1. Jungheinrich (Germany)
Jungheinrich remained the pioneer of lithium-ion forklifts. Having introduced the world’s first series-produced lithium-ion forklift back in 2011, the company continued its leadership in 2023 with models like the ETV 216i featuring built-in lithium-ion batteries and advanced POWERLiNE systems. Their trucks delivered regenerative braking, smart energy management, and superior efficiency—perfectly capitalizing on lithium’s fast charging and consistent power for high-density warehouse operations. Jungheinrich’s integrated lithium technology made them a top choice for automation-ready fleets seeking maximum uptime and zero maintenance.
2. Toyota Material Handling (Japan)
As the global leader in forklift manufacturing overall, Toyota accelerated its lithium-ion adoption in 2023 across Toyota, BT, Raymond, and CESAB brands. Their electric counterbalance and reach trucks came with advanced lithium battery options and intelligent energy management. Toyota’s legendary reliability paired with lithium’s fast-charging and long lifespan made these models ideal for multi-shift operations, with new lithium solutions also rolled out for UniCarriers products.
3. Crown Equipment Corporation (USA)
Crown stood out with its V-Force lithium-ion technology, delivering optimized performance and seamless integration into the FC Series and other electric trucks. In 2023, Crown focused on opportunity charging and long runtime, making their forklifts extremely productive in demanding applications while eliminating maintenance hassles. Many models were also qualified for fuel cell integration, showcasing forward-thinking design and strong North American market presence.
4. KION Group – Linde & STILL (Germany)
KION Group (parent of Linde and STILL) significantly expanded its lithium-ion lineup in 2023, including the Baoli KBE series and new 24V models. Their electric counterbalance trucks featured high-performance lithium batteries with AI-based energy management for cost savings, extended runtime, and consistent power output. Premium engineering, heavy-duty capability, safety, and automation compatibility made Linde and STILL favorites in indoor and outdoor use.
5. EP Equipment (China)
EP Equipment specialized in lithium-ion powered material handling and launched the groundbreaking L1 series in 2023—the world’s first lithium-ion forklift optimized purely for performance and efficiency. Their full lineup (counterbalance, reach trucks, and more) used quick-charging lithium batteries with IPX4 water protection, delivering zero-maintenance operation and lower operating costs for buyers transitioning from lead-acid.
6. Hangcha Group (China)
Hangcha gained traction with its XE and XH series high-voltage lithium-ion forklifts engineered for rapid charging and extended runtime. In 2023, they launched dedicated XE series electric models using lithium batteries and expanded their global footprint. Competitive pricing, broad product range, and aggressive lithium push positioned Hangcha as a rising force in the electric forklift market.
7. Hyster-Yale Materials Handling (USA)
Hyster and Yale brands offered factory-integrated lithium-ion batteries across their electric forklift range in 2023. Known for rugged durability, these trucks provided consistent power and fast charging without the maintenance issues of older batteries. The Yale Reliant operator-assist system enhanced safety on lithium-powered models, making them popular in North American warehouses and ports.
8. Mitsubishi Logisnext (Japan)
Mitsubishi Logisnext integrated factory-installed lithium-ion batteries into its diverse electric forklift lineup (including Nichiyu models). In 2023, they emphasized sustainable “new energy” solutions with strong lithium-ion systems for Asia-Pacific and global markets. Reliable engineering and energy efficiency helped fleets cut operating costs while maintaining high performance.
9. Anhui Heli Forklift Group (China)
Heli integrated lithium-ion technology across its 1–10 ton electric forklift range in 2023. As one of China’s largest manufacturers, Heli offered affordable yet robust lithium-powered trucks combining durability with modern battery benefits. Their models gained strong traction in both domestic and export markets for multi-shift warehouse and manufacturing applications.
