by Trey Barber, on October 13, 2023 at 9:45 AM
The idea of electric vehicles (EVs) has been around since 1828. Still, the relatively recent improvement in battery technology made it viable. Today, there are around 130,000 EVs registered in Washington. More than half of them are in King County. With the state’s 2022 Clean Fuel Act, that number is only expected to increase. The US Energy Information Administration predicts EVs will account for as much as 29% of the automotive market by 2050.
Though this growth is not expected to be meteoric, EVs still represent a substantial sector of the automotive industry. While this is overall an opportunity for auto dealerships, it does mean investing in the means to move heavy EV batteries on tight lots. Luckily, the material handling industry already has a solution—the box car special. Read on to learn why these are the best forklifts for car dealerships.
EV Batteries Make Cars Heavier
While improved battery technologies have made EVs viable for the average consumer, they have also made cars much heavier. Hyundai's Ioniq 6 EV sedan weighs 1,341 lbs more than their internal combustion (IC) powered Sonata. Likewise, the BMW i4's battery adds 1,402 lbs to the EV's weight compared to the 330Xi. In an extreme example, GMC's Hummer EV's battery alone weighs roughly the same as a Toyota Corolla.
This additional weight poses a problem for auto dealers who need to install batteries in their EVs. Light-duty jacks and lifts cannot handle the weight of a modern EV battery. Something with more power is required. For that, we recommend the box car special forklift.
Box Car Special Forklifts
Box car specials are a type of forklift initially designed for the railway freight industry. They combine impressive power with the maneuverability needed to easily negotiate tight areas. These trucks are the perfect automotive forklift for EV battery installation. They can handle the battery weight and navigate a full lot without posing a threat to any of the cars stored there.
While there are many box car special forklift models on the market, there are 3 that we recommend above all others for use as automotive forklifts. All of these are excellent options that each provide their own unique benefits.
Toyota Model 8FGC35U-BCS
Toyota's Box Car Special Forklift is a highly reliable option. Its vertically higher counterweight lets it lift loads up to 12,000 lbs without losing maneuverability. It can travel up to 13 mph while fully loaded, traversing even large lots quickly and efficiently. Plus, it is available in a gasoline-powered model, making it convenient to fuel. Its daily use design includes improved ergonomics for operator comfort and load-sensing power steering.
Doosan GC35BCS-9
Doosan's GC35BCS-9 is part of their revolutionary 9 Series. This truck puts a heavy emphasis on operator safety and comfort. It includes an ergonomically designed cabin with Doosan's operator safety system (OSS). The OSS shuts down all travel and lift functions whenever the operator leaves the seat. This pairs with the high visibility mast, which improves the operator's field of view, thus reducing the potential for collisions when moving in the tight quarters of an automotive lot. Even with these safety features, the GC35BCS-9 still has the power to lift up to 12,000 lbs.
Hangcha XF Series Box Car Special
The Hangcha XF Series is an environmentally friendly take on the box car special. It features an LPG-powered engine designed to meet EPA standards. The engine is also electrically controlled to improve fuel economy. In fact, the entire powertrain is designed with efficiency and reliability in mind. The XF provides all this while retaining up to 12,000 lbs of lifting power.
Custom Solutions for Your Unique Business
There's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to material handling. That's why we specialize in crafting custom solutions for our clients' needs. Our team of experts is trained to evaluate your business's requirements by considering all aspects of your procedures and processes. Based on this site evaluation, we recommend the best forklift models to meet your unique needs.
The most important part of our job is ensuring you get the best machine for your facility. We offer competitive leasing options to help make that process as easy as possible. That way, getting the equipment you need doesn't mean breaking your budget. To learn more about our leasing options, check out our free Leasing ebook or visit one of our Washington State locations.
Auburn 253-854-5438
Pasco 509-547-7413
Wenatchee 509-663-9009
Yakima 509-457-5137
Further Reading
Doosan Forklift Review: How the 9 Series Stacks Up
When Leasing a Forklift Makes Sense
How Much Does a Forklift Cost?
