Godrej & Boyce Launches India’s First Lithium-Ion Powered Forklift with Indigenous Battery Management System

Godrej & Boyce, a key entity of the Godrej Enterprises Group, has introduced India’s first lithium-ion battery-powered forklift truck, featuring a fully indigenous Battery Management System (BMS). This launch positions the company as the first Indian manufacturer to offer such technology in the material handling sector.

Advancements in Material Handling Technology

The lithium-ion technology in these forklifts offers several advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries, including a significantly longer lifespan with up to 5,000 charge cycles compared to 1,200 cycles for lead-acid batteries. This extended lifespan is expected to reduce long-term investment costs and enhance operational efficiency.

The lithium-ion batteries allow for faster charging from 20% to 80% capacity in just 2.5 hours, compared to 6 hours for lead-acid batteries, and consume 30% less energy. Additionally, these batteries offer up to 15% more run time for 2- and 3-tonne forklifts.

Potential for Broader Application

Godrej & Boyce plans to apply this lithium-ion technology to other material handling equipment, providing scalable solutions through its modular design. Industries that may benefit include automotive, FMCG, consumer durables, retail, pharmaceuticals, and other manufacturing sectors.

Anil Verma, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer of Godrej & Boyce, commented “India’s logistics sector is at a pivotal juncture, experiencing robust growth driven by infrastructure advancements across sectors such as automotive, FMCG, consumer durables, retail including e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, fueled by rising consumer demand. At Godrej & Boyce, we are committed to ‘Make in India’ strategies, playing a vital role in driving this growth. Our focus on integrating cutting-edge, technology-enabled solutions remains a key priority, addressing the complex challenges of modern supply chains. These innovations are crucial for enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring the sector’s continued evolution. The future of India’s logistics will be shaped by this commitment to nation building and innovation, securing a more resilient and adaptive industry.”

Focus on ‘Make in India’ and Technological Development

Anil Lingayat, Executive Vice President & Business Head of the Material Handling Business at Godrej & Boyce, emphasized the company’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. He highlighted the significance of developing the BMS in India, aligning with the company’s goal of building self-reliant capabilities in the material handling industry.

The new battery systems, developed in collaboration with Log9 Materials, integrate lithium-ion cells with 30% localized production. The BMS is fully designed and manufactured in India, with a target of achieving 100% localization of Li-ion cells by the end of next year.

Implications for the Material Handling Industry

The Indian market has traditionally relied on imported batteries and BMS systems, primarily from China. By localizing this technology, Godrej & Boyce supports the “Make in India” initiative and contributes to the development of a domestic supply chain.

The introduction of lithium-ion powered forklifts with an indigenous BMS represents a step forward in India’s material handling industry, offering an alternative to imported technologies and supporting the country’s ongoing infrastructure development.