Yale wins 2024 Green GOOD DESIGN Award for fully integrated lithium-ion lift trucks

Yale Lift Truck Technologies announces that the ERC050-060VGL series of lithium-ion powered lift trucks is a recipient of a 2024 Green GOOD DESIGN® award. The line of 5,000-to-6,000-pound load capacity cushion tire lift trucks is designed to bring warehouse operations the benefits of factory integrated lithium-ion power, including improved productivity, ergonomics and zero emissions.

While operations have traditionally utilized a battery box replacement to convert counterbalanced lift trucks from lead-acid to lithium-ion battery power, the ERC-VGL series is completely designed around a fully integrated, space-saving lithium-ion battery pack. This design helps free space in the operator compartment, combining ergonomic benefits with the advantages of lithium-ion technology—including zero emissions during operation and no off-gassing during the charging process—to maximize comfort, convenience and performance.

“The ERC050-060VGL is an example of our commitment to customer-driven design, helping warehouses not only meet sustainability targets, but address critical labor and productivity challenges,” says Brad Long, Brand Manager, Yale Lift Truck Technologies. “Designing this truck around integrated lithium-ion power presented an opportunity to make significant changes to the operator compartment that make adopting this zero-emission technology even more appealing.”

The slim form factor of the lithium-ion battery pack enables a lower floor plate, enabling easier entry and exit from the truck, with open space below the seat that gives operators more freedom to position their feet. It also allows additional headroom, which accommodates a taller seat with air suspension for a more comfortable ride. Compared to lead-acid alternatives, lithium-ion batteries charge faster and more simply – no maintenance, off-gassing or watering required. The ERC-VGL can fully charge in just over an hour, and weighs less than the equivalent lead-acid powered model, reducing energy consumption for long run times in demanding applications.

The Yale lineup of integrated lithium-ion lift trucks also includes the award-winning ERP040VTL and ERP040VFL. The brand has won numerous awards for sustainability-friendly products, including 13 consecutive placements on a leading industry publication’s list of the top 75 green supply chain partners.