BE-X series
The purchase price is only the beginning. Those who Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculates, sees that energy, maintenance and residual value make the difference — and that the cheapest quote is rarely the most advantageous machine.
The TCO covers everything the machine costs over its entire service life: purchase or lease, energy (electricity, diesel, or LPG), maintenance and repairs, tires, inspections (VA-keur), insurance and at the end the residual value. Divide that total by the number of operating hours and you can compare machines fairly—including electric versus diesel.
Take a 2.5-ton forklift, 1,000 operating hours per year, 5 years. The electric truck is more expensive to purchase, but electricity costs roughly a third of diesel per hour and maintenance is simpler (no engine oil, filters, or exhaust). In practice, we see that a electric forklifts at 800+ operating hours per year almost always achieves a lower TCO than diesel — the tipping point is lower than most buyers think. Factor in MIA/Vamil benefit and the gap continues to grow.
A diesel truck easily consumes 2.5–3.5 liters per operating hour; an electric truck 4–6 kWh. At current rates, electric is significantly cheaper per hour, especially with off-peak charging. With a Li-ion battery and opportunity charging furthermore, the removable battery expires — read also our article about the payback period of lithium.
Count on more service intervals (engine maintenance) for diesel than for electric. Tires depend on terrain and driving style — the wrong choice wears out twice as fast, see the milkfish guide. The annual boat safety inspection is a fixed, small amount; deferred maintenance is the big hidden cost — read why good maintenance saves money.
After 5 to 7 years, a well-maintained A-brand forklift is still worth money; a B-brand barely anything. That difference of thousands of euros belongs in the TCO. It is the reason why a competitively priced Hyundai almost always wins out over the cheapest offer over its lifespan — read also buying cheap or name-brand.
Send us your situation: load, operating hours, terrain, and current machine. We will compare two or three scenarios side by side — buying, forklift leasing or a used machine — with all costs per operating hour. Fair and transparent, so you can decide based on figures instead of the purchase price. Request a quote and you will have the overview within 24 hours.
Call 0168 467 467 or request a quote — response within 24 hours.
Indicative: a 2.5-tonne electric forklift at 1,000 operating hours per year often comes out to €8 to €12 per operating hour all-in; diesel is usually higher than that due to fuel and maintenance. The exact TCO depends on operating hours, energy prices, and application.
Often starting from around 500 to 800 operating hours per year. The more hours, the greater the benefit of low energy and maintenance costs. We calculate the break-even point for you free of charge.
Yes. With operational lease, a large part of the TCO (maintenance, inspection) is already included in the fixed monthly amount — which makes the costs per operating hour directly predictable.
Lower residual value, more expensive maintenance, more downtime, and inferior service usually more than undo the purchase advantage over 5 years. Always compare on TCO, not on price tag.
Tell us what you are moving and how high you lift — we will advise you on the right model, new or used, within 24 hours.
Do you want to buy a forklift and know the costs immediately? Then request a no-obligation quote using the form below; we will contact you within 24 hours.
English 
Dutch 
German 