WATERFRONT technology specialist Kalmar is to introduce a medium electric forklift powered by lithium-ion battery technology.
The new forklift is said to be the company’s latest step on the company’s journey towards offering an electric version of every product in its portfolio by 2021.
According to the company, it is the first forklift in the medium-capacity range to be powered by Li-ion batteries and the battery technology initially is to be available for several models with a wheelbase of 3500mm.
Kalmar has history in the electric equipment arena, having launched its first light electric forklift truck in 1979, followed by the industry’s first Li-ion powered light electric forklift in 2016.
Kalmar has also launched electric powered versions of its empty container handlers, Ottawa terminal tractors, shuttle and straddle carriers, automated guided vehicles and yard cranes.
The concept aims to boost compliance with “increasingly strict environmental legislation”, cut fuel costs and simplify maintenance processes.
Kalmar’s electric forklift offering is available with a choice of lead-acid or Li-ion battery technology.
Li-ion batteries are said to be good for multi-shift operation models as they can be fast-charged during breaks in work, improving the productivity of forklifts.
According to Kalmar, a full charge can be achieved in less than two hours.
Kalmar vice president forklifts, Stefan Hultqvist, was enthusiastic about the concept.
“We’re delighted to be able to announce yet another industry first as we continue our drive to provide customers with innovative new eco-efficient, reliable and easy-to-maintain machines to help them achieve their business goals,” Mr Hultqvist said.
“Demand for electrically powered forklifts is rising all the time, and now we can offer our customers even greater convenience and environmental performance in the medium lifting capacity range.”
