Kalmar To Introduce Industry’s First Medium-Duty Electric Forklift Model

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Kalmar recently announced that it plans to introduce the industry’s first medium-duty electric forklift to receive power from emission-free li-ion battery technology. Stefan Hultqvist, Kalmar vice president of forklifts, says “demand for electrically powered forklifts is rising all the time.” (Photo courtesy of Cargotec.)

Electric and diesel forklift truck manufacturer Kalmar is on a journey to offer an electric version of every product in its portfolio by 2021. To that end, Kalmar says it will introduce the industry’s first medium-duty electric forklift to draw power from emission-free li-ion battery technology. Although pricing and release date information is yet to come, the Cargotec-owned company says it will make the battery technology available with several models, initially with a wheelbase of 137.8 inches (3,500 millimeters).

The Electric Migration

Besides diesel forklifts and electric forklifts in the 5- to 9-metric-ton and 9- to 18-metric-ton categories, Kalmar manufactures straddle and shuttle carriers, terminal tractors, yard cranes, ship-to-shore cranes, reach stackers, and empty container handlers. Established in 1973 but with roots dating to 1883, Kalmar claims to have launched its first light electric forklift model in 1979, as well as the industry’s first li-ion-powered light electric forklift in 2016. The company released a medium-duty electric forklift running on lead-acid batteries in 2017, and offers electric-powered models in its other product categories, as well.

Depending on customer requirements, Kalmar says the forthcoming electric forklift will be available with a choice of li-ion or lead-acid battery technology. The company bills li-ion batteries as ideal for multi-shift forklift operations because the batteries support fast-charging during work breaks, meaning significant productivity boosts. Operators can charge the battery in less than two hours, and the technology enables 24/7 operation. Further, because the forklift is emissions-free, companies can strategically place charging stations for maximum equipment utilization and uptime, Kalmar says.

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Kalmar’s upcoming medium-duty forklift runs on li-ion battery technology and will also offer a lead-acid battery option. (Photo courtesy of Cargotec.)

On To Rotterdam

In separate but related news, Kalmar announced it will showcase its entire Eco Range of products and services designed to cut emissions in cargo-handling operations at the upcoming TOC Europe trade show scheduled for June 18 to 20 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Kalmar has several demonstrations and collaborative sessions planned to help highlight its “Together for an eco-efficient future” theme. In particular, the company will highlight its Electric Terminal Tractor and its battery technology.

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Kalmar will showcase its entire range of Eco Range products and services in a digital format at the upcoming TOC Europe tradeshows scheduled for June 18 to 20 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. (Photo courtesy of Cargotec.)

LiftsToday.com has scores of new and used Kalmar lifts for sale every day, including forklifts and container handlers for sale.

Source: Cargotec