HYUNDAI Material Handling has completed its B-X electric forklift range with the launch of the 10-13 tonne and 16-18 tonne models.
The manufacturer now offers a high-voltage electric counterbalance forklift range covering capacities from 4-18 tonnes, extending electric forklift availability into applications traditionally served by diesel-powered trucks.
The B-X programme was introduced in stages, beginning with the 4-9 tonne models in 2025. The latest additions, comprising the 100B-X, 120B-X and 130B-X LC600 models together with the 160B-X and 180B-X LC600, complete the range.
Hyundai explained that while electric forklifts are well established in lower-capacity warehouse and industrial applications, electrification becomes more complex as lifting capacities, operating hours and environmental demands increase. Higher-capacity trucks require significantly more power and battery capacity, while many of these applications involve continuous outdoor operation in changing weather conditions.
The firm added that high-voltage battery architecture is one of the key technologies enabling this transition. Hyundai’s B-X range uses high-voltage systems ranging from approximately 309-348V in the 4-9 tonnes models to 618V in the 10-18 tonnes machines.
The heavier B-X models have been developed for sectors where diesel forklifts remain widely used, including ports, shipbuilding, timber processing, metal production, construction materials, manufacturing, and logistics operations. In these applications, equipment is expected to operate outdoors throughout the year.
To meet the demanding requirements, Hyundai combines established chassis and mast architectures with dedicated electric drivetrains, battery systems, and control technology. Key components are protected to IP67, while selected electronic systems achieve IP69K protection. The battery system combines liquid cooling with thermal management and integrated heating, to maintain battery operating temperatures across a range of conditions. The trucks have also undergone environmental testing, including water spray, flooding and cold-climate endurance assessments.
Hyundai reports that the trucks use water-cooled permanent magnet motors and advanced control systems designed to provide travel speeds, lift speeds and gradeability comparable with diesel-powered equivalents.
Raymond Galavazi, senior product manager at Hyundai Material Handling Europe, said, “Completing the B-X range means that electrification is no longer limited to the lower-capacity forklift segments. Customers across a wide range of industries can now consider high-voltage electric trucks from 4-18 tonnes, also for demanding outdoor applications where high capacity and intensive operation are required.”
