Hydrogen forklifts could become a prominent product from Hyundai Construction Equipment in the near future with the signing of an agreement to develop this technology.

This goal has been formalised with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with S Fuel Cell to develop a hydrogen forklift in the one to three tonne class.

This is expected to then be commercialised by 2023 when the relevant infrastructure in South Korea has been developed.

Read more: Hyundai develops hydrogen-powered forklifts

Read more: Hydrogen fuel cell forklifts: An alternative energy solution

By agreeing to develop this new hydrogen forklift, both companies are supporting the energy transition but providing a solution to warehouse logistics.

As part of the agreement, Hyundai Construction will be responsible for the production of the hydrogen forklifts, power pack control and communication systems whereas S Fuel Cell will focus its attention on the development and production of hydrogen fuel cell power packs.

The hydrogen fuel cell power pack for forklifts will be jointly developed by the two companies and is capable of working for up to 8 hours on a single charge.

Hwang Jong-hyeon, Head of the Industrial Vehicle R&D division at Hyundai Construction Equipment, said, “Hyundai Construction Equipment and Hyundai Mobis succeeded in developing the first 5-tonne medium-sized hydrogen forklift truck in Korea in 2020. We will lead the eco-friendly logistics business by expanding our product lineup to a ~3-tonne class small hydrogen forklift truck.”