Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025

Electric vs. Diesel Lifts: Choosing the Right Fit for Your Job Site

Canada’s construction sector is projected to grow by 2.6% in 2025, with Ontario leading the charge. In 2023 alone, the province’s industry contributed over $59 billion to the GDP. 

Whether you’re working downtown Toronto, building up Hamilton’s industrial sector, or expanding into the suburbs of Kitchener-Waterloo, one of the most common questions businesses face is whether to go electric or diesel for lift equipment.

The decision isn’t as clear-cut as it once was. With changing regulations, new technology, and a bigger focus on sustainability, the “right fit” really depends on the specific needs of your project. 

Let’s break down the considerations to help you make the best decision for your job site.

The Lay of the Land

Diesel lifts have been the backbone of construction for over half a century. In 1970, Condor Industries (which later became JLG) brought the world’s first boom lift to market, revolutionizing how work was done at height. And while diesel is still the go-to for power, endurance, and rugged outdoor conditions, things are shifting.

We’re seeing it firsthand at CanLift: 25-30% of our rentals and sales are now electric. Interest is especially growing for larger electric booms, 80 feet and up, for indoor, urban, and municipal projects. These aren’t the dainty machines of the past. Today’s electric lifts are rugged, torqued-up, and ready to work.

When to Opt for Electric

Electric lifts are becoming a smart choice for many types of job sites:

• Indoor or Low-Emission Projects: Perfect for hospitals, retail spaces, and data centres where clean, quiet operation is a must.
• Urban Areas or Tight Spaces: Smaller footprints and quieter engines make electric lifts ideal for city work and noise-restricted areas.
• Smooth Terrain: Best suited for paved surfaces or finished floors.

And if you’re wondering things like:
“Can an electric lift handle my job site terrain?”
“How long will it run before needing a charge?”
“Is it really powerful enough for outdoor jobs?”

You’re not alone. These are some of the top questions our rental and sales team get.

The truth? Don’t underestimate electric lifts. Modern models offer impressive torque and lift capacity, and some are well-suited for outdoor or mixed-use conditions. Battery tech has also come a long way. Most electric lifts can now run for a full workday on a single overnight charge, and models like the JLG 313 Electric Telehandler are proof that zero-emission machines can deliver performance.

When Diesel Still Leads

That said, diesel lifts still shine in certain conditions:

• Rough Terrain and Heavy-Duty Outdoor Jobs: Diesel provides the power and durability needed for uneven ground and heavier loads.
• Extended Use: When recharging isn’t an option, diesel keeps things moving.
• Remote or Large-Scale Worksites: Where fueling is simple and emissions aren’t a concern.

And if lowering emissions is a priority, know this: today’s Tier 4 Final engines significantly reduce NOx and particulate matter. Plus, you can add features like diesel particulate filters (DPFs) or selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems to cut emissions further and meet site requirements.

Navigating Regulations

Emissions regulations are tightening across Canada. In Ontario, Regulation 419/05 sets local air quality limits, especially in urban and sensitive areas. And federally, the Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act commits the country to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

We’re seeing more and more construction tenders that require low- or zero-emission equipment, and that’s driving innovation and adoption across the industry.

What About Hybrid Lifts?

For job sites that shift between indoor and outdoor phases or are located in remote areas without charging stations, hybrid lifts/dual fuel options offer a great solution. These machines combine the best of both worlds:

• Diesel power with electric flexibility
• Extended runtime with less downtime for charging

Just keep in mind that hybrid doesn’t always mean cleaner, especially when compared to modern Tier 4 Final diesel units and their features.

The Bottom Line

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between diesel and electric lifts. Every job site has different demands, from terrain and runtime to emissions rules and height requirements.

Not sure which lift is right for your project? We’re here to help you find the right fit. Book a consultation with our rental or sales team, and we’ll walk through your options together. 

Contact us today and let’s talk lifts.