For electric forklift material handling, the battery charger is an important element of the operation. Chargers come in two types: standard chargers with a current capacity of 10 to 50 amperes, and fast chargers with current capacities of 200 to 600 + amperes.

For single or two shift operations, the standard charger with an 8 hour charging time may be adequate. For three shift operations, the fast charger can keep a battery operational around the clock by using employee break and lunch periods to charge and maintain the battery. One requirement is that the battery can handle the high current densities without overheating. Multiple batteries are the traditional option, but this requires special battery handling equipment.

Battery chargers come as single, dual and multiple stations. Multiple stations require customization and are not listed here. However, the manufacturers who make these stations are the same as those listed here.