A low-emission electric power (LEEP) lift system for electric utility and telecommunication aerial forkifts is undergoing customer in-service demonstrations.

The trial LEEP Lift-brand systems from powertrain developer Azure Dynamics Corp of Oak Park are integrated on equipment from construction machinery manufacturer Altec Inc of Birmingham, Alabama.

Publicly traded Azure reported the trial on 31 March.

The first demonstration of the Azure LEEP Lift system was commissioned and tested during the third quarter of 2008 and delivered to Altec for additional internal testing. The initial unit demonstrated fuel savings of up to 30% versus a conventionally equipped truck on a representative test cycle.

Azure and Altec signed a memorandum of understanding in March 2008 to develop LEEP Lift systems for the aerial lift truck application.

Pursuant to the completion of the definitive agreement, Altec will integrate Azure's systems into utility and telecom truck bodies. Altec will market, sell and service the systems through an existing sales and service network.