HD Hyundai XiteSolution (HDX), a Hyundai subsidiary, has received an order for 22 hydrogen fuel cell forklifts with a 3.5T payload capacity, from the Korea Construction Equipment Technology Institute. 

HDX says the forklifts will be used in the second phase of the national Demonstration-based Reliability Verification for Commercialization of Hydrogen Forklifts project which will continue until March 2026 at Korea Zinc’s smelter located in Onsan.  

“The objective of this demonstration project is to establish a foundation for commercialisation by verifying the reliability of hydrogen forklifts and assessing their economic and safety performance,” HDX states. 

“Hydrogen forklifts are gaining attention as a key eco-friendly mobility solution for the future since they do not emit carbon dioxide during operation. The shift to hydrogen forklifts is expected to save approximately 1.8T of carbon dioxide per day and about 645T annually for the 22 units, which is equivalent to planting approximately 95,000 pine trees.

“In the United States and China, hydrogen forklifts have already been commercialised, and the supporting systems and infrastructure are in full development. The state of California, in particular, is promoting the use of eco-friendly forklifts, including electric and hydrogen models.”

HDX says data from market research firm Global Growth Research, the global hydrogen forklift market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.4% and is projected to increase from USD683.6 million last year to USD7.439 billion by 2032.

Kwanghee Hur, head of industrial vehicles at HDX says: “We aim to secure additional sales following the demonstration project and take the lead in the transition to hydrogen mobility in industrial sites in Korea”.