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 Research

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 →
Isuzu N-Series Gas Fleet Guide: Specs, Capability and 2027 Model-Year Updates
Explore Isuzu Truck North America’s N-Series Gas fleet specs, engine performance, GVWR and payload capability, configurations, chassis dimensions, work-focused features, and 2027 model-year information.
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 →
Ram ProMaster City Fleet Guide Specs Cargo Capacity and 2027 Updates
Work Truck’s Ram ProMaster City Fleet Guide tracks the latest specifications, cargo capability, configurations, fleet technology, pricing, and model-year updates for Ram’s mid-size commercial van.
Read More →
Ford F-150 Fleet Guide Specs Capability and 2026 Model-Year Updates
Explore 2026 Ford F-150 fleet specs, engines, towing and payload capability, configurations, work features, technology, and model-year updates.
Read More →
TCI Now Sells & Supports Battle Motors’ Vocational Trucks
Midwest truck dealer Truck Centers, Inc. (TCI) has expanded its transportation solutions with sales and service support for Battle Motors’ heavy-duty vocational trucks at locations in locations in Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri
Read More →
Ram 1500 Fleet Guide Specs, Capability and 2027 Model-Year Updates
Explore always up-to-date Ram 1500 fleet specs, engines, towing and payload capability, configurations, technology, pricing updates, and model-year changes.
Read More →
Peterbilt Trucks Equipped with Paccar TX-18 Pro Boost Efficiency for Maryland Fleet
Patuxent Companies is replacing aging trucks with the Peterbilt Model 567 and Model 589, specified with the Paccar TX-18 Pro 18-speed automated transmissions, and is reporting an 8% to 10% improvement in fuel economy.
Read More →
Stellar Expands into Fire Apparatus Market with Acquisition of Midwest Fire
Stellar Industries has acquired Midwest Fire, a custom fire apparatus manufacturer headquartered in Luverne, Minnesota, with nearly four decades of specialized apparatus experience.
Read More →
Recalls You Need to Know About in August 2026
If you have Altec, Chrysler, Ford, Heil, General Motors, International, Mack Trucks, Paccar, Rivian, Royal Truck, Toyota, US Truck Body, or Volvo Trucks vehicles in your fleet, you should check these important recalls issued by the National Highway Safety Administration.
Read More →
