Best Lifts For Electric Vehicles

The government is pushing the auto industry to transition to electric vehicles as part of its goal to decarbonize the economy by 2050. Because of this push, forward-thinking auto shop owners should recognize the importance of preparing their shops for this transition. 

If you’re already in the process of redesigning your facility, you’re on the right track. The first step to preparing for this transition is to ensure your shop is outfitted with the right equipment, including electric vehicle lifts and specialized battery lifts. 

In this article, we’ll highlight some of our favorite lifts for electric vehicles.

Easiest to Use: IG210W

The IG210W is a low-profile, inground lift that’s excellent for servicing low-to-the-ground EVs, sports cars, and exotics. It can lift as much as 10,000 pounds and has a 77-inch height rise, ensuring mechanics have plenty of room to work safely. This lift also features drive-on laser centering, an automatic vehicle locking system, and optional Shockwave™, which drastically reduces the rise and descent time.

Specifications

Some of the impressive specifications of the IG210W include:

• Overall Width: 123.125 In.
• Lifting Capacity: 10,000 lbs
• Drive-Thru Clearance: 85 In.
• Maximum Arm Reach: 42.5 In.
• Rise Time (Without Shockwave­™): 54 Seconds

When the standard model IG210W is equipped with Shockwave™ technology, the rise time decreases to 25 seconds and the descent time to 19 seconds.

Considerations

The Rotary IG210W is designed and produced specifically for servicing EVs but works excellently on any vehicle requiring extra-low ground clearance. This model is known for its single-button, easy-to-use operation. However, it does have the shortest maximum arm reach of the models reviewed here.

Additionally, if you’re a shop owner considering this lift, be sure that your concrete is thick enough to support installation. For the IG210W lift, your concrete slab must be at least six inches thick with the capacity to handle 4,000 PSI. The minimum bay size for this model is 15 Ft. 6 In. x 22 Ft., so be sure your bay is big enough to house this lift.

Most Versatile: SLW210

The SLW210 Wide Smartlift® Inground Lift features an obstruction-free design that allows 360-degree access and 48% more under-car clearance to make life safer and easier for your mechanics. This inground model is specifically designed for EVs and exotic vehicles and has a lifting capacity of 10,000 pounds. It also has versatile adapter options: RA (round) and TA (truck). 

Specifications

• Overall Width: 119.625 In.
• Lifting Capacity: 10,000 lbs
• Drive-Thru Clearance: 88.0625 In.
• Maximum Arm Reach: 44.5 In.
• Rise Time (Without Shockwave­™): 53 Seconds

Like the IG210W, the SLW210 is available with Shockwave™, which cuts rise and descent times roughly in half.

Considerations

The SLW210 has the slowest rise time compared to all the models in this article. You can improve rise and descent time by opting to have Shockwave™. The SLW210 is also preassembled for fast and easy installation and requires minimal excavation. 

You need to ensure your facility meets the SLW210’s installation requirements, including:

• Concrete has to be finished to the edge of grade indicator.
• The finished floor level should be 0.25 inches below the top of the lift on all sides.
• The slope of your concrete slab should be at least 0.0625 inches per foot.
• The minimum overhead clearance is 85 inches, plus the height of the largest vehicle you’ll lift/service.
• Minimum bay length is 24 feet. 

Best Overall: SLW212

Like the SLW210, the SLW212 Wide SmartLift® is an inground model designed with technicians and productivity in mind. Its obstruction-free design provides 48% more under-car clearance than traditional automobile lifts, as well as a 360-degree passage around lifted vehicles. With its 12,000-pound lifting capacity, this heavy-duty lift can easily hoist EVs, exotics, domestic passenger cars, and even light/medium-duty trucks. It’s a must-have for modern auto service centers.

Specifications

• Overall Width: 119.625 In.
• Lifting Capacity: 12,000 lbs
• Drive-Thru Clearance: 88.0625 In.
• Maximum Arm Reach: 47 In.
• Rise Time (Without Shockwave­™): 53 Seconds

When equipped with Shockwave™ technology, the SLW212 raises vehicles in 25 seconds and lowers them in 19 seconds.

Considerations

SLW Series electric vehicle lifts are smaller than the IG210W and the SPO12, so if there are space restrictions at your shop, you should opt for either the SLW210 or SLW212. This inground lift is the best choice for shop owners who require more lifting capacity—but keep in mind that its lifting capacity drops to 11,000 pounds when using the RA adapters. You’ll also want to ensure your bay meets Rotary’s installation requirements. Please see SLW210 for the complete installation requirements.

Widest Lift: SPO12 WIDE

The SPO12 WIDE is a two-post lift designed for servicing wide trucks and electric vehicles. With its larger footprint and 12,000-pound lifting capacity, the SPO12 WIDE is chosen by more U.S. dealers and service centers than any other lift in its class.

Specifications

• Overall Width: 154.625 In.
• Lifting Capacity: 12,000 lbs
• Drive-Thru Clearance: 119.375 In.
• Maximum Arm Reach: 59 In.
• Rise Time (Without Shockwave­™): 60 Seconds

If the 60-second rise time concerns you, opt for the Shockwave™-equipped model that cuts rise/descent times in half.

Considerations

This lift offers the most drive-through clearance, has the largest arm reach of all models in this article, has the widest design, and has the same lifting capacity as the SLW212, making it the best option for spacious shops that service large and heavy vehicles.

The minimum bay size for the SPO12 WIDE is 14 x 26 feet. Your concrete must be at least 5 inches thick and be able to withstand at least 3,000 PSI. This lift should only be installed on concrete—never on asphalt or similarly unstable surfaces.

Best Battery Lift: LT33A

Every shop that plans to service electric vehicles will need a specialized battery lift table. Electric vehicle battery lift tables allow technicians to install, remove, and service EV batteries, which can weigh upwards of 1,000 pounds, as well as engines, transmissions, and other heavy components.

The LT33A single-section scissor lift can handle up to 3,300 lbs. Some key features include side-to-side platform alignment, rear platform tilt adjustment, multi-directional casters for easier movement and directional control, and a nine-position safety locking system.

Specifications

• Lift Capacity: 3,300 lbs
• Overall Width: 36.25 In.
• Clearance: 4.75 In. (With Standard Casters) or 6.75 In. (With Optional 8-Inch Casters)
• Maximum Rise Height: 67.375 In. (With Standard Casters) or 69.375 In. (With Optional 8-Inch Casters)
• Overall Weight: 1,300 lbs

The LT33A’s lift platform extends up to 8 additional inches to allow operators to shift the table in sections, eliminating the need to reposition the entire table when moving larger loads.

Shop EV Products at Allied

Founded in 1963, Allied Equipment is a leading U.S. distributor of automotive service equipment, including the most innovative, feature-rich vehicle lifts needed to service the growing prevalence of EVs. 

Contact us today if you have questions about the electric vehicle lift equipment listed in this article or want to request a quote. We’re here to help your shop meet the changing needs of the future.