ERP-VTL/VFL Integrated Lithium-ion Lift Trucks | 2022

Location: Greenville, North Carolina, USA
Designers: Yale Lift Truck Technologies, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
Design Team: John Santiago, Mark Tait, Wayne Seamen, Brad Schoen, and Jeb Lloyd
Manufacturer: Yale Lift Truck Technologies, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
Photographers: Yale Lift Truck Technologies

The Yale ERP040VTL/VFL is a series of 4,000-pound capacity integrated lithium-ion powered three- and four-wheel lift trucks. Both the ERP040VTL, the three-wheel model, and the ERP040VFL, the four-wheel model, are engineered from the ground up around a fully integrated lithium-ion battery pack.

The integrated lithium-ion battery brings operations the full benefits of this advanced electric power source. These include fast charging times (capable of fully charging in approximately 45 minutes or less), no battery maintenance requirements, no emissions in operation or gassing in battery charging or maintenance processes, and lower energy costs compared to fossil fuels and lead-acid batteries.

Because the ERP-VTL/VFL series is powered by lithium-ion batteries, these trucks do not require the same battery changing, charging and storage infrastructure as trucks powered by lead acid batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are simply plugged into a charger without removing them from the truck, and their rapid charging speeds can allow for a 1:1 power source to forklift ratio—no need to buy and store extra batteries to keep trucks moving while depleted batteries charge, and a simpler process for operators to keep up with. These lighter space requirements avoid facilities having to reconfigure operations to accommodate major new space requirements if they want to electrify their fleet.

Rather than simply retrofitting an existing lift truck design, designing the ERP-VTL/VFL around the form factor of an integrated lithium-ion battery pack also delivers key ergonomic and productivity benefits. It improves ergonomics with an open space design that increases operator freedom to position feet and makes for easy entry and exit, maximizing comfort and convenience to help propel productivity. The ERP-VTL/VFL series also improves stability with a repositioned center of gravity that enhances drive quality and improves truck handling in corners for greater operator confidence and performance.