AKW Global Logistics' new BYD Lithium forklifts

AKW Global Logistics has ordered two 2.5 T BYD Lithium forklifts with sideshifting fork positioners, 540 a/h maintenance-free batteries and 200 amp superfast chargers.

The order follows an onsite trial and could herald the arrival of more BYD machines in the next few months.

As part of its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, the logistics provider was looking to replace its diesel-powered machines.

Although keen to implement electric forklifts, AKW was apprehensive as its 14-hour nonstop utilisation would normally require spare batteries, downtime during battery changing, extra staff responsibility for recharging and operational problems if this task was missed.

Skelmersdale-based BYD Lithium specialist Easylift Materials Handling visited the operation at AKW multiple times, carrying out both cost and CO2 analyses using BYD designed software.

Following the analysis, AKW ran a trial over a number of weeks, finding no lack of power at the end of the 14-hour shift. According to AKW, performance was equivalent to the diesel-powered forklifts, with no lack of productivity reported.

The two initial trucks will continue to be monitored and if, as expected, the results are favourable, AKW plans to make further investments in the technology in the future.

AK Worthington was started in 1981 by Tony Worthington, while Paul Welsh established Global Logistics UK in 1997. The two logistics entrepreneurs joined forces in 2014 to become a "transport powerhouse of the North". AKW has retained Global Logistics UK's Birmingham hub, further expanding its national footprint.