Jungheinrich previewed a new high-voltage electric forklift truck at its Innovations and Highlights 2020 trade press conference in Hamburg.

Jungheinrich EFG P30i

The preview truck, named P30i, is an electric forklift in the shell of a diesel truck. "The P30i is the first lithium-ion truck with the power and driving comfort of a combustion engine and, thus, a game changer in the world of counterbalance trucks," says Christian Erlach, board member for sales and marketing at Jungheinrich.

For the EFG P30i, Jungheinrich has further developed the chassis of its new hydrostat, integrating electric drive and the latest high-voltage lithium-ion technology. The frame, operator protection cab and tyres are specially designed for tough outdoor use. Hard rubber bumpers on the counterweight bear witness to the power of the EFG P30i. The vehicle is driven by two electric motors.

A lithium-ion battery, which is permanently installed in the vehicle in two modules of 25 kWh each, supplies the P30i with sufficient power for intensive use in up to three shifts. A newly developed comfort charging socket and an ergonomic charging plug will make intermediate charging as simple and fast as refuelling in future. In combination with high-voltage technology, this gives the P30i particularly high availability and more power in outdoor use.

The P30i has a lifting speed that is 25% higher than that of classic electric counterbalance trucks, the company claims. Its climbing ability is one-third better than that of a classic EFG. Thanks to the modular arrangement of the lithium-ion batteries, Jungheinrich has also succeeded in making significant weight savings compared with conventional battery-powered trucks. This increases the truck's agility in operation while simultaneously reducing energy consumption.

"The P30i combines the power, robustness and driving comfort of a combustion engine with the economy and emission-free operation of an electric truck. In terms of energy efficiency, ergonomics and sustainability, the P30i thus sets new standards and is the beginning of the end for the diesel forklift truck," says Erlach.

Jungheinrich expects to launch the P30i on the market at the end of 2021.