How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Articulated Boom Lift?
Charging time for an electric articulated boom lift depends on the battery type, battery capacity, charger power, remaining charge level, and operating temperature.
There is no single charging time for every machine. Many conventional electric aerial lifts are designed to recharge overnight, while some newer lithium-powered boom lifts with fast chargers can reach a full charge in only a few hours. Genie notes that its electric aerial equipment can generally reach full charge overnight, while JLG offers electric articulated boom lifts capable of charging in fewer than four hours.
Typical Charging Time
As a general guide:
Conventional battery systems: often require overnight charging
Lithium-ion systems: may charge considerably faster
Fast-charging systems: can reduce charging time to several hours or less on selected models
For example, some current Dingli electric boom lifts offer approximately 1.5-hour fast charging, while other configurations provide slower charging modes.
Always use the charging time specified for the exact machine, battery, and charger.
Battery Type and Capacity
Battery technology has a major effect on charging speed.
Traditional lead-acid batteries generally require longer charging periods, while lithium-ion batteries can support faster charging and opportunity charging on suitably designed systems.
A larger battery also stores more energy, so charging time may increase if charger output remains the same.
Charger Power
The charger determines how quickly electrical energy can be returned to the battery.
A higher-capacity compatible charger may reduce charging time, but operators should never use an unapproved charger simply to charge the machine faster.
Always follow the manufacturer's voltage, current, and charger requirements.
Remaining Battery Level
A nearly empty battery takes longer to recharge than one that is only partially discharged.
Operators should monitor the battery indicator and plan charging before the battery becomes excessively depleted.
For many electric aerial lifts, charging at the end of the working day allows the machine to be ready for the next shift. Genie recommends overnight charging for many conventional battery-powered machines.
Temperature and Battery Condition
Charging performance may also be affected by:
Very high or low temperatures
Battery age
Poor battery condition
Loose or damaged connections
Charger faults
Improper battery maintenance
If charging suddenly takes much longer than usual, the battery or charging system should be inspected.
Can the Lift Be Used While Charging?
Normally, operators should not use the lift while it is connected to an external charger unless the manufacturer specifically allows this operating mode.
The machine should be parked safely and connected to a suitable electrical supply according to the operator's manual.
How to Reduce Charging Downtime
To improve availability:
Charge the machine after daily use
Monitor battery state of charge
Use the approved charger
Keep batteries and connections in good condition
Avoid unnecessary deep discharge
Consider lithium or fast-charging options for high-utilization applications
Battery-monitoring systems can also help fleet operators track charge condition and identify battery or charger problems before they interrupt work.
Charging Safety Tips
When charging:
Park on a safe, level surface
Switch off the machine as required
Use the correct power supply
Inspect the charging cable
Keep the charging area ventilated
Keep flames and sparks away from batteries
Do not modify the charger or battery system
Follow the manufacturer's charging instructions
Conclusion
Electric articulated boom lift charging time varies significantly by battery and charger configuration. Conventional systems may require overnight charging, while modern lithium and fast-charging systems can reduce the process to only a few hours on selected machines.
The safest approach is to follow the charging specifications for the exact model.
Contact Mantall to discuss electric articulated boom lift battery options, charging systems, working height, outreach, and suitable models for your application.
