Lithium batteries are quickly becoming the preferred power source for equipment across the cleaning and hygiene industry. Ride-on sweepers, floor strippers, backpack vacuums – you can find lithium batteries for practically every piece of equipment your team needs. With rising consumer demand for greater efficiency and cost reduction, lithium batteries are leading the way for cordless floor cleaning equipment in 2025.
The Cost of Innovation
Let’s not sweep it under the rug – while costs have lowered, lithium batteries are more expensive than their lead-acid counterparts. But that cost is misleading – lithium batteries last for up to 5 years, whereas lead-acid batteries only last for 2-3. The longer life cycle and infrequent replacements mean that over a 5-year period, the cost is comparable. That, along with the increased productivity and labour savings afforded by lithium batteries makes them the smarter investment.
Run Longer. Clean Better.
One of the key benefits of lithium batteries is their extended run times and fast charging capabilities. When equipment runs longer, employees can be more productive and avoid unnecessary downtime. This efficiency becomes especially important in large-scale industrial and commercial facility cleaning, where productivity is paramount to facility success.
Lithium batteries also charge twice as fast as lead-acid batteries. Unlike lead-acid batteries that require a full charge to maintain battery health, lithium batteries can handle intermittent short charges when working under time constraints. Increased run time, coupled with shorter charging periods, helps companies offset labour costs as employees can spend more working hours focused on facility cleanliness.
Don’t Get Weighed Down
From an operator’s perspective, lithium batteries are more manageable than lead-acid batteries. They require virtually no maintenance and weigh about half as much as lead-acid equivalents. This not only enhances operator comfort, particularly with manually operated equipment like backpack vacuums, but can also contribute to an increase in run-time for ride-on equipment.
As declining prices remove the barrier of up-front cost, it’s easy to see why more and more companies are opting for lithium batteries for cleaning equipment. If your equipment isn’t yet running on lithium batteries, reach out to your Bunzl Cleaning and Hygiene expert to see the difference they can make in your facility.
