French materials handling equipment manufacturer Manitou Group, has released 10 new semi-industrial and rough-terrain electric forklifts and a new scissor lift, which it is showcasing at APEX 2026 (the Aerial Platform Exhibition) in the Netherlands this week.

Equipped with lithium-ion batteries, Manitou says expanding its MC (Manitou compact rough-terrain) and MSI (semi-industrial) electric ranges “reflect[s] the group's determination to accelerate its energy transition, with the aim of selling 28% electric machines by 2030” and is a response to profound changes in customer requirements.

The MC range has been enhanced by six all-terrain models available in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive, and is aimed primarily at the construction, events and agricultural markets.

The MSI range has been expanded to include four new semi-industrial models, which Manitou says are particularly suited to recycling centres, sawmills and para-agricultural applications.

The new forklifts have capacities from 1.8T to 3.5T and lift heights reaching 5.5 to 6m. 

Manitou says it will distribute the electric forklifts starting at the end of 2026. It adds that all equivalent combustion-powered models have also been redesigned and will also be available by the end of 2026.

Manitou says the adoption of lithium-ion technology has made it possible to offer machines with the same footprint as combustion models, guaranteeing the same agility in tight spaces. 

The batteries work in two configurations: 29 kWh as standard and 41 kWh for intensive applications. Charging is fully flexible thanks to an on-board 3kW charger (compatible with a standard 220 V socket), complemented by a 9kW option for ultra-fast 2.5-hour charging cycles (for a charge time of 20% to 80%). 

“Today's customers are looking for solutions that can evolve between two very distinct environments: the power needed for outdoor applications and the cleanliness required for indoor environments (warehouses, greenhouses, food processing industries),” Manitou states.

“This dual use is coupled with increasing regulations in urban areas, where the required pollution and noise thresholds sometimes exclude combustion engines.”

Manitou has also extended its Oxygen range of electric scissor lifts with the launch of the SE 1212 scissor lift, a new 12m working height model which reinforces a range already comprising an 8m (SE 0808) and 10m (SE 1008) versions. 

The new scissor lift has a lift capacity of 350kg and is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications on stabilized ground. 

It is equipped as standard with 5.76kWh batteries, is autonomous for a full working day (eight hours minimum) without interruption and requires less maintenance, meeting the productivity and decarbonization requirements of rental companies and manufacturers, Manitou adds.