HD Hyundai XiteSolution has launched what it says are South Korea’s first electric forklifts with lifting capacities of 10 to 18 tons, targeting shipyards, ports and steel mills traditionally reliant on diesel equipment.
The company said Monday it recently held a test-drive event at its Eumseong plant in North Chungcheong Province for the new models, which have entered mass production.
The launch follows the introduction of four- to nine-ton electric forklifts last year, giving the company what it says is the country’s broadest electric forklift lineup.
Heavy industrial sites have long favored diesel forklifts for their power and endurance. Tighter environmental regulations are increasing demand for electric alternatives that can deliver comparable performance.
HD Hyundai XiteSolution said its new models combine high-voltage batteries, fast charging and upgraded motors to match the speed and power of diesel forklifts.
The largest model, with an 18-ton lifting capacity, can operate for up to nine hours on a single charge, according to the company. An optional 120-kilowatt fast charger can bring the battery to 80 percent in 1.5 hours.
The battery system features real-time monitoring and controls and is certified to the UL 2580 battery safety standard. The company said its dust and water protection exceeds IP67 requirements.
The company also cited potential savings over diesel models. Its total cost of ownership analysis found that lower operating costs could offset the higher purchase price within two to three years under medium-duty conditions.
According to India-based Mordor Intelligence, the global electric forklift market is projected to grow from $52.5 billion in 2026 to $67.4 billion in 2031. The five- to 15-ton segment is expected to expand at a compound annual rate of 8.21 percent over that period.
hyejin2@heraldcorp.com
