Thinking about switching from internal combustion forklifts to electric models? You’re not alone. Across Canada and worldwide, companies are appreciating the operational, financial, and environmental advantages of electric forklifts. From reduced emissions and lower fuel costs to quieter performance and improved indoor air quality, electric forklifts are increasingly prominent in today's warehouses, manufacturing facilities, retail centres, and industrial worksites. However, deciding between electric and internal combustion (IC) forklifts involves a careful evaluation of your operational needs, total cost of ownership, facility infrastructure, and long-term goals. In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between electric forklifts and internal combustion forklifts, break down the benefits of electric models, highlight important factors to consider before converting your fleet, and showcase how Tailift Canada’s electric forklifts deliver on performance, reliability, and service.  

Understanding Internal Combustion and Electric Forklifts 

To make an informed decision about upgrading your forklift fleet, it’s essential to understand the core differences between internal combustion and electric forklifts–from how they operate and their strengths to the best environments for their use. 

Internal Combustion Forklifts: Power and Versatility 

Internal combustion forklifts (IC forklifts) run on fuels such as propane, diesel, or gasoline. These forklifts offer powerful lifting capabilities and are especially well-suited for outdoor or heavy-duty applications. Because they use combustion engines, they tend to perform better in rugged or uneven terrain, which makes them a popular choice in construction sites, lumber yards, and outdoor warehouses. At Tailift Canada, our range of internal combustion forklifts includes: 

• Propane forklifts: Clean-burning and versatile, propane-powered forklifts work well both indoors and outdoors due to their lower emissions compared to gasoline or diesel. Learn more about our selection of Tailift propane forklifts. 

• Diesel forklifts: Known for their robust power and torque, diesel forklifts are built for heavy lifting and demanding outdoor environments. Explore our selection of Tailift diesel forklifts. 

Internal combustion forklifts also offer flexibility when it comes to tire type–an important consideration based on where your equipment will operate. Cushion tires are smooth, solid, and designed for use on flat indoor surfaces like polished concrete or asphalt. They provide a tighter turning radius, making them ideal for warehouses and manufacturing facilities. Explore our cushion-tire internal combustion models. Pneumatic tires, on the other hand, are air-filled and built for resilience. These rugged tires are better suited for outdoor use, offering strong traction and shock absorption on uneven surfaces such as gravel, packed dirt, or pavement with imperfections.  

Electric Forklifts: Efficiency and Clean Operation 

Electric forklifts run entirely on rechargeable batteries and have become the preferred option for many warehouse and indoor environments. They produce zero tailpipe emissions, which makes them ideal for enclosed spaces with limited ventilation. Tailift Canada offers a comprehensive lineup of electric forklifts tailored to different needs, including: 

• Four-wheel electric forklifts: Designed for heavier lifting tasks with excellent stability and traction. Perfect for warehouse aisles, shipping docks, and distribution centres. Browse our four-wheel electric forklifts. 

• Three-wheel electric forklifts: With a tight turning radius and enhanced maneuverability, three-wheel electric forklifts excel in confined spaces and narrow aisles. Check out our three-wheel electric forklifts. 

The Benefits of Electric Forklifts: Why the Shift? 

Across Canada, more companies are exploring – or already making – the shift from internal combustion forklifts to electric models. Here’s what’s driving the change.  

Reduced Operating and Maintenance Costs 

Electric forklifts generally have fewer moving parts than internal combustion forklifts, which translates to less routine maintenance. There’s no need for oil changes, fuel filters, or spark plug replacements, which reduces downtime and maintenance expenses. Electric forklifts also benefit from regenerative braking systems that help recharge batteries, extending battery life and improving energy efficiency. Energy costs tend to be lower and more stable than propane or diesel fuel prices, further helping control operational costs.  

Environmental and Workplace Health Benefits 

Electric forklifts produce zero emissions during operation, making them an excellent choice for improving air quality. This is especially important in industries like food processing, pharmaceuticals, and others where cleanliness and air standards are tightly regulated. As environmental policies continue to evolve–both in Canada and globally–many businesses are turning to electric forklifts as a proactive way to stay compliant, reduce their environmental impact, and support long-term sustainability goals. 

Quieter and Smoother Operation 

Electric forklifts run significantly quieter than internal combustion models, helping to reduce noise pollution in the workplace. This quieter operation contributes to a more comfortable environment for employees and can lower stress levels and the risk of long-term hearing damage. In addition to noise reduction, electric forklifts deliver smoother acceleration and responsive control. This allows operators to maneuver more precisely–an important advantage in high-traffic warehouses or retail environments where safety and efficiency are key.  

Increased Safety in Indoor Environments 

Because electric forklifts don’t produce exhaust fumes and generate less heat, they reduce the risk of fire or explosion–an important consideration in facilities that store flammable or sensitive materials. They also help minimize operator fatigue, thanks to their smoother ride, lower noise levels, and reduced vibration compared to internal combustion models. These benefits not only enhance workplace safety but can also lead to improved operator focus and productivity, ultimately supporting more efficient and reliable operations.  

What to Consider Before Switching to Electric Forklifts 

While the benefits are compelling, converting your fleet to electric forklifts requires thoughtful planning. 

Charging Infrastructure and Battery Management 

Electric forklifts require proper infrastructure to operate efficiently, including charging stations and designated battery storage areas. Before making the switch, it's important to assess your facility’s electrical capacity and layout to ensure it can support multiple chargers—especially if several units will need to charge at the same time. Effective battery management is also essential. Establishing consistent charging routines, maintaining batteries correctly, and taking advantage of opportunity charging—short charging sessions during breaks or shift changes—can help extend battery life and keep your fleet running at peak performance. 

Operational Requirements and Environment 

Electric forklifts are best suited for flat, indoor environments where frequent stopping and starting is common. However, for continuous heavy-duty use or rough outdoor conditions, internal combustion forklifts may still be the more practical choice. These environments can demand greater power and longer run times, which IC forklifts can often provide more efficiently. By closely evaluating your daily operations, load requirements, and work environment, you can determine the optimal balance between electric and internal combustion forklifts to meet your fleet’s specific needs. 

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) 

When evaluating the return on investment (ROI), it’s important to look beyond the upfront purchase price. Consider ongoing expenses such as maintenance, fuel or electricity costs, potential government incentives for electric equipment, and resale value. Also factor in operational efficiency and downtime–electric forklifts typically require less maintenance and experience fewer breakdowns, which can translate into more productive hours. While electric forklifts often offer significant long-term savings, every operation has unique factors to weigh. Partnering with your local forklift dealer can help you analyze both the tangible and intangible costs, providing a complete financial picture to support your decision.  

When Internal Combustion Still Makes Sense  

While electric models are gaining popularity, internal combustion (IC) forklifts continue to play a vital role–particularly in demanding outdoor environments. For operations in construction yards, shipping terminals, or sites with uneven terrain and extreme weather, IC forklifts often provide the durability and performance required to get the job done. Tailift Canada’s diesel and propane models are built for these tough conditions, offering reliable lifting power over long shifts. Refuelling is another advantage. Unlike electric forklifts, which require scheduled charging, IC forklifts can be quickly refuelled with a tank swap or fuel top-up–keeping downtime to a minimum. This can be especially important in fast-paced or 24/7 operations. Cost is also a factor. While electric forklifts typically offer lower operating costs over time, IC models generally come with a lower upfront investment–making them appealing for businesses with tight capital budgets or shorter-term needs. For many operations, a blended fleet provides the best of both worlds: electric models for indoor efficiency and clean operation, and IC forklifts for rugged performance in outdoor or high-demand settings.  

Tailift Canada: Your Partner in Fleet Optimization 

Choosing the right forklift is about more than just the equipment—it’s about ongoing service and support. Tailift Canada’s extensive network of forklift dealers across the country ensures expert guidance and reliable service whether you choose electric or internal combustion forklifts. Our forklift dealers are ready to help assess your specific needs and recommend the ideal forklift models and fleet composition. Beyond the initial sale, they provide comprehensive support including operator training, timely access to genuine forklift parts, and tailored maintenance programs designed to maximize uptime and extend equipment life. Whether you’re looking to add electric forklifts for cleaner indoor operations or maintain a robust internal combustion fleet for outdoor work, Tailift Canada has you covered. For personalized support, reach out anytime via our contact page.