Komatsu unveils sodium-ion powered forklift

News Story
- 14 Mar 2024 ( #1170 ) - Tokyo, Japan
1 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

Japanese equipment maker Komatsu has unveiled a forklift powered by sodium-ion batteries.

Komatsu says the proof of concept forklift is its first venture into equipping machines with sodium-ion batteries, as well as the world’s first sodium-ion powered forklift.

Proof of concept testing will begin at customer worksites from this month.

“Komatsu has developed this concept machine to provide an appropriate option for worksites with shortened, light-load operations,” the company says in a statement.

The concept machine is equipped with a sodium-ion battery pack developed by Shanghai Hirano Environment Technology Company using sodium-ion battery cells manufactured by China-based Jiangsu Highstar Battery Manufacturing Company.

The battery pack is designed for Komatsu's 1.5 T class electric forklifts.

“The forthcoming site trials aim to validate the optimal usage based on the new battery's performance and its unique characteristics, with an eye toward future commercial production,” Komatsu says.

Komatsu already offers forklifts powered by standard, lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries.

“Despite these advancements, electrification faces challenges, especially in worksites with shortened, light-load operations, where the high initial costs often lead to the selection of engine-driven forklifts due to high initial costs of electric models.

“This newly equipped sodium-ion batteries, despite their lower energy density, support rapid charging, enabling continuous operation through frequent recharges.

“Their long cycle life (the number of times the battery can be repeatedly charged and discharged) also prolongs the interval before battery replacement becomes necessary, offering the potential to reduce running costs.

“Moreover, the use of sodium, which is abundant on earth, ensures stable supply and the prospect of cost reductions in the future, presenting significant advantages.”

Noblelift’s Future Factory construction ahead of schedule
Noblelift’s Future Factory construction ahead of schedule 17 Apr 2025 - Shanghai, China - 1 min read
Capow secures USD15 million in funding
Capow secures USD15 million in funding 13 Mar 2025 - Be’er Sheva, Israel - 1 min read
Davies Turner Air Cargo upgrades Heathrow fleet
Davies Turner Air Cargo upgrades Heathrow fleet 21 Nov 2024 - London, United Kingdom - 1 min read
Previously about:
Komatsu buys American Battery Solutions News Story - 23 Nov 2023 - Chicago, IL, United States - 1 min read
Forklift driver dies after airport accident News Story - 7 Sep 2023 - Boston, MA, United States - 1 min read
Komatsu celebrates 100 years News Story - 13 May 2021 - Komatsu City, Japan - 1 min read
Do you have materials handling news? Submit your news here

Showcased in the Virtual Expo

“I really enjoy your newsletter and share the articles with all my training team for industry currency. I also print and display specific articles on forklift safety and accidents on our notice board for all the learners who attend our training courses to read...”

Gavin Trim - CEO, High Risk Work License Assessor, Mechanical Handling Equipment Specialist - Nationwide Training

Thanks Gavin for sharing your experience with Forkliftaction

Words of support …

I know I can count on them. They give valuable suggestions on the campaign planning, and to publish content is as easy as abc, as they take care of the material layout and check links. This is a great support.

Annalisa Castellini, Marketing Manager - Bolzoni S.p.A.

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

Find the right machine for your business with F. Uchiyama, exporter and wholesaler of used forklifts and construction machinery. With 100 years of experience in the trade, you can leave the export procedures to us!
FOR SALE:
1999 Hitachi HX99B telescopic boom
2017 Unicarriers FD80-2 counterbalance forklift
2006 Aichi RX07B scissor lift 

Find more machines here | Contact us with enquiries 

PREMIUM business

VETTER Industrie GmbH
The world's most comprehensive range of forks and the most intelligent sensor fork for more safety and efficiency.

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

“I really enjoy your newsletter and share the articles with all my training team for industry currency. I also print and display specific articles on forklift safety and accidents on our notice board for all the learners who attend our training courses to read...”

Gavin Trim - CEO, High Risk Work License Assessor, Mechanical Handling Equipment Specialist - Nationwide Training

Thanks Gavin for sharing your experience with Forkliftaction