Paul Murray

British manufacturer JCB used IMHX to launch its second electric-powered Teletruk telescopic lift truck, the JCB 35-22E.

What is significant about this model, according to Paul Murray, general manager, JCB Teletruk, is the 2 m reach which allows operators to put a load into the second row of a lorry bed.

"That means we're not loading the lorry from both sides, which means you're using half the space you would normally need, allowing businesses to quickly and cheaply release hundreds of square metres of space."

The move to electric also opens up the food industry and the manufacturing sector, he added.

A key feature is JCB's load motion control system, designed to aid the prevention of forward tip.

The Teletruk is also ideally suited for placing pallets into electric vans, which Murray said are becoming increasingly popular in last-mile delivery operations.

As for industry trends, Murray said the major drivers were "the need for lower noise, increased health and safety, efficiency and zero emissions".

JCB has designed its electric vehicles for lead acid batteries, with Murray saying they are designed for eight hours of operation per day on a single charge. However, lithium-ion may be more appealing for some fleets which require 24-hour availability, but only limited use within that period. "There's a place for both," he said.