Bobcat Launches Lithium-Ion Batteries for Electric Forklifts
New 48V and 80V battery systems for Class I forklifts improve uptime, reduce maintenance and support high-intensity material handling at MODEX 2026.  www.bobcat.com In warehouses, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers, electric forklifts are increasingly replacing internal combustion models as operators seek lower emissions, reduced maintenance and predictable operating costs. To address this transition, Bobcat Company is introducing a new line of lithium-ion battery systems engineered specifically for Class I sit-down forklifts, expanding its electric forklift batteries portfolio. The new battery packs, available in North America beginning in the first quarter of 2026, are designed for high-utilization material handling environments where uptime, charging efficiency and durability are critical. Designed for modern material handling fleets Bobcat’s lithium-ion forklift batteries are compatible with cushion-tire, pneumatic-tire and three-wheel forklifts. The lineup includes: 48-volt and 80-volt configurations 400Ah and 600Ah capacity options These specifications allow fleet managers to match battery output to operational demands, whether in single-shift operations or continuous multi-shift environments. Compared with traditional lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion systems eliminate watering, equalization and battery swapping, simplifying fleet management and reducing routine service labor. Faster charging and continuous operation The battery systems are engineered to charge up to 50% faster than many comparable forklift battery technologies. Faster charge cycles support extended runtime and enable opportunity charging strategies during breaks, reducing the need for spare batteries. In high-throughput logistics environments, this translates into improved equipment availability and more predictable shift planning. Structural durability for industrial environments The battery packs feature a reinforced internal architecture designed to withstand vibrations up to 5G, supporting stable performance in demanding warehouse and industrial settings. Additional engineering features include: Precision thermal management to maintain stable operating temperatures under heavy loads Laser-welded electrical connections to enhance long-term reliability IP65-rated enclosure for dust and water resistance in mixed indoor-outdoor operations This design supports consistent lithium-ion forklift power output in both controlled warehouse environments and harsher industrial conditions. Cold-storage and freezer compatibility For cold-chain logistics and freezer applications, the batteries incorporate an integrated heating pad that activates automatically at low temperatures. This feature helps maintain charge efficiency and output stability in refrigerated facilities or winter climates where battery performance typically declines. Safety and certification compliance The battery systems are certified to UL 2580, the industry standard for battery safety in electric vehicles. When integrated into a forklift, the truck’s UL 583 certification is updated accordingly to ensure compliance with electric forklift safety requirements. The batteries also meet key global certification standards required for industrial applications, supporting deployment in international markets. Modular design and lifecycle cost control A modular battery and counterweight system improves installation flexibility and simplifies service planning. By eliminating routine maintenance associated with lead-acid systems and reducing component wear, the lithium-ion platform contributes to lower total cost of ownership over the battery lifecycle. Automatic sleep mode and rapid wake-up functionality further optimize energy use during idle periods, supporting energy-efficient fleet management. Presentation at MODEX 2026 Bobcat will present the new lithium-ion battery systems at MODEX 2026, taking place April 13–16, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia. Visitors can see the technology at Booth C14364 (Building ABC, Level 1), where Bobcat will also showcase material handling equipment integrated with the new battery solutions. MODEX is one of North America’s major supply chain and manufacturing exhibitions, providing a platform for logistics professionals to evaluate emerging technologies in electric material handling and warehouse automation. www.bobcat.com Powered by Induportals Media Publishing
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New 48V and 80V battery systems for Class I forklifts improve uptime, reduce maintenance and support high-intensity material handling at MODEX 2026.
  www.bobcat.com
In warehouses, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers, electric forklifts are increasingly replacing internal combustion models as operators seek lower emissions, reduced maintenance and predictable operating costs. To address this transition, Bobcat Company is introducing a new line of lithium-ion battery systems engineered specifically for Class I sit-down forklifts, expanding its electric forklift batteries portfolio.
The new battery packs, available in North America beginning in the first quarter of 2026, are designed for high-utilization material handling environments where uptime, charging efficiency and durability are critical.
Designed for modern material handling fleets
Bobcat’s lithium-ion forklift batteries are compatible with cushion-tire, pneumatic-tire and three-wheel forklifts. The lineup includes:
- 48-volt and 80-volt configurations
- 400Ah and 600Ah capacity options
These specifications allow fleet managers to match battery output to operational demands, whether in single-shift operations or continuous multi-shift environments.
Compared with traditional lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion systems eliminate watering, equalization and battery swapping, simplifying fleet management and reducing routine service labor.
Faster charging and continuous operation
The battery systems are engineered to charge up to 50% faster than many comparable forklift battery technologies. Faster charge cycles support extended runtime and enable opportunity charging strategies during breaks, reducing the need for spare batteries.
In high-throughput logistics environments, this translates into improved equipment availability and more predictable shift planning.
Structural durability for industrial environments
The battery packs feature a reinforced internal architecture designed to withstand vibrations up to 5G, supporting stable performance in demanding warehouse and industrial settings.
Additional engineering features include:
Compared with traditional lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion systems eliminate watering, equalization and battery swapping, simplifying fleet management and reducing routine service labor.
Faster charging and continuous operation
The battery systems are engineered to charge up to 50% faster than many comparable forklift battery technologies. Faster charge cycles support extended runtime and enable opportunity charging strategies during breaks, reducing the need for spare batteries.
In high-throughput logistics environments, this translates into improved equipment availability and more predictable shift planning.
Structural durability for industrial environments
The battery packs feature a reinforced internal architecture designed to withstand vibrations up to 5G, supporting stable performance in demanding warehouse and industrial settings.
Additional engineering features include:
- Precision thermal management to maintain stable operating temperatures under heavy loads
- Laser-welded electrical connections to enhance long-term reliability
- IP65-rated enclosure for dust and water resistance in mixed indoor-outdoor operations
This design supports consistent lithium-ion forklift power output in both controlled warehouse environments and harsher industrial conditions.
Cold-storage and freezer compatibility
For cold-chain logistics and freezer applications, the batteries incorporate an integrated heating pad that activates automatically at low temperatures. This feature helps maintain charge efficiency and output stability in refrigerated facilities or winter climates where battery performance typically declines.
Safety and certification compliance
The battery systems are certified to UL 2580, the industry standard for battery safety in electric vehicles. When integrated into a forklift, the truck’s UL 583 certification is updated accordingly to ensure compliance with electric forklift safety requirements.
The batteries also meet key global certification standards required for industrial applications, supporting deployment in international markets.
Modular design and lifecycle cost control
A modular battery and counterweight system improves installation flexibility and simplifies service planning. By eliminating routine maintenance associated with lead-acid systems and reducing component wear, the lithium-ion platform contributes to lower total cost of ownership over the battery lifecycle.
Automatic sleep mode and rapid wake-up functionality further optimize energy use during idle periods, supporting energy-efficient fleet management.
Presentation at MODEX 2026
Bobcat will present the new lithium-ion battery systems at MODEX 2026, taking place April 13–16, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia. Visitors can see the technology at Booth C14364 (Building ABC, Level 1), where Bobcat will also showcase material handling equipment integrated with the new battery solutions.
MODEX is one of North America’s major supply chain and manufacturing exhibitions, providing a platform for logistics professionals to evaluate emerging technologies in electric material handling and warehouse automation.
www.bobcat.com
Cold-storage and freezer compatibility
For cold-chain logistics and freezer applications, the batteries incorporate an integrated heating pad that activates automatically at low temperatures. This feature helps maintain charge efficiency and output stability in refrigerated facilities or winter climates where battery performance typically declines.
Safety and certification compliance
The battery systems are certified to UL 2580, the industry standard for battery safety in electric vehicles. When integrated into a forklift, the truck’s UL 583 certification is updated accordingly to ensure compliance with electric forklift safety requirements.
The batteries also meet key global certification standards required for industrial applications, supporting deployment in international markets.
Modular design and lifecycle cost control
A modular battery and counterweight system improves installation flexibility and simplifies service planning. By eliminating routine maintenance associated with lead-acid systems and reducing component wear, the lithium-ion platform contributes to lower total cost of ownership over the battery lifecycle.
Automatic sleep mode and rapid wake-up functionality further optimize energy use during idle periods, supporting energy-efficient fleet management.
Presentation at MODEX 2026
Bobcat will present the new lithium-ion battery systems at MODEX 2026, taking place April 13–16, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia. Visitors can see the technology at Booth C14364 (Building ABC, Level 1), where Bobcat will also showcase material handling equipment integrated with the new battery solutions.
MODEX is one of North America’s major supply chain and manufacturing exhibitions, providing a platform for logistics professionals to evaluate emerging technologies in electric material handling and warehouse automation.
www.bobcat.com
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