Historically, the forklift market has been divided roughly 60-40 between LPG or diesel-powered internal combustion (IC) engine trucks and battery-driven electric models, with diesel being the most dominant fuel.However, in recent years there has been a move from diesel and LPG towards electric forklifts. This has partly been caused by concerns over the impact of IC engine emissions on both workers’ health and the environment.
This article was first published in the February 15th 2022 issue of Warehouse & Logistics News, subscribe to the magazine by clicking here.
Japanese-based battery manufacturer GS Yuasa has launched a competition for a family of four to win a week-long trip to Tokyo. Consumers can enter by following GS Yuasa UK on social media, and both liking and sharing their pinned post featuring the Powering What Matters video. Powering What Matters, GS Yuasa’s latest nationwide advertising campaign, is being carried by the likes of ITV and Absolute Radio and highlights the vast range of applications that utilise GS Yuasa batteries.
Clark’s relaunched GEX and GTX series of three and four-wheel electric forklifts in 48-volt technology with load capacities of 1.6 to 2 tonnes are now also available with a lithium-ion battery (Li-Ion). Customers with intensive applications in particular benefit from the properties of the Li-Ion battery, such as longevity, quick and intermediate charging capability as well as freedom from maintenance. The Clark Li-Ion solution consists of the Li-Ion battery including battery management system (BMS) and a high-frequency charger, with a battery capacity of 460 Ah for all models in the GTX/GEX series.
Toyota’s latest range of electric counterbalance forklifts are offered with a choice of lithium-ion, lead-acid or hydrogen fuel cell power solutions. Designed for both indoor and heavy-duty outdoor applications, lithium-ion powered Traigo80’s will operate continuously during multiple shifts at most sites without a battery change – saving the cost of additional batteries and battery changing equipment. Furthermore, Li-ion-powered Traigo80 trucks require zero battery maintenance.
Research by Interact Analysis has found that lithium-ion battery manufacturing has gone global in recent years. Cell to pack technology, the current hot trend, allows for cells to be integrated directly into a battery pack, with no need for the modules currently used. The advantages are increased volume utilisation rate of the battery pack, a large reduction in the number of parts used in a battery pack, and significantly improved production efficiency, the research discovered.
It is encouraging to see the ongoing developments in the power sources sector which keeps the logistics industry moving.
George Simpson
Features Editor
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