Electrified forklifts go big

Hoist Liftruck brings full electrification to some of the biggest forklift trucks, motivated only in part by regulatory pressures.

Early in 2018, Hoist Liftruck Manufacturing will begin delivery of what it terms the “Next Generation of Hoist Electric Vehicles.” These include its TE-Series, PE-Series, Neptune Electric Series and FR-E Series, all battery-electric versions of existing diesel-powered forklift and terminal trucks. While electrified forklift trucks have always been more than a fad, this latest development by the company is interesting because of the mix of motivations. They meet new regulations while growing more cost-effective for higher-end applications.

“We are especially excited about rolling out the PE-Series,” said Stu Jacover, Vice President, Strategy and Development for Hoist Liftruck. The P and PE series use pneumatic tires. The heaviest lift in the P-Series lifts up to 125,000 lb (56,700 kg). The heaviest PE-Series battery-electric lift hauls up to 36,000 lb (16,330 kg), often used in port, lumber and oil and gas applications. The PE-Series will meet the Zero Emissions regulations that certain ports have mandated to be phased in by 2020, notably the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.