Energy efficiency standards for battery-charged industrial vehicles, including forklifts, go into effect Jan. 1, 2017. They accompany the California Energy Commission’s standards for household battery chargers. The Energy Commission’s new standards for plug-in forklifts and other vehicles are estimated to cut $49 million a year in energy costs, compared to $257 million in savings from more efficient battery-charged consumer gadgets. Approximately 26.9 GWh in savings are expected the first year from less wasteful commercial forklift chargers, compared to 379 GWh in reduced energy use for household electronic chargers. The cost increase associated with the new standard for the larger battery chargers is estimated at $343 dollars/device on average, which is offset by $5,295 in energy savings over their 15-year life, according to commission staff’s report, Staff Analysis of Battery Chargers and Self-Contained Lighting Controls. Small charger systems are expected to rise an average $.80/unit, but save over their 4.7-year average life $7.49.
