the time fumes still hang around. Even in an open yard your employees can breathe in fumes. It may be better for employee health to use electric forklifts. Healthier employees translate into a happier and more prosperous company.