Battery market update for March

Rosie Clifford -
Forkliftaction Sparks
- 4 Apr 2024 ( #1173 )
2 min read
Komatsu says it has made the world's first sodium-ion powered forklift.
Komatsu says it has made the world's first sodium-ion powered forklift.

In this March update we pull together our recent coverage of the materials handling battery market from new products and capabilities to strategic partnerships and manufacturer developments.


In March - Japanese equipment maker Komatsu unveils a proof of concept sodium-ion battery powered forklift. The battery pack is designed for Komatsu's 1.5 T class electric forklifts.

Toyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA) gets set to build an energy research and development centre in Henrietta, New York.

Oshkosh Corporation invests in Eatron Technologies, a developer of artificial intelligence (AI) powered battery management software (BMS).

Green Cubes launches new modular lithium ion (li-ion) batteries that can be dropped into standard materials handling equipment’s lead acid battery compartments.

In February - A US automaker will use Plug Power hydrogen infrastructure and fuel cells at its new electric vehicle manufacturing facility planned to go into operation in 2025.

Kion North America releases a new electric forklift range to the North American market, the Linde Series 1293.

EnerSys announces a plan to build a USD500 million lithium-ion cell gigafactory in South Carolina. The company also launches the NexSys Air wireless charger for automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validates Jungheinrich’s climate target of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

Hyster announces a new power switching system that allows users to easily change battery type without any external accessories, software downloads or integrations. 

Still reports its delivery of around 150 lithium-ion batteries to a recycling plant as it joins parent company Kion Group’s push to recycle 5,000 T of battery material by 2030.

Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks launches new heavy duty electric counterbalance forklifts with capacities ranging from 1.4 T to 12 T and dubs the new models "the green giants".

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At Linde Material Handling, we appreciate Forkliftaction for its competent and informative reporting and its global perspective. Forkliftaction is one of the few industry media with a transnational readership.

Heike Oder, Head of Trade Press
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Upcoming in the editorial calendar
WIRELESS CHARGING
Aug 2025
MANAGING MIXED FLEETS
Oct 2025
Words of support …

At Linde Material Handling, we appreciate Forkliftaction for its competent and informative reporting and its global perspective. Forkliftaction is one of the few industry media with a transnational readership.

Heike Oder, Head of Trade Press
Upcoming in the editorial calendar
WIRELESS CHARGING
Aug 2025
MANAGING MIXED FLEETS
Oct 2025
Words of support …

At Linde Material Handling, we appreciate Forkliftaction for its competent and informative reporting and its global perspective. Forkliftaction is one of the few industry media with a transnational readership.

Heike Oder, Head of Trade Press
Upcoming industry events …
September 4, 2025 - Melbourne, Australia
September 17-18, 2025 - Miami, FL, United States
October 21-23, 2025 - Barcelona, Spain