Kalmar, a provider of automated and electrified solutions, has published a new feature which highlights the potential of electric forklifts as a “viable alternative” to diesel vehicles.

While electric forklifts have existed for several years, the advent of new lithium batteries and even more powerful forklift machines has started to provoke a shift in sectors like the port and terminal industry.

According to David Malmström, Business Development Manager at Kalmar Forklift Trucks, “major companies in big industries, such as the automotive industry, are driving the development in part because of environmental policies”, while “smaller companies are also switching to electric trucks”.

The report from Kalmar underlines that a rapid growth in demand is also driving a movement towards electric trucks, as well as the savings this switch offers to businesses.

Kalmar has positioned itself at the forefront of this development, offering its new lithium-ion battery and 30 years of experience in the field of electrification.

Comparing the two battery technologies (Credit: Kalmar)

Henrik Johansson, Sales Manager at Kalmar, commented: “We’ve had our lead-acid batteries for decades, but the new Li-ion is going to change everything.

“Another important factor is the fact that Kalmar can now offer forklifts up to 18 ton, and not just the 5-9 forklifts we had earlier.”

Compared to old lead-acid batteries, which last up to 1,500 charge cycles, Li-ion power sources can be sustained for up to 4,000, representing a huge increase in battery efficiency and requiring far less maintenance.

In addition to this, Johansson has highlighted the environmental benefits of the upgraded batteries: “The electric trucks are silent, there’s no noise.

“There are no vibrations when the truck is idling. There are no exhaust gases. The trucks are faster and have better acceleration.”

The feature reaffirms Kalmar’s commitment to pursuing eco-efficient cargo and material handling, the lifting solutions specialist preparing to provide its full offering as electrically powered versions by 2021.