Which Forklift Is The Cheapest to Run? Electricity vs LPG vs Diesel

If you’re trying to work out which forklift is cheapest to run, the answer usually comes down to one thing: energy cost per hour. Whether it’s electricity, LPG gas, or diesel fuel, the difference in running costs can add up quickly across daily use, especially in busy operations.


With fuel prices in Australia continuing to fluctuate and supply tightening at times, LPG and diesel costs can be unpredictable and often trend upward. That makes understanding your day-to-day operating cost more important than ever. At the same time, electricity pricing has become more stable in comparison, which is why many businesses are reassessing how they power their equipment.


In most cases, electric forklifts are the cheapest to operate, but that doesn’t mean they’re always the right choice. LPG and diesel forklifts can still make sense depending on how and where you use them.


Two forklifts that seem similar on paper can have massively different long-term costs. Read The True Cost of Owning a Forklift Over 5 Years...

Three forklifts—electric (yellow), LPG (orange), and diesel (orange)—are shown with their respective fuel sources - forklift operational cost comparison

How Much Electricity Does a Forklift Use Per Hour?

Electric forklifts are known for being efficient, but the exact electricity usage depends on the size of the machine, how it’s used, and the workload it handles.


Average Electricity Usage (kWh per Hour)


Most electric forklifts use 8 to 12 kWh per hour under normal working conditions.


Larger forklifts or heavy-duty applications can push this higher, while lighter warehouse use may sit closer to the lower end.


Real Cost Per Hour (Electric Forklift)


To work out the actual running cost, you simply multiply energy usage by your electricity rate.


Example:

10 kWh × $0.28 per kWh = $2.80 per hour


Electricity Cost Breakdown

Usage (kWh/hour) Electricity Rate Cost Per Hour
8 kWh $0.25 $2.00
10 kWh $0.28 $2.80
12 kWh $0.30 $3.60

What Affects Electricity Usage?

Electric forklift energy consumption isn’t fixed. It changes based on how the machine is used:


  • Load weight: Heavier loads increase power draw
  • Usage intensity: Constant lifting vs light movement
  • Stop-start operation: Frequent acceleration uses more energy
  • Battery condition: Older batteries are less efficient
  • Operator behaviour: Aggressive driving increases consumption


Example:


For an 8-hour shift:

$2.80/hour × 8 hours = $22.40 per day


Over time, this is where electric forklifts stand out. Even small savings per hour add up quickly across weeks, months, and years of operation.

Forklift LPG Gas Consumption Per Hour

LPG forklifts are popular for their flexibility and fast refuelling, and when calculated correctly, their running cost sits in the mid-range compared to electric and diesel.


How Much Gas Does a Forklift Use Per Hour?


A standard 15kg LPG forklift cylinder typically lasts between 6 and 10 hours of continuous operation.


This equates to 1.5 to 2.5 kg of gas per hour.


Lower consumption usually occurs during light warehouse use, while heavier loads and continuous lifting increase gas usage.


Current LPG Cylinder Pricing


LPG forklift cylinder refills (15kg) typically cost $60 to $110 per cylinder.


~$62.70 (lower-end exchange pricing)

~$80 (average supplier rate)


Prices vary depending on supplier, delivery frequency, and exchange agreements.


Real Cost Per Hour (LPG Forklift)


To calculate cost per hour:


Cylinder cost ÷ runtime


Example:

$80 ÷ 8 hours = $10.00 per hour

$62.70 ÷ 10 hours = $6.27 per hour

$110 ÷ 6 hours = $18.30 per hour


LPG Cost Breakdown

Cylinder Cost Runtime Cost Per Hour
$60 10 hours $6.00
$80 8 hours $10.00
$110 6 hours $18.30

👉 LPG forklifts cost between $6.00 and $18.00+ per hour to run.


Per Shift Example:


For an 8-hour shift:

$10/hour × 8 hours = $80 per day


What Affects LPG Gas Consumption?


Gas usage varies significantly based on how the forklift is used:


  • Load weight increases fuel burn
  • Idle time still consumes gas
  • Engine condition impacts efficiency
  • Operator behaviour (harsh acceleration = higher usage)
  • Work environment (slopes, uneven surfaces)

Diesel Forklift Fuel Consumption Per Hour

Diesel forklifts are built for power and durability, especially in outdoor and heavy-duty environments. However, that performance comes with higher fuel consumption, which directly impacts running costs.


How Much Diesel Does a Forklift Use Per Hour?


Most diesel forklifts consume 2 to 5 litres per hour.


Smaller forklifts working under light loads may sit closer to 2L/hour, while larger machines handling heavy lifting or rough terrain can reach 4 to 5L/hour or more.


Real Cost Per Hour (Diesel Forklift)


Using a current average diesel price of:

  • $3.22 per litre (as of March 2026)


Example:

3 litres × $3.22 = $9.66 per hour


Diesel Cost Breakdown

Fuel Usage (L/hour) Diesel Price Cost Per Hour
2L $3.22 $6.44
3L $3.22 $9.66
5L $3.22 $16.10

Per Shift Example:


For an 8-hour shift:

$9.66/hour × 8 hours = $77.28 per day


This now puts diesel clearly at the highest running cost, often exceeding LPG depending on usage.

Which Forklift Is Cheapest to Run?

If you’re comparing forklifts purely on energy and fuel cost per hour, the answer is clear once you look at the real numbers:


👉 Electric forklifts are the cheapest to run



Forklift Type Cost Per Hour Energy Source
Electric $2.00 – $3.60 Electricity
LPG $6.00 – $18.00+ Gas
Diesel $6.50 – $16.00+ Diesel fuel

Electric forklifts consistently deliver the lowest running cost, while LPG and diesel are heavily impacted by rising fuel prices. The best decision comes down to your usage, but if cost efficiency is your priority, the numbers clearly favour electric.


If you’re ready to take the next step, call (03) 9762 4965 to discuss the right forklift for your business and start saving on running costs sooner.