The rules for using electric forklift trucks may have changed forever, after Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks unveiled its new 80V electric model: EDiA EX.

Launched to much fanfare at Valencia's City of Arts and Science, EDiA EX could – according to Mitsubishi – fundamentally alter accepted warehouse practices, especially where space is at a premium.

Particularly important is the truck's impressive lifting capacity for its size. Visibly smaller than others in its 2.5-3.5 tonne capacity range, EDiA EX nonetheless displays the strength and stability to bear large loads smoothly up to heights of 7 metres.
Meanwhile, a unique steering configuration – with rear steering wheels turning to an angle of more than 100 degrees, and individual drive motors counter-rotating the front wheels – give the truck incredibly agile steering, and the ability to pivot within its own length.

As a result, warehouse managers could soon use EDiA EX to make more efficient use of space, taking larger loads further and higher in narrower racking.

Go anywhere performance
But tight warehouse aisles are not the only place where EDiA EX breaks new ground.

IPX4 water protection makes this an electric truck than can safely deliver in the wet. That means emission-controlled sites no longer need a separate IC-engine truck for outdoor loading and unloading duties – and clean operations with wash-down zones or wet produce can now access the hygiene and air quality benefits of electric power.

Similarly, EDiA EX's zero-maintenance sealed brakes protect against dust and water damage, while also eliminating brake dust contamination of the truck's surroundings.

Confidence drives productivity
Nonetheless, Mitsubishi believes it is the operator's driving experience that will make EDiA EX most valuable.

Poised and stable, the whole truck is designed to make the operator feel instantly at home. EDiA EX instantly inspires confidence, encouraging maximum productivity from the first minute.

The pioneering Sensitive Drive System intelligently adapts the truck's response to the operator's movements. Curve control optimises the speed early, to match the angle of each turn, while touch-sensitivity take the optional fingertip controls to a new level.

What's more, EDiA EX offers a flexible choice of practical drive modes, allowing managers to emphasise economy and safety for inexperienced users or long shifts, or boost performance in PRO mode, for expert operators when the pressure's on.

The cabin is open and uncluttered, eliminating distractions, and every aspect – from the steering column to the position of the counterweight – has been carefully thought-out to maximise the operator's view of the load, forks and reversing angles.

Even on the longest shifts, EDiA EX is designed to keep the operator focused and productive – with the confidence to use the truck's capabilities to the full.

The complete package
With mast-mounted LED lighting, automatic parking brake with hill-hold and full-colour LCD operation display, EDiA EX is an impressive package that Mitsubishi believes changes the game for larger electric forklifts.