HD Hyundai XiteSolution Launches South Korea's Largest 18-Ton-Class Electric Forklift

[Financial News] HD Hyundai XiteSolution is targeting heavy-load worksites such as shipyards and ports by launching a lineup of large electric forklifts, including an 18-ton-class model—the largest in South Korea.
HD Hyundai XiteSolution said on the 5th that it recently held a test-drive event for new models of its 'next-generation electric forklifts' at its plant in Eumseong County, North Chungcheong Province, and showcased a lineup of large models that had entered mass production.
The company expanded its product lineup this year from the mid-sized models launched last year to large models in the 10–18-ton class. HD Hyundai XiteSolution is the only South Korean company that manufactures large electric forklifts in the 10-ton class or above.
Until now, diesel forklifts capable of delivering high power and operating for long hours have mainly been used at heavy-load worksites such as shipyards, ports, and steel mills. However, as environmental regulations have tightened and demand for carbon-emission reductions has grown, the large forklift market has faced the challenge of reducing emissions while maintaining productivity comparable to that of internal-combustion engines.
HD Hyundai XiteSolution applied a high-voltage battery system and fast-charging technology to achieve work speeds, gradeability, and power comparable to those of internal-combustion-engine products. The 18-ton-class model can operate for up to nine hours on a single charge. Using the optional 120-kW-class fast charger, the battery can be charged to 80% in one hour and 30 minutes. The 4.5-ton-class model can operate for up to 14 hours on a single charge.
Safety and durability have also been enhanced. The company applied a safety design that monitors and controls high-voltage circuits and battery conditions in real time, securing certification under UL 2580, a U.S. safety standard for battery systems. It also adopted a water- and dust-resistant design rated IP67 or higher, allowing the forklifts to operate in outdoor work environments exposed to sea winds, rain, and strong winds.
In terms of cost efficiency, an analysis of total cost of ownership (TCO) based on medium-intensity work showed that the initial price gap with diesel products could be offset in approximately two to three years.
An HD Hyundai XiteSolution official said, "Large next-generation electric forklifts are products that can respond to environmental regulations without sacrificing productivity, thanks to performance comparable to that of internal-combustion-engine forklifts. We will provide electrification solutions optimized for diverse work environments and further strengthen our competitiveness in global markets."
[email protected] Jung Won-il Reporter