Technology leader BYD debuts warehouse range

BYD presented its range of innovative technology solutions for logistics applications at IMHX. Renowned as a manufacturer and global supplier of industry-leading pure electric vehicles, BYD's proven Iron-Phosphate battery technology is at the heart of its new, attractive range of warehouse equipment.

All of the equipment on show at IMHX featured BYD’s industry-leading eight-year or 10,000-hour (whichever comes first) battery warranty. Together with other BYD businesses producing electric buses, coaches, automobiles and commercial vehicles, BYD Forklifts are making a significant move to bring zero emissions to the transport and warehousing sector both in the UK and globally.

With maintenance-free operation and up to 40% reduction in energy use, BYD fork lift trucks are particularly well-suited for multi-shift applications, and enable both distribution partners and operators to make an easy investment decision.

The line-up of BYD warehouse trucks at IMHX included the new BYD PTW20S Pedestrian Pallet Truck; featuring a compact design, great manoeuvrability and an on-board charger as standard enabling charging during transportation, the agile PTW20S is ideal for safe, efficient and silent urban on-truck deliveries as it is relatively lightweight at 500kg, yet offers a generous 2000kg lifting capacity.

It was joined on-stand by the BYD PTP20S Stand-On Pallet Truck; the second-generation PTP20S is a completely re-engineered high-speed stand-on pallet truck, featuring superior stability, flexibility, and a floating driving system for optimal traction. With a 2000kg load capacity, the compact BYD PTP20S has foldable side bars and platform so can be used in pedestrian mode when operating space is restricted.

Sharing the same leading-edge Iron-Phosphate battery technology, examples from BYD's comprehensive range of counterbalance forklift trucks were also on display on the BYD stand at IMHX.

These include the IFOY Award-winning BYD ECB18C 3-wheel counterbalance forklift. Powered by an 80-volt iron-phosphate battery with three-phase technology, a nominal capacity of 1.8 tonnes and lift heights to 6 metres, it features LED headlights, full-colour digital display, hill hold feature, curve speed reduction, and optional fleet management. It will sit alongside the BYD ECB18DC 4-wheel counterbalance forklift, its robust and highly capable compact 4-wheel counterpart.

The BYD ECB25 4-wheel counterbalance forklift also took centre stage at IMHX 2019; ergonomically designed to reduce driver fatigue and optimise productivity, the ECB25 offers the lowest-possible cost of operation whilst lifting loads of up to 2.5 tonnes. With multiple battery and charger options, it is ideal for replacing IC machines with a zero-emission alternative that can work across multiple shifts. With an IP54 rating for dust- and water-proofing and a range of modular cabins, the versatile ECB25 is suitable for intensive operations such as loading/unloading both indoors and outside in the yard.

BYD is the only manufacturer of iron-phosphate-powered forklifts offering an ATEX certification option across its entire range of forklifts and warehouse products, having partnered with European ATEX specialist Miretti SpA.

“The batteries utilised across the BYD range offer outstanding performance and reliability, amounting to industry-leading Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)," says Blade Feng, business director of BYD’s European Forklifts. "When compared to equivalent equipment powered by traditional lead acid batteries, BYD Iron-Phosphate batteries require no maintenance, have a very short charge time, longer working life, and use up to 40% less energy. Furthermore, BYD's batteries can be opportunity charged during short breaks in operations, thus guaranteeing maximum uptime at the lowest-possible cost."

BYD also unveiled a Europe-wide corporate accounts approach to dovetail with its dealer-led sales. This unit will be managed by Jason Robinson, European key account manager.