Mumbai, India – Godrej & Boyce, part of the Godrej Enterprises Group, has launched a new line of lithium-ion battery-powered forklifts featuring an indigenously developed Battery Management System (BMS). This marks the first offering of its kind by an Indian manufacturer in the material handling sector.

The logistics and material handling industry in India is experiencing significant growth, driven by advancements in infrastructure and rising consumer demand across various sectors, including automotive, FMCG, and e-commerce. Traditional lead-acid batteries have been widely used in forklifts, but they present limitations such as longer charging times, lower cycle life, and higher maintenance needs. As the demand for efficient and sustainable solutions increases, the adoption of lithium-ion technology offers a promising alternative that aligns with the industry’s shift towards cleaner and more efficient operations.

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In this context, Godrej & Boyce’s lithium-ion powered forklift trucks aim to meet critical needs in the Indian material handling industry by providing a secure and self-reliant lithium-ion battery system. According to the company, lithium-ion technology offers several advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries, including more than four times the battery life. Specifically, lithium-ion batteries can provide up to 5,000 charge cycles compared to 1,200 for lead-acid batteries, which may result in reduced long-term investment costs.

Key features of the lithium-ion forklifts include:

• Opportunity Charging: Enables charging at any time without a full discharge.
• Zero Emissions During Charging: Contributes to a cleaner environment.
• Reduced Maintenance Needs: Less frequent servicing required compared to lead-acid systems.
• Faster Charging Time: Charges from 20% to 80% in approximately 2.5 hours, compared to 6 hours for lead-acid batteries.
• Energy Efficiency: Approximately 30% less energy consumption during charging.
• Extended Run Time: Offers up to 15% more run time for 2 and 3-tonne forklifts.

Anil Verma, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer of Godrej & Boyce, noted that “India’s logistics sector is at a pivotal juncture, experiencing robust growth driven by infrastructure advancements across sectors such as automotive, FMCG, consumer durables, retail including e-commerce, and pharmaceuticals, fueled by rising consumer demand.”

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He emphasized the company’s commitment to integrating technology-enabled solutions to address the challenges of modern supply chains, stating, “These innovations are crucial for enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring the sector’s continued evolution.” Verma further commented on the importance of innovation in shaping the future of India’s logistics industry.