Lithium-Ion Forklifts for Ports and Other Heavy-Duty Applications
by Dan Livingston, on June 14, 2024 at 1:12 PM
There’s been a lot of hype around electric forklifts the last few years, but the wave of change is upon us. From Seattle to San Diego, lithium-ion forklifts are replacing diesel forklifts in heavy-duty applications including forestry, mining, marine terminals and ports.
As just one example: Seattle-based SSA Marine recently added lithium-ion forklifts at three of its ports along the U.S. west coast. But you don’t have to be a multinational corporation to afford a powerful, high capacity electric forklift.
Operations in Oregon and Washington can get paid to charge an electric forklift or other electric material handling equipment. Read on to learn more about the new wave of heavy-duty electric forklifts, then contact us to enroll in the electric incentive program.
Lithium-Ion Forklifts Used at Major Ports
Earlier this year, the Port of San Diego deployed a heavy-duty, 55,000 lb. capacity lithium-ion forklift. The port plans to add five additional pieces of zero-emission cargo handling equipment to its fleet at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal. The Port of West Sacramento and the Port of Stockton already have a combined fleet of 26 large capacity lithium-ion forklifts, which are primarily used to unload cargo from vessels.
Hangcha High Voltage Lithium-ion Forklifts Outperform Diesel
A vehicle-grade permanent magnet synchronization system used in the drive and operating systems of Hangcha XH Series forklifts can match and even surpass diesel and other internal combustion forklifts on:
- Travel speed
- Life speed
- Gradability
The bottom line: you can get the strength and performance you need with zero emissions and a 90% reduction in total cost of ownership.
Lithium-Ion Forklifts vs. Internal Combustion (IC) Forklifts
Exclusive Battery Technology
Hangcha developed lithium iron phosphate batteries in conjunction with CATL (a battery supplier for Ford and Tesla, among others). These batteries are manufactured exclusively for Hangcha forklifts. The batteries:
- Fully charge in 60-90 minutes
- Run for 12-hours
- Can be opportunity charged without any loss in battery life
- Come with a 10-year, 20,000-hour warranty
Hangcha XH Series Lithium-ion Pneumatic Forklift Specs
Capacity: 26,000-40,000 lbs. or 44,000-55,000 lbs.
Max travel speed: 15.5-16.7mph
Max gradability: 25-30%
Water resistance rating: IPX4*
Protection rating: IP67*
*The motors, electronic controls and high voltage components on XH Series forklift models are resistant to IP67 dust and water resistance standards. The cover is sealed to IPX4 water resistance standards.
NEW! Electric Rough Terrain Forklift
Hangcha recently announced a new, high voltage lithium-ion forklift designed for the most rugged environments.
Hangcha Rough Terrain High Voltage Forklift Specs:
- 5500-7700 lb. capacity
- Water resistance rating: IP67
- Protection rating: IP67
- Wide-base deep tread tires
- Front and rear motor torque can be flexibly distributed according to operating conditions
- Zero emissions
- Batteries fully charge in 1.5 hours
- Maintenance-free battery packs
- 90% lower cost of ownership vs. comparable diesel forklift
High Voltage vs. Low Voltage Lithium-Ion Forklifts
Under normal charging and discharging conditions, the high voltage battery in a Hangcha forklift has a capacity retention rate of more than 75% and a lifespan of up to 10 years after 4000 cycles of charging and discharging. If only the batteries on our smartphones could last this long!
Are high voltage lithium-ion forklifts safe?
The lithium-iron phosphate chemistry used in Hangcha forklift batteries is stable and won’t react with the environment if the casing is accidentally punctured. The forklift is also equipped with several safety features including: high voltage interlocks, insulation monitoring and a one-click power-down Manual Service Disconnect maintenance switch.
The risk of fire is minimal. The thermal runaway temp of a Hangcha battery is 600°C (1112°F).
FAQs About Hangcha Forklifts
Who makes Hangcha forklifts?
Hangcha is headquartered in China, but they are not state-owned. Hangcha Forklift America was founded in 2017 in North Carolina, but the company has been making equipment since 1956.
Where are Hangcha forklifts made?
Hangcha manufactures one new forklift every 80 seconds at a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Li-an, Zhejiang province, China. Most of the labor is done by robots.
The batteries in their high voltage forklifts are manufactured by CATL, the largest manufacturer of lithium batteries worldwide (as of 2023/2024). As mentioned above, CATL is also a lithium-ion battery supplier for Ford and Tesla.
Are Hangcha forklifts any good?
For more than 67 years, Hangcha has supported China’s warehouse and logistics industry. Globally, Hangcha material handling equipment is trusted by large companies across industries and they are currently the 8th-largest forklift manufacturer in the world.
We’ve written a few product reviews of Hangcha forklifts where we list pros and cons. We can also refer you to local operations currently using Hangcha equipment — just ask.
Your Hangcha Dealer in Washington State
Want to know more about electric forklifts or Washington State’s electric equipment incentive program? We’re happy to help. At Mid Columbia Forklift and MidCo Material Handling we take pride in providing world-class service and equipment for our customers.
We’ve also partnered with Battery Recyclers of America to handle lithium battery recycling. Fun fact: up to 96% of a lithium battery can be recycled.
Auburn 253-854-5438
Pasco 509-547-7413
Wenatchee 509-663-9009
Yakima 509-457-5137
Related Reading
Hangcha: All Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered
The Complete Guide To Getting and Maintaining a Li-ion Forklift Fleet
Product Review: Hangcha XC Series Electric Pneumatic Tire Forklift
Product Review: Hangcha’s RT35 Rough Terrain Forklift
Product Review: Hangcha FP18 LPG Cushion Tire Forklift