The forklift truck, cited by some leading logistics companies as 'the most important vehicle in the world', has long been the driving factor behind smooth, effective distribution and transportation of goods. With an increasingly environmentally-aware commerce market emerging, however, there has been a recent drive to ensure forklift trucks are being fuelled as cleanly and efficiently as possible.

According to 2013 Worldwide Industrial Truck Statistics (WITS), global orders for shipments of forklift trucks increased by 7% from around 950,000 in the previous year to reach just over 1Mn. Nowhere is the overall demand so high as in China, however, who's ever industrialising economy is creating constant demand for commercial vehicles and logistics services. The forklift industry in China enjoyed sales of 329,000 units in 2013, a 13.9% increase in demand from 2012. Despite their mere 30% uptake of electric-powered forklift vehicles, in a market where the alternative is the dirtier, less efficient petrol-driven model, there has been a country-wide push to produce a less polluted, cleaner atmosphere. This has led to an emerging market centred around demand for more energy-efficient and cleaner fuel solutions, in-keeping with the general global desire to head towards a more energy secure future.

The two main types of forklift truck currently widely available - electric and internal combustion engine (rand mainly from petroleum or diesel) - have led to a narrow market in the clean energy choices available and heightened competition between manufacturers. There is also prominent regional variation according the type of forklift truck in demand, with Europe leading the way in electric forklifts with an 80% market share. This is compared to 60% of the forklift market in the Americas. However, diversification in the forklift fuel market is on the increase.

An overall increase in the global market share of electric forklifts indicates an early consideration of the benefits of using this greener style of goods transportation. With around 55% of annual sales before the 2007 period, the figure of sales of electric forklifts has risen to nearly 65% since 2008. The introduction of fuel-cells as one of the most favoured ways in which to diversify and cleanse the way forklifts operate has also been a great success, with their super-quick refuel time contributing to a heightening in productivity and overall cost improvement due to their independent running power. The main hindrance to a wider application of fuel-cell batteries is the cost which, like Lithium-ion batteries, cost around six times more than a traditional lead-acid battery might. However, recent UK development of lithium-ion and hydrogen-cell hybrid forklifts could prove a better solution to the conundrum between reducing costs but environmental integrity.
Companies such as the German-based Jungheinrich have also recently emerged with models of what are widely considered the most innovative solutions to solving the commercial fuel consumption crisis. Their 3s, 4s and 5s series of forklift, which are engine-powered, hydrostatically driven and counterbalanced, have been given upgrades to secure their energy efficiency. They deliver a more sustained performance as well as offering low fuel consumption. Although still ran by hydraulic pump, its specifications ensure that exactly the right amount of oil is supplanted as and when it is needed, thus reducing fuel wastage.

Jungheinrich's innovative engine design also meet the requirements set by the EU emissions directive, and reduce fuel consumption by around 8%. Furthermore, questions about driver safety have been quashed through the vehicle's innovative design whereby clearer panelling has led to a better field of vision for the driver, both above and in front of the vehicle.

Perhaps for China to establish an all-encompassing, effective legislation surrounding the fuel supply of commercial vehicles, they should look towards European countries such as Germany for ideas on how to achieve maximum efficiency. Continuing innovation and product development should see the market for cleaner, greener, forklift trucks begin to hold more of a precedent.