HD Hyundai Site Solutions, a mid-holding company of HD Hyundai's construction machinery business, has expanded its electric forklift lineup by launching the country's first large electric forklifts, targeting ultra-heavy-duty work sites such as shipyards and ports.
On October 5, HD Hyundai Site Solutions announced that it recently held a test drive event for its 'next-generation electric forklift' models at its factory in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province, showcasing its newly mass-produced large models.
Following the release of its medium-sized models last year, the company has expanded its product range to include large models ranging from 10 to 18 tons this year. HD Hyundai Site Solutions is the only manufacturer in South Korea producing electric forklifts classified as large, which are over 10 tons.
Traditionally, diesel forklifts have been used in heavy-duty work environments such as shipyards, ports, and steel mills due to their high output and long operational hours. However, with recent tightening of environmental regulations and demands for carbon emission reductions, maintaining productivity levels comparable to internal combustion engines while reducing emissions has become a key challenge for large electric forklifts.
HD Hyundai Site Solutions has implemented a high-voltage system and rapid charging technology. By utilizing a high-voltage battery system, the company has achieved performance levels equivalent to internal combustion engine products in terms of operational speed, climbing ability, and output.
The largest model, an 18-ton forklift, can operate for up to 9 hours on a single charge. With an optional 120kW rapid charger, the battery can be charged to 80% in just 1.5 hours. Depending on the equipment, some models can operate for up to 14 hours on a single charge (based on a 4.5-ton model).
Safety features include real-time monitoring and control of the high-voltage circuit and battery status, which has earned the product certification under the U.S. battery system safety standard 'UL 2580.' Additionally, the design meets waterproof and dustproof standards of 'IP67' or higher, allowing operation in outdoor environments with frequent sea breezes and rain.
From a cost perspective, an analysis of total cost of ownership (TCO) for medium-duty work indicates that the initial price difference compared to diesel products can be offset in about 2 to 3 years.
According to market research firm Mordor Intelligence, the global electric forklift market is projected to grow from $52.55 billion in 2026 to $67.44 billion by 2031, with an average annual growth rate of 5.12%. Among these, the mid-to-large segment of 5 to 15 tons is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 8.21% during the same period.
A representative from HD Hyundai Site Solutions stated, "The large next-generation electric forklift is designed to meet environmental regulations without compromising productivity, matching the performance of internal combustion engine forklifts. We aim to provide optimized electrification solutions for various work environments and strengthen our competitiveness in the global market."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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