Manitou Group, a France-based manufacturer of industrial lifting equipment, has been honoured with the Drive to Zero Innovation Award for its electric retrofit of a high-lift telehandler.

Based on the criteria of originality, environmental impact, and potential for widespread adoption, the jury recognised an impressive initiative that meets a significant demand for decarbonizing construction sites.

The retrofit offers significant added value. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 40% and the total environmental score by 25%, over the standard duty cycle, compared to an internal combustion machine.

“We are delighted to receive this inaugural award for our retrofitted handler,” says Gabriel Raffour, services innovation manager at Manitou Group. “This solution for electrifying existing fleets maintains an equivalent level of performance, while significantly reducing noise pollution and emissions from diesel machines.”

Established in 2024, the Drive to Zero exhibition is a key gathering for public and private stakeholders focussed on driving innovation to accelerate the deployment of decarbonised mobility.

Held from 4 - 5 June, this year’s event saw a jury – comprising journalists from L'Usine Nouvelle magazine and members of the French ecological transition agency (ADEME) – present awards across seven categories.

According to Manitou Group, the telehandler retrofit initiative aligns with its strategic roadmap, which identifies the circular economy as a key area of development.

“The initial feedback we've gathered over the past two months has been exceptionally positive and encouraging,” says Raffour.