Amidst India’s booming infrastructure development and the growing demand for eco-friendly energy solutions, Godrej & Boyce, a key entity of the Godrej Group, has launched a groundbreaking innovation. The company’s Material Handling Business division has introduced India’s first lithium-ion battery-powered forklift truck, featuring an indigenously developed Battery Management System (BMS). This move marks a significant milestone as the first offering of its kind by an Indian manufacturer, providing a secure and self-reliant solution for the nation’s material handling industry.
Anil Verma, Executive Director & CEO at Godrej & Boyce, remarked, “India’s logistics sector is undergoing rapid growth, driven by infrastructure advancements in key industries such as automotive, FMCG, retail, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce. At Godrej & Boyce, we are deeply committed to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, and our focus on technology-driven innovations aims to address the challenges of modern supply chains. These new solutions will be instrumental in enhancing operational efficiency and supporting the sector’s continued evolution.”
Anil Lingayat, Executive Vice President & Business Head of Godrej & Boyce’s Material Handling Business, emphasized the importance of this launch: “Our lithium-ion powered forklift trucks with a fully indigenized Battery Management System are a testament to our commitment to self-reliant technologies. By leveraging our in-house engineering expertise, we’ve created a product that enhances safety, optimizes performance, and reflects our dedication to India’s technological advancement.”
Advantages of Lithium-Ion Technology
The Li-ion battery technology powering these forklifts offers a host of transformative benefits over traditional lead-acid batteries. Notable features include:
- Extended Battery Life: Li-ion batteries deliver 4 times longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries, providing up to 5,000 charge cycles compared to 1,200 cycles for lead-acid.
- Faster Charging: Charging from 20% to 80% takes only 2.5 hours with Li-ion batteries, significantly faster than the 6 hours required for lead-acid.
- Energy Efficiency: These batteries consume 30% less energy and offer 15% more runtime, making them highly efficient for 2- and 3-tonne forklifts.
- Reduced Maintenance and Zero Emissions: Opportunity charging is available, with no emissions during the charging process, minimizing both operational and environmental costs.
Godrej & Boyce plans to extend this Li-ion technology to other material handling equipment in the near future. Industries poised to benefit include automotive, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and consumer goods, all of which are key sectors driving India’s logistics growth.
Driving Localization and Self-Reliance
In collaboration with Log9 Materials, Godrej & Boyce’s new battery systems incorporate 30% localized lithium-ion cell production and a proprietary Battery Management System fully developed in India. The company has set a target of achieving 100% localization of these cells by next year.
Traditionally reliant on imported batteries and systems, largely from China, this move underscores Godrej & Boyce’s commitment to the “Make in India” initiative. By fostering a robust domestic supply chain, the company is playing a pivotal role in reducing dependency on imports and supporting India’s drive towards self-reliance.
The launch of these Li-ion powered forklifts represents a transformative step for the material handling industry, setting a new standard in efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
