Electric vs. LP Gas Forklifts: A Real-World Comparison

The electric vs. LP gas debate comes up constantly in our industry, and the honest answer is that both are good choices in the right situation. The wrong answer is buying one without thinking through where and how you actually work. This guide lays out the real differences so you can make a confident decision before you spend money.

Based on current LiftWorks USA inventory pricing.

The Case for Electric Forklifts

Electric forklifts run on a battery, produce zero direct emissions, and are significantly quieter than LP gas units. Those three things matter a lot depending on your environment.

Electric is the right call when:

• You work indoors in a food, pharmaceutical, or beverage facility where emissions are not allowed
• Your operation runs one shift and the battery can charge overnight
• You want lower long-term operating costs once the battery is healthy
• Operator comfort matters to you, noise levels are a concern
• Your facility has electrical infrastructure already in place

Watch out for:

• Battery health on used units. A weak battery cuts your runtime in half and costs $3,000 to $8,000 to replace. Always ask about the battery condition before buying.
• Multi-shift operations where one battery cannot keep up without a spare or opportunity charging setup
• Cold storage environments where batteries drain faster

From our current inventory, refurbished electric sit-down forklifts average $19,024. Electric order pickers start as low as $2,950. The lower upfront cost compared to LP gas is part of the appeal, though battery replacement costs can close that gap over time.

The Case for LP Gas Forklifts

LP gas (propane) forklifts run on a tank you swap out in about two minutes. There is no charging window, no battery degradation, and no limitation on how many shifts you can run. You refill the tank and get back to work.

LP gas is the right call when:

• You run two or three shifts and cannot afford downtime for charging
• You work both indoors and outdoors and need one machine to handle both
• You do not want to deal with battery maintenance or replacement costs
• You need full power performance right away, not a slow warmup cycle
• Your facility already has propane infrastructure

Watch out for:

• Emissions. LP gas units should not run in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation. OSHA and local codes apply.
• Ongoing fuel cost. Propane prices fluctuate and the bill adds up over years of operation.
• Engine wear. Internal combustion engines have more moving parts and typically cost more to maintain than electric motors.

LP gas and diesel units from our inventory average around $36,153, reflecting the heavier mechanical components and outdoor versatility of these machines.

Side-by-Side Comparison

What About Diesel?

Diesel forklifts share most of the same operating characteristics as LP gas but with higher torque and better performance in heavy outdoor applications like lumber yards, construction sites, and container handling. If you are lifting heavy loads outdoors on rough terrain, diesel is worth considering. For standard warehouse and dock work, LP gas is usually the more practical choice.

The Real Decision Comes Down to Shifts and Environment

Run one shift indoors with no emissions restrictions? Electric is likely the better long-term investment. Run two or more shifts, go outdoors, or need maximum uptime without charging delays? LP gas wins on flexibility.

The cost difference at purchase is real, but do not forget to factor in operating costs over the life of the machine. Electric units cost more upfront when you account for battery health and potential replacement, but their lower fuel and maintenance costs often make them cheaper over a five-year period in single-shift applications.

Shop by Fuel Type

We stock refurbished electric, LP gas, and diesel forklifts across all major brands. Every unit is fully rebuilt and tested before it leaves our facility.

• Browse Electric Sit-Down Forklifts starting at $6,950
• Browse Electric Order Pickers starting at $2,950
• Browse LP Gas Cushion Tire Forklifts
• Browse LP Gas and Diesel Pneumatic Forklifts