Southampton-based Meachers Global Logistics is to switch its forklift and materials handling fleet to 100% electric after acquiring 25 forklifts from Linde.
The counterbalance trucks range from two to five tonnes in capacity as Meachers switched to Linde for reach trucks.
Gary Whittle, commercial director at Meachers Global Logistics, said: “It was a big decision to make the switch to all electric, however a necessary one in our bid to reduce our emissions wherever possible. Although the purchase costs for the vehicles are higher, the operating costs per truck are significantly cheaper.
“What was also crucial is the CO2 emissions for the vehicles charging are between a third and half of the emissions from the gas combustion engine emitting exhaust fumes.”
Mark Kirby, business development manager at Linde, said: “Our electric range is the ideal solution for Meachers, not only are emissions no longer an issue, but the design of the truck itself makes them highly energy efficient.
“From the hydraulic systems which power the lifting functions, to their ECO modes which allow operating parameters to be adjusted to suit the application, these features ensure that energy consumption is reduced without affecting productivity.”
