Electrification Advancements: Volvo Penta and FTMH Forge Ahead in Forklift Industry

Electrification Advancements: Volvo Penta and FTMH Forge Ahead in Forklift Industry

(IN BRIEF) Volvo Penta and FTMH have expanded their partnership to include the development of electric forklifts. FTMH, an Italian heavy equipment manufacturer, will work closely with Volvo Penta to electrify various forklift models. The collaboration demonstrates the success of Volvo Penta’s modular electric platform and its role as a full system supplier of electromobility technology. The partnership will result in a range of e-forklifts, with the first model being the FTF 26-12 EL, featuring a 600V electric drivetrain and a Volvo Penta battery system. Volvo Penta’s proven technology and expertise as an electromobility full systems supplier will drive the advancement of sustainable material handling solutions.

(PRESS RELEASE) GOTHENBURG, 1-Jun-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — The Volvo Group (STO: VOLV-B), a Swedish multinational manufacturing company, announces that its joint stock company, Volvo Penta, a Swedish marine and industrial engine manufacturer and FTMH (Fantuzzi Team Material Handling) have deepened their collaboration by venturing into the realm of electric forklifts. This expanded partnership underscores the confidence in Volvo Penta’s modularized electric platform and its comprehensive approach as a full system supplier of cutting-edge electromobility technology.

FTMH, an Italian heavy equipment manufacturer, is furthering its successful cooperation with Volvo Penta to electrify a wide range of forklift models. The strengthened partnership exemplifies the adaptability and modularity of the Volvo Group’s electrification platform, unlocking new possibilities for diverse applications.

The collaborative efforts will give rise to a complete lineup of e-forklifts, with capacities reaching up to 52 tonnes. The initial model to undergo electrification will be the FTF 26-12, currently equipped with a Volvo Penta D8 engine. Transformed into the FTF 26-12 EL, it will feature a 600V electric drivetrain powered by a Volvo Penta battery system boasting an installed capacity of 360 kWh. To optimize operational uptime, the machine will be compatible with high-power charging, offering rates of up to 250 kW DC. This capability enables a full charge in slightly over an hour and maximizes the potential for opportunistic charging during operational breaks.

“This collaboration is another proof point highlighting our focus and the high potential of the material handling segment,” says Zeyd Okutan, Product Manager, Volvo Penta. “Port operations and logistic terminals are a good fit for electrification, and we see great opportunities for fleets with zero-emission vehicles, including forklifts, empty container handlers, reach-stackers and terminal tractors. Good infrastructure and well-defined duty-cycles will ease the transformation of the industry, bringing benefits including reduced noise, increased uptime and productivity.”

Drawing on proven technology from the Volvo Group, Volvo Penta solidifies its position as a full systems supplier of electromobility solutions and makes significant progress towards its net-zero ambitions. Leveraging heavy-duty components developed and validated by other entities within the Volvo Group, Volvo Penta packages and installs these components to best meet the requirements of individual off-highway original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), benefiting from Volvo Penta’s extensive knowledge and expertise.

“Electrification can be a long journey, and at Volvo Penta we understand the effort, knowledge, and resources manufacturers need to undertake,” explains Ilenia Procicchiani, Industrial Sales Manager at Volvo Penta. “That’s why we closely collaborate with each customer, leveraging their expertise to adapt our purpose-built electromobility solution to meet their specific requirements.”

The collaboration between Volvo Penta and FTMH extends back a decade, marked by close cooperation. Previously, FTMH integrated Volvo Penta D11 diesel engines into its range of 45-tonne full-container-handling reach stackers, as well as a broader selection of Volvo Penta units across its general forklift series, spanning capacities of 15 to 52 tonnes.

“The positive and active collaboration we experienced with Volvo Penta during the development of our internal combustion machines facilitated our decision to invest and partner on this new project,” explains Eugenio Ponzini, Technical Manager, FTMH. “Our exclusive Volvo Penta dealer in Italy, CARMI, is a key partner in the project, supporting the development of what we all hope will be the first of a wide range of electric material handling machinery to be manufactured in Brescello.”

This strategic alliance between Volvo Penta and FTMH not only paves the way for the development of an extensive range of electric forklifts but also fosters innovation and progress in the realm of sustainable material handling solutions.

For more information, please contact:

Melissa Zhuo                                        Charlie Williams
PR and Communications Manager        SE10 PR
Volvo Penta                                            London
Tel: int +46 (0) 739026626                     Tel: int +44 (0) 7891056421
Email: melissa.zhuo@volvo.com            Email: charlie.williams@se10.com

Volvo Penta, with approximately 3,500 dealers in over 130 countries, is a world-leading and global manufacturer of engines and complete power systems for boats, vessels and industrial applications. The engine program comprises diesel and gasoline engines with power outputs of between 10 and 1000 hp. Volvo Penta is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of heavy trucks, buses and construction equipment.

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SOURCE: AB Volvo