The best-known electric forklift manufacturers take different approaches to battery power. Some trucks offer a choice of chemistries; others are built around an integrated lithium system. Here are ten manufacturers and the product details that matter to fleet buyers.
Selection method: Each group has a documented electric forklift range. This is an editorial selection, not a sales ranking. We count corporate groups once; model availability varies by region.
Electric vs. Internal Combustion Forklifts
| Battery-electric forklift | Diesel, gasoline or LPG forklift | |
|---|---|---|
| Main power | A traction battery drives travel and lifting motors. | Fuel powers the engine; a smaller battery serves starting and electrical functions. |
| Daily workflow | Charging time, charger access and shift patterns matter. | Fuel supply and engine maintenance matter. |
| Typical fit | Warehouses and, with suitable models, outdoor or heavy-duty work. | Outdoor and demanding work where engine power remains practical. |
Many manufacturers sell both types; Jungheinrich ended internal-combustion truck production in 2023. A diesel truck’s starting battery serves a different job from an electric forklift’s traction battery. www.jungheinrich.com
Ten Leading Electric Forklift Manufacturers
Toyota Industries / Toyota Material Handling
Founded in 1926, Toyota Industries introduced its first lift truck in 1956. Its brands include Toyota and Raymond. The Core Electric counterbalance truck offers 36V or 48V configurations for warehouses. Toyota’s battery specifications illustrate why pack weight and communication with the truck and charger matter alongside voltage.
Explore Toyota’s Core Electric Forklift. www.toyota-industries.com
KION Group: Linde, STILL and Baoli
Established in 2006, KION includes Linde Material Handling, STILL and Baoli. Linde’s E20–E35 electric counterbalance series offers lead-acid, lithium-ion and fuel-cell options. Buyers can plan around different energy systems, subject to the exact truck configuration. KION also makes lithium systems through KION Battery Systems.
Explore Linde’s E20–E35 electric forklifts. www.kiongroup.com
Jungheinrich
Founded in 1953, Jungheinrich now produces exclusively electric material-handling equipment. Its EFG range spans compact and heavier counterbalance trucks. The newer EFG 2/2i and 3/3i series offers integrated lithium-ion or lead-acid configurations. Check the precise version before assessing a replacement battery.
Explore Jungheinrich’s EFG 2/2i and 3/3i. jungheinrich.com
Logisnext (Formerly Mitsubishi Logisnext)
Formed in 2017, the group adopted the Logisnext name in 2026. Its regional portfolio includes Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, UniCarriers, Nichiyu, TCM and Cat Lift Trucks. The ALESIS counterbalance and PLATTER reach-truck lines offer lithium-ion versions. Regional distribution of another brand does not imply ownership.
Explore Logisnext’s electric product development. logisnext.com
Hyster-Yale
Independent since 2012, Hyster-Yale includes the Hyster and Yale lift-truck brands. Its electric range spans battery choices and integrated lithium designs. The Hyster J40XNTL three-wheel truck uses its integrated pack to free operator space. That design requires a different battery assessment from a truck with a removable box.
Explore Hyster’s J40XNTL. www.hyster-yale.com
Crown Equipment
Founded in 1945, Crown makes electric counterbalance and warehouse trucks. Its FC sit-down series can use Crown’s V-Force lithium system for multi-shift work. Crown treats the forklift, battery and charger as an integrated solution. An alternative pack therefore needs a complete system check, beyond amp-hours.
Explore Crown’s FC Series. Crown Equipment Corporation
Hangcha Group
Hangcha traces its origins to 1956 and sells combustion and electric trucks. The XC-Pro uses a dedicated lithium platform; the XH series uses high-voltage lithium for demanding work. A high-voltage model is a different battery project from a conventional 48V or 80V replacement.
Explore Hangcha’s XC-Pro electric forklift. hangchaeurope.com
HELI
Founded in 1958, HELI sells electric and internal-combustion forklifts. Its G3 lithium line includes three- and four-wheel trucks. HELI says one G3 three-wheel platform accommodates lead-acid and lithium configurations. That detail alone does not confirm a third-party pack fits a specific truck.
Explore HELI’s lithium-ion forklift range. heliforklift.net
EP Equipment
EP Equipment dates its electric-material-handling business to 2007 and focuses on lithium-powered trucks. Its EFL253S is a 2.5-ton electric counterbalance forklift with an 80V lithium system and an engine-truck-style chassis. The battery powers travel and lifting despite the familiar appearance, making it relevant to yard and warehouse buyers.
Explore EP’s EFL253S. EP Equipment
BYD Forklift
Founded in 1995 as a battery company, BYD makes electric forklifts using its own iron-phosphate technology. The truck and battery are offered as one engineered system with opportunity charging. Existing BYD fleets need model-specific guidance before considering a third-party traction battery.
Explore BYD’s forklift range. BYD USA
What Matters When Choosing a Forklift Battery?
For a lead-acid-to-lithium conversion, confirm the model, voltage, compartment dimensions, required battery weight, connector, peak current, charger and BMS communication. A pack can fit physically yet be unsuitable electrically or alter counterbalance. Factory-integrated systems need especially careful OEM review; check local approval requirements for changes affecting safe operation. www.toyotaforklift.com
See our forklift battery sizing guide and lithium vs. lead-acid comparison for the next steps.
Need a Lithium Battery for Your Electric Forklift?
SAFTEC supplies LiFePO4 forklift battery solutions for suitable electric trucks, fleet replacements and OEM projects. Send the truck model, existing battery label, compartment dimensions, connector photos, charger details and shift pattern. Request a battery fit review before ordering; compatibility depends on the actual truck and application. zjsaftec.com
FAQs
Do diesel forklifts have batteries?
Usually, yes. Their batteries support starting and onboard electrical functions; diesel fuel supplies the main propulsion energy.
Does every electric forklift use a lithium battery?
No. Lead-acid, lithium-ion and, in some product lines, fuel-cell options exist. The available choice depends on the model and configuration.
Can I replace a forklift’s lead-acid battery with LiFePO4?
Some trucks can be evaluated for conversion. Check battery weight, space, voltage, connector, charger and communication requirements, plus manufacturer approval where needed.