Shinko Electric has developed a large electric forklift that can operate in the rain.

The motor is shielded to prevent water from leaking in. The as-yet-unnamed forklift has a new type of AC motor with a permanent magnet instead of a coil, thus generating little heat, according to a report by Asia Pulse.

Battery capacity has been increased, enabling up to eight hours of continuous operation on a single charge. Shinko has also developed an automated system that centralises battery charging control for dozens of large forklifts.

The charging system, sold with the new forklift, could halve power usage. Shinko is targeting annual sales of 15 units, and has already delivered nine this year to Asahi Breweries Ltd's Kanagawa plant.