The state of California will phase out large spark-ignited (LSI) forklifts as it pursues a target of carbon neutrality by 2045.

Under the regulated passed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), manufacturers cannot produce or sell, for use in California, Class IV and Class V LSI forklifts – categories that largely operate on propane, gasoline and natural gas – beginning in 2026.

The rule also phases out the use of spark-ignited forklifts by large fleets, defined as 26 units or more, starting in 2028. 

The phase-out schedule is by model year and designed so that no forklift is required to be phased out before it is 10 years old. Smaller fleets will phase out use of spark-ignited forklifts starting in 2029.

CARB says the rule will result in more than 89,000 spark-ignited forklifts currently operating in the state being replaced by greener machines. 

The board estimates that more than 2 T of nitrogen oxide emissions will be avoided per day by 2031.

The Zero-Emission Forklift Regulation is expected to yield USD7.5 billion in health benefit savings from 2026 to 2043 from reduced hospital visits and medical care due to issues such as cardiovascular disease and asthma or other health issues impacted by pollution. 

Owners and operators also are expected to see USD2.7 billion in net fleet cost savings from lowered operating costs.