The Dangers of Overcharging Electric Forklift Batteries!

I. Overcharging electric forklift batteries causes a large volume of gas to scour the battery plates; this action leads to the shedding of active material, ultimately shortening the battery's lifespan. Furthermore, overcharging accelerates water loss and affects electrolyte decomposition, causing the battery temperature to rise—or even leading to spontaneous combustion—which is a critical safety concern. Survey data indicates that approximately 20% of generic-brand electric vehicle batteries are prone to spontaneous combustion after a period of use, particularly when overcharged during hot weather; even in cases where only casing deformation occurs, significant safety hazards remain.

II. Moreover, excessive discharging can cause the battery plates to soften, also shortening the battery's lifespan. Given these risks, how should electric forklift users maintain their batteries? There are many maintenance methods, the most common of which include the following:

1. Use pedal assistance when driving uphill or against the wind.

Many people rely entirely on the electric forklift's motor while driving—especially when going uphill or facing headwinds—and often accelerate to compensate. Doing so not only accelerates power consumption but also causes damage to the battery.

2. Avoid driving until the battery is completely drained; recharge when the charge level drops below 30%.

While overcharging is detrimental to the battery, excessive discharging followed by recharging is also harmful. Finally, for batteries that have been idle for a long period, it is recommended not to use them immediately; instead, fully charge them first to protect the battery from damage.