Driving Sustainability through Electrification & Cleaner Engines

Choosing the right energy solution for your materials handling fleet is about more than cost efficiency, it’s about future-proofing your business. Today, the choice you make reflects not only Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) but also your commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership.

Thanks to rapid technological innovation, going green in your warehouse or yard no longer means compromising on performance. Two major advancements — electrification and cleaner engine technology — are transforming the way businesses approach materials handling.

Electrification: A competitive advantage, not just a trend

Electrification isn’t simply a passing industry trend — it’s a competitive edge. Customers, investors, and regulators are increasingly demanding proof of sustainable practices, and electric fleets deliver on that promise.

Linde Material Handling has seen exponential growth in electric forklifts and warehouse machines, and continues to lead innovation in battery technologies, delivering greater efficiency, safety and cost-effectiveness.

Electric forklifts are no longer limited to light indoor work. Today’s lithium-ION technology powers high-capacity trucks capable of tackling the same heavy-duty jobs as diesel without the noise, fumes, or carbon emissions. These machines deliver zero local emissions, lower energy costs, and higher efficiency, all while enhancing the operator experience.

While lithium-ION dominates the conversation for many applications, forklifts and warehouse trucks with traditional lead-acid batteries remain a cost-effective option for light to medium-duty operations.

Standard battery electric trucks now cost about the same as their internal combustion (IC) counterparts, but offer lower servicing costs, quieter operation, and suitability for indoor environments. The main trade-off is charging. While lithium-ION offers opportunity charging during breaks, lead-acid batteries typically require a full swap for multi-shift operations.

They represent a smart investment in performance and sustainability at a compelling price point. Linde offers a range of battery capacities tailored to intensity and duration of use.

Cleaner combustion engines for demanding applications

For decades, Linde Material Handling has set benchmarks for productivity and reliability in IC trucks. Today’s range includes diesel, LPG, and CNG options, each with application-specific advantages.

Diesel IC trucks remain the go-to for outdoor operations, while LPG and CNG are ideal where flexibility to operate both indoors and outdoors is required. These trucks feature low-noise and fuel-efficient engines designed for maximum uptime.

Diesel fleet operators are increasingly turning to a “cleaner” fuel source, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). This fossil-free fuel can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% (compared to conventional diesel), and has the additional benefits of providing extra power to the engine, and giving cleaner combustion. It requires no adaptations to the refuelling infrastructure and can be blended with regular diesel.

“Customers who are unable to switch to electric forklifts in the short term can now improve their carbon footprint by changing to HVO,” says Greg Wood, Technical Solutions Manager at Linde Material Handling.

Besides the cleaner HVO option, the latest engine technology deployed in all Linde IC trucks meets the strictest global emissions standards, cutting harmful particulates and NOx emissions without sacrificing performance. Cleaner engines mean businesses can retain the benefits of IC power while dramatically reducing environmental impact.

Making the right choice for your organisation

The right energy solution depends on your operational needs, long-term costs, and sustainability goals. While the decision may seem complex, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you choose a dependable heavy-duty IC truck, a cost-effective lead-acid solution, or a cutting-edge lithium-ION model, Linde offers options that combine performance, reliability, economy, safety, and sustainability.

Choosing the right machine is more than a compliance measure, it’s a competitive edge. In an economy where sustainability influences brand reputation, customer trust, and supply chain partnerships, your choice positions your business for long-term success.

Going green is no longer optional, it’s essential for operational excellence and future growth.

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