Electric Forklift Trucks
An electric forklift does the same job as a diesel or LPG truck without the fuel, the fumes or most of the maintenance. On the vast majority of UK sites it is now simply the better machine – and with lithium-ion it works across multiple shifts without a battery change.
Forktruck Solutions supplies the full EP range of electric forklift trucks, from compact three-wheel machines for tight indoor work up to ten-tonne four-wheel trucks for heavy yard duty. Every one is available to buy, hire or lease, and every one is supported by our own directly employed engineers.
What is an electric forklift?
An electric forklift is a counterbalance truck driven by a battery and electric motors rather than a combustion engine. The forks sit out in front on a mast, and weight at the rear balances the load – the same geometry as a diesel truck, with the engine, gearbox, exhaust and fuel tank replaced by a battery pack and controllers.
That swap changes more than the fuel bill. There is no exhaust, so the same machine works indoors and out. There is no engine noise, which matters on a hospital site or a night shift in a residential area. And there is far less to service: no oil, filters, cambelt, clutch or exhaust, so scheduled maintenance is shorter and cheaper.
The trade-off used to be shift cover – a lead-acid truck needed a battery change to run past one shift. Lithium-ion has largely removed that, because the pack takes a useful charge in the gaps that already exist in a working day.
Three wheel or four wheel?
It is the first decision, and it is decided by your aisles and your ground.
Three wheel electric forklifts have a single drive or steer wheel at the rear, which gives a much tighter turning circle. They are the right answer for narrow aisles, tight indoor bays and racking layouts where every centimetre of aisle width costs storage. They suit smooth, level floors.
Four wheel electric forklifts trade the turning circle for stability and capacity. They handle heavier loads, higher lifts, uneven yards and outdoor work far better, and they are what you want for anything above about two tonnes or anywhere the ground is not perfect.
Plenty of sites run both: three wheel inside the racking, four wheel on the yard and loading bay. If you are unsure, hiring one of each for a month settles it far more cheaply than buying the wrong one. See hire and leasing.
Three Wheel Electric Fork Trucks
Introducing our cutting-edge Three Wheel Electric Fork Trucks – the pinnacle of modern material handling. Designed for those well-versed in forklift technology, these machines redefine agility, versatility, and power. With a seamless blend of compact design and exceptional maneuverability, our Three Wheel Electric Fork Trucks are the ultimate solution for navigating tight spaces while maintaining impressive lifting capacities. Elevate your operations with the precision and performance that seasoned forklift professionals demand. Discover a new era of productivity as you explore the capabilities of these remarkable machines on our platform.
EFS 151
The EFS 151 is EP’s compact three-wheel electric forklift: a 1.5 tonne lithium-ion truck that stands under two metres with its standard mast lowered and turns in a 1,535 mm radius. It is built for the places a full-size truck struggles to reach, such as low doorways, mezzanine areas, shop stockrooms and tight factory aisles.
A 48V lithium-ion battery and built-in charger mean it can be topped up during breaks without a separate charging station, so one truck can cover more than a single shift.
Features
- 1,500 kg capacity
- Under 2 m tall with the standard mast lowered
- 1,535 mm turning radius
- 48V/150Ah lithium-ion battery with integrated charger
- AC controller
- Bluetooth service app for diagnostics
CPD 15/18/20 TVL
The CPD 15/18/20 TVL is EP’s three-wheel lithium-ion electric forklift, available in 1.5, 1.8 and 2.0 tonne versions. Twin 5 kW drive motors and an 80V battery give it more pace and pulling power than most trucks of its size, and one charge covers around six hours of work.
Its three-wheel layout turns in as little as 1,450 mm, so it is at home in narrow aisles, busy loading docks and production areas where a four-wheel truck would need more room to manoeuvre.
Features
- 1.5, 1.8 and 2.0 tonne models
- 80V lithium-ion battery
- Dual 5 kW AC drive motors
- Integrated single-phase charger
- Turning radius from 1,450 mm
- Generous legroom for long shifts
TLD 161/201
Offering precise, responsive operation and improved human-vehicle interaction. Its mechanical counterpart ensures reliability and affordability in maintenance.
Evolving from the L2 series, the TDL range embodies modern aesthetics. It inherits EP’s lithium tech, 5.4kW*2 dual drive, and refined components for consistent, potent performance in diverse transport scenarios. Prioritizing user experience, the TDL series enhances ergonomics, refining pedal adjustment and optimizing the operator’s compartment to minimize distractions and elevate driving comfort.
Feaatures
- Electromagnetic joystick available for premium needs
- Larger legroom to amplify driving comfort
- Powerful and constant working performance
- New informative LCD display
- Optimized truck frame for cabin installation and detachment
Four Wheel Electric Fork Trucks
Embark on a journey of innovation with our Four Wheel Electric Fork Trucks, setting a new standard in the world of forklifts. Engineered to cater to the expertise of forklift connoisseurs, these trucks redefine stability, adaptability, and potency. Seamlessly merging robustness with nimbleness, our Four Wheel Electric Fork Trucks effortlessly tackle diverse terrains and lifting demands. Whether indoors or outdoors, their versatility empowers seasoned professionals to elevate operations. Uncover unparalleled efficiency and explore the future of forklift technology right here on our platform.
EFL181/201
Compact 48V/150Ah Li-Ion battery, created by EP Equipment. Its size offers ample legroom and ergonomic space. The Li-Ion battery supports opportunity charging and communicates via Can-Bus for efficient truck utilisation
EP Equipment introduces the EFL 181/201 Li-Ion forklift, a new-gen, entry-level solution replacing Diesel forklifts. Engineered for yard, rural, and intermittent use, standout features include the integrated charger, versatile Li-Ion battery, and robust front tyres suited for uneven surfaces.
Features
- On-board Charger
- Improved Breaking System
CPD15/20/30/35L1(S)
The CPD15/20/30/35L1(S) is EP’s lithium-ion electric counterbalance forklift, designed around the battery from the start rather than converted from a diesel or lead-acid truck. One range covers 1.5 to 3.5 tonnes, it works indoors and out, and a full charge takes around 2.5 hours, with a 7% top-up in ten minutes.
For sites running diesel or LPG counterbalance trucks up to 3.5 tonnes, it is the like-for-like electric replacement: the same work, without the fuel, the fumes or most of the servicing.
Features
- IPX4 rated for outdoor use
- AC drive motor
- Large cabin with generous legroom
- Lithium-ion battery with opportunity charging
- 1.5, 2.0, 3.0 and 3.5 tonne models
CPD18/20 FVL
The CPD18/20 FVL is EP’s compact 4 wheel electric forklift, in 1.8 and 2.0 tonne versions. It pairs the stability of a four-wheel chassis with twin 5 kW drive motors and an 80V lithium-ion battery, in a body that still turns in 1,680 mm.
It suits sites that want the steadiness of a 4 wheel forklift on loading bays and less-than-perfect floors, without giving up the tight turning that usually only comes with a three-wheel truck.
Features
- 1.8 and 2.0 tonne models
- 80V/205Ah lithium-ion battery
- Dual 5 kW AC drive motors
- Integrated 80V/35A single-phase charger
- Turning radius from 1,680 mm
- Compact 1,070 mm width on the CPD18
EFL253/303/353
Ingeniously retrofits a diesel truck into a Li-Ion battery-powered electric forklift, retaining diesel’s benefits while reducing maintenance and costs. 205Amp, 280 Amp, 410 Amp, 460 Amp Lithium Ion Battery Options Available
The EFL series ingeniously merges IC and electric truck benefits. Substituting diesel with a 205AH Li-Ion battery, it boasts a spacious operator area, robust chassis, and affordability. The Li-Ion battery and electric motors cut carbon footprint, running, and energy costs.
Features
- Large Tyres & High Ground Clearance
- IPx4 Rated Water Protected Design
- Better Ergonomics
- Opportunity Charging & Flexibility
- Low TCO
- Compact Size
CPD45/50F8
Opting for Li-Ion replaces engine and lead-acid, slashing maintenance woes. EP’s self-made lithium batteries boast BMS for cell protection and CAN-bus connectivity, boosting forklift efficiency.
The CPD45/50F8 stands as a testament to our commitment to a greener future. By choosing this Li-Ion powerhouse, businesses demonstrate a dedication to reducing their carbon footprint while reaping the rewards of enhanced performance and cost savings. The allure of the CPD45/50F8 extends beyond its environmental impact. Its quick charging capability ensures minimal downtime, ensuring optimal workflow continuity.
Features
- Optimised Legroom Layout
- High Efficient Maintenance-Free AC Motor
EFL702/1002
EP Equipment’s EFL702/1002 tackles Li-ion’s large ton gap with brilliance. Retrofitting an existing diesel model, it preserves diesel’s perks, slashes costs, emissions, and exhaust gases. Its hefty load capacity makes it the prime choice for robust handling tasks.
The EFL Series’s new flagship, the EFL702/1002, a 7.0/10.0-ton Li-ion electric forklift. Pioneering the shift from traditional diesel, this model wields an 80V/820AH Li-ion battery, revolutionizing heavy-duty applications. Reduced maintenance and heightened usability redefine the landscape. Tailored charging options cater to diverse shifts. The EFL702/1002 champions sustainability, slashing carbon emissions and elevating energy efficiency in line with modern demands.
Features
- Li-ion technology
- Thoughtful control strategy for operation safety
- Multi chargers fulfilling different needs
- Telematics
- Market-proven components providing high durability
- Easy driving
As a frontrunner in the sector, Forktruck Solutions introduce a transformative fleet that seamlessly merges innovation and performance, amplifying productivity like never before.
Our forklift trucks are meticulously designed to meet the contemporary requirements of businesses, offering superior lifting capabilities and exceptional manoeuvrability. Whether you’re negotiating confined spaces or managing hefty loads, our forklifts ensure optimal performance, guaranteeing smooth operational flow.
Embrace the future of material handling through our lithium-ion technology. By replacing traditional diesel engines with advanced lithium-ion batteries, our forklift trucks provide extended uptime and reduced maintenance expenditures. Bid farewell to exhaust emissions and embrace eco-friendly efficiency.
Safety and operator comfort hold paramount importance in any work environment. Our forklift trucks are crafted with ergonomic operator spaces, ensuring comfort during extended usage. Moreover, our commitment to sustainability echoes throughout our trucks, encompassing reduced carbon emissions and heightened energy efficiency.
Experience a holistic transformation in your industry operations. Our offerings extend beyond forklift trucks, encompassing various applications like pallet trucks, pickers & AGVs, and reach trucks. Each tailored solution promises unparalleled performance, efficiency, and safety, elevating your entire workflow.
Elevate your industrial and commercial fleet with lithium-ion forklift trucks that redefine industry benchmarks. Experience unparalleled potency, financial savings, and a more environmentally-conscious approach. Propel your operations to new horizons today with our state-of-the-art forklift solutions. Unveil the future of forklift technology through our offerings.
Which electric forklift capacity do you need?
| Capacity | Wheels | Typical use | EP models |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 t | Three wheel | Tight indoor aisles, light pallets | EFS 151 compact electric forklift, CPD15/18/20 TVL 3 wheel forklift |
| 1.6–2.0 t | Three wheel | General indoor work, mixed racking | TLD161/201 |
| 1.8–2.0 t | Four wheel | Indoor and yard, loading bays | EFL181/201, CPD18/20 FVL 4 wheel forklift |
| 1.5–3.5 t | Four wheel | Heavier pallets, mixed duty | CPD15/20/30/35L1(S) counterbalance forklift, EFL253/303/353 electric forklift |
| 4.5–5.0 t | Four wheel | Heavy yard work, steel, timber | CPD45/50F8 forklift |
| 7.0–10.0 t | Four wheel | Heavy industry, containers, plant | EFL702/1002 heavy duty forklift |
Capacity is quoted at a standard load centre. Long, wide or off-centre loads and high lift heights reduce it, sometimes considerably – we work out the residual capacity at your actual lift height before quoting.
Electric forklifts for sale, hire or lease
Every machine on this page is available three ways, and the right one depends less on the truck than on how long you need it.
Outright purchase. If the forklift is a permanent part of the operation and you expect to keep it for years, buying is usually cheapest over its life. We supply new with warranty and a service agreement from day one. If you are searching for an electric forklift for sale and want a straight price, tell us the capacity, lift height and hours and we will quote it.
Lease or contract hire. Spreads the cost without tying up capital, with servicing and breakdown cover built into one monthly figure. This is where most multi-machine fleets end up.
Short-term hire. For peaks, cover and trials. See hire and leasing options.
We are a UK supplier working nationwide from Dewsbury, and whichever route you take the machine is backed by our own engineers rather than a subcontractor. See servicing and repairs.
Electric vs diesel and LPG forklifts
- Running cost. Electricity per hour is a fraction of diesel or LPG, and there is no fuel handling, storage or delivery to manage. Calculate your savings.
- Servicing. No oil, filters, cambelt, clutch or exhaust. Scheduled maintenance is shorter and there is far less to fail.
- Indoors. No exhaust emissions, so the same truck works inside a warehouse or food area and then out on the yard.
- Noise. Near-silent, which matters for night work, residential neighbours and noise-at-work assessments.
- Clean air zones. Zero tailpipe emissions, so no exposure as low-emission zones expand.
- Where diesel still wins. Very heavy continuous outdoor duty on rough ground, or sites with no practical charging. We will say so if that is you.
The honest summary: for indoor and mixed-duty work under about five tonnes, electric is now the default. Above that, and in genuinely harsh outdoor conditions, it is worth a proper comparison rather than an assumption.
Lithium-ion or lead-acid?
Lead-acid costs less up front and suits a single shift with a predictable round and an overnight charge. It needs watering, a ventilated charging area, and a battery change if you want to run past one shift.
Lithium-ion costs more initially and returns it in labour and floor space. It opportunity-charges in breaks, needs no watering or ventilated room, holds voltage to the end of the cycle so lift speeds do not tail off, and lasts more cycles. On two or three shifts it is almost always the cheaper answer once battery changing is priced in.
We model both against your actual hours rather than assuming. Where telematics is fitted, real usage data makes that comparison exact rather than theoretical.
GET IN TOUCH
Every site is different. Tell us what you need to lift, how high and where, and we will recommend the right electric forklift for the job.
T: 01924 265623
Electric forklift FAQs
What is an electric forklift?
An electric forklift is a counterbalance truck powered by a battery and electric motors rather than a combustion engine. The forks sit out front on a mast with weight at the rear for balance, exactly as on a diesel truck, but the engine, gearbox, exhaust and fuel tank are replaced by a battery pack and controllers. That means no exhaust emissions, far less noise and considerably less routine servicing.
How much does an electric forklift cost?
It depends on capacity, mast height, battery type and specification, and whether you buy, lease or hire. A compact three-wheel machine for indoor pallet work sits at one end of the range and a ten-tonne four-wheel truck at the other. Rather than quote a figure that would not apply, we price against the loads, lift height and hours you actually run. Lease and contract hire spread the cost if capital is the constraint.
What is the difference between a three wheel and a four wheel electric forklift?
A three wheel forklift has a single drive or steer wheel at the rear, giving a much tighter turning circle for narrow aisles and tight indoor bays, best on smooth level floors. A four wheel forklift trades that turning circle for stability and capacity, handling heavier loads, higher lifts, uneven yards and outdoor work. Many sites run three wheel inside the racking and four wheel on the yard.
How long does an electric forklift battery last on one charge?
A full charge typically covers a normal shift, though it varies with load, lift height, travel distance and how hard the truck is worked. Lead-acid machines usually need an overnight charge and a battery change to run a second shift. Lithium-ion machines can be opportunity-charged during breaks, which usually removes the need for a change entirely.
Should I choose lithium-ion or lead-acid?
Lead-acid costs less up front and suits a single shift with an overnight charge, but needs watering, a ventilated charging area and a battery change to run longer. Lithium-ion costs more initially and returns it in labour and floor space: it opportunity-charges in breaks, needs no watering or ventilated room, holds voltage to the end of the cycle and lasts more cycles. On two or three shifts, lithium is almost always cheaper once battery changing is priced in.
Can electric forklifts be used outside?
Yes, within reason. Electric counterbalance trucks work on yards and hardstanding, and four wheel models in particular are built for it. What they do not like is deep mud, steep gradients and sustained heavy duty on badly broken ground. Weather protection and the right tyres matter for outdoor work, and we specify both against the site rather than assuming.
Are electric forklifts cheaper to run than diesel?
In most cases, clearly. Electricity per hour costs a fraction of diesel or LPG, there is no fuel storage or delivery to manage, and servicing is far simpler with no oil, filters, cambelt, clutch or exhaust. The exception is very heavy continuous outdoor duty on rough ground, or a site with no practical charging, where a proper comparison is worth doing rather than assuming.
How much can an electric forklift lift?
Our EP range runs from 1.5 tonnes up to 10 tonnes. The important figure is not the headline capacity but the residual capacity at your actual lift height and load centre, because long, wide or off-centre loads and high lifts reduce it, sometimes considerably. We calculate that against your racking and loads before quoting.
Do you need a licence to drive an electric forklift?
There is no road licence, but operators must hold accredited counterbalance forklift training before using one at work, plus site-specific familiarisation from the employer and refresher training on a defined cycle. Training is specific to the truck type, so a counterbalance ticket does not cover a reach truck or an order picker.
Can I buy a used electric forklift?
We supply new machines with warranty and a service agreement, which is where most of our customers land because the battery is the expensive component and its condition is hard to judge secondhand. If budget is the driver, contract hire or lease usually beats a used purchase on total cost and carries none of the battery risk.
Do electric forklifts need servicing?
Yes, but less of it. There is no oil, filters, cambelt, clutch or exhaust, so scheduled maintenance is shorter and cheaper than on a diesel truck. Safety-critical systems, the mast, chains, forks, hydraulics and the battery still need regular attention, and every forklift needs a LOLER thorough examination at least every 12 months, which is separate from servicing.