Going Electric: The Rise of Electric Construction Equipment
Can an Electric Forklift Withstand Below-Freezing Weather?
A new case study was announced by JLG and Sunbelt rentals which tests the DaVinci Lift in below-freezing conditions.

The study details the lift's performance in below-freezing conditions, and the results highlighted in the case study prove how far battery technology has advanced in the aerial industry.
Photo: JPL/Work Truck
JLG Industries, an Oshkosh Corporation company, produces the all-electric DaVinci Lift. It features a five minute quick charge for 100 feet of drive, plus torque for loading. It also can reach 19 feet and has a 606 pound weight capacity.
And recently, a new case study was announced by JLG and Sunbelt Rentals: “JLG DaVinci Lift Proves Itself in Cold-Temperature Applications.”
The study details the lift's performance in below-freezing conditions, and the results highlighted in the case study prove how far battery technology has advanced in the aerial industry.
“Electric machine operation and productivity in conditions below 32°F (0°C) have traditionally been a huge concern in cold-temperature applications, like in refrigerated food processing warehouses, cold storage facilities, vaccine laboratories or outdoors in the winter,” says Bob Begley, JLG’s director of product management for scissor, vertical and low-level access lifts.
“That’s because working in these types of conditions can impact electric equipment performance, resulting in slow, sluggish functionality and reduced battery runtime by up to 5%, partly due to hydraulics and previous battery technology.”
Testing in Cold Weather
Despite cold-weather performance concerns, electric scissor lifts are often needed on maintenance projects or construction job sites because of restrictions in certain work environments, like noise and air pollution requirements, that prevent the use of internal combustion (diesel, dual fuel, or gas) machines.
According to Begley, battery technology has significantly advanced in recent years, driving the industry towards more electrified products — including the advent of 100%, fully electric machines like the JLG DaVinci AE1932 lift.
With zero hydraulics to help eliminate job site leaks and zero emissions to help control job site pollution. It is purpose-built for applications where stringent environmental regulations must be met while offering consistent, ongoing productivity — even in the coldest conditions. “We had many assumptions about how the DaVinci lift would perform that we needed to test,” says Begley.
The case study provides details about how the DaVinci lift performed in a harsh and cold working environment — an industrial freezer — and shares JLG’s and Sunbelt’s conclusions from the testing.
More Vehicle Insights

Morgan Olson Launches North America’s Longest Working Step Van Challenge
Morgan Olson has launched North America’s Longest Working Step Van Challenge, a new customer campaign to find the longest-working qualifying Morgan Olson or Grumman step van actively delivering packages for an independent service provider contracted by FedEx.
Read More →
Ford Transit Fleet Guide Specs Capability and 2027 Model-Year Updates
Explore 2027 Ford Transit fleet specs, engines, payload and towing capability, cargo configurations, work features, technology, and model-year updates.
Read More →
Mack Defense to Spotlight Common Tactical Truck Line Haul Hybrid Tractor During AUSA 2026
Mack Defense was awarded a contract to design, build, and deliver prototype vehicles for the U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck (CTT) program. It will show off its line-haul hybrid tractor prototype, based on the Mack Granite, at the 2026 United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition.
Read More →
Advance Produces 20,000th Front-Discharge Mixer
Advance celebrated the production of its 20,000th front-discharge mixer, a Commander Series FD4000 mixer. Jack Willard first developed the original Rite-Way Truck in 1964, and then Advance was established in 1972.
Read More →
GM Launches Clean Sheet Duramax 8.3L Turbo-Diesel V8 for 2027 HD Pickups
General Motors previewed key updates for its 2027 HD pickup lineup, which will now include a new Duramax 8.3L Turbo-Diesel, electric power steering, and electronic brake boost.
Read More →
GMC Sierra 1500 Fleet Guide Specs Capability and 2027 Model-Year Updates
The next-generation 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 brings new V-8 engines, more standard safety technology, updated trailering tools, and a work-focused Pro trim. Here’s what fleets need to know.
Read More →
Mack Defense Achieves Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Level 2
After an assessment conducted by an authorized Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO), Mack Defense has achieved Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2.
Read More →
GM Unveils New Sixth-Generation Small Block Engines for 2027 Light-Duty Pickups
General Motors unveiled two new small-block engines, backed by extensive real-world validation and more than 70 years of small-block V8 manufacturing experience, as part of the engine portfolio for the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500.
Read More →
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Fleet Guide Specs Capability and 2027 Model-Year Updates
The next-generation 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 brings new V-8 engines, updated technology, expanded safety features, and a fleet-focused Work Truck. Here’s what commercial fleets need to know so far.
Read More →
2026 Ram 1500 Tradesman Put to a Real-World Fleet Test
A few days behind the wheel of a 2026 Ram 1500 Tradesman turned into a test of visibility, parking, work-ready features, and even severe-weather driving.
Read More →

