Yale takes home two awards for lift trucks designed around factory-integrated lithium-ion power

Yale Lift Truck Technologies announces two prestigious industry awards for the ERP-VTL/VFL series of lift trucks with factory-integrated lithium-ion battery power. The trucks won recognition for outstanding green product design in the 2025 Green GOOD DESIGN® Awards and as an outstanding example of innovation that provides companies with energy and environmental benefits in the 2025 E+E Leader Awards.

Rather than a battery box replacement, in which a standard counterbalanced lift truck design gets a lithium-ion retrofit, both the three-wheel ERP040VTL and the four-wheel ERP040VFL are engineered from the ground up around a fully integrated lithium-ion battery pack. This strategy not only provides the lasting performance and charging capabilities of lithium-ion power, it also enables a series of ergonomic advantages, including increased space in the operator compartment.

“Manufacturing lift trucks around a fully integrated lithium-ion battery helps alleviate headaches for warehouses that might otherwise pursue an aftermarket retrofit to accommodate lithium-ion power,” says Brad Long, Global Activation Manager, Yale Lift Truck Technologies. “Beyond the performance benefits of electric forklifts, the ERP-VTL/VFL series also helps warehouses address labor challenges with key advantages for operator comfort. These recognitions are further proof that an innovative design approach can provide what these operations need to directly address these key challenges head-on.”

The integrated lithium-ion power of the ERP-VTL/VFL lift trucks offers fast charging, zero tailpipe emissions and no off-gassing in battery charging or maintenance processes, along with lower energy costs compared to fossil fuels and lead-acid batteries. The trucks’ key ergonomic benefits include an open space design that increases the operator’s freedom to position their feet and facilitates easy entry and exit from the operator cabin. Stability is also improved with a repositioned center of gravity that enhances drive quality and improves truck handling in corners. These features can help to increase operator confidence and performance.