Toyota to Bring an IC Hybrid Lift Truck to Market

The 3.5-ton diesel-powered lift truck, named the Geneo-Hybrid, is targeted to cut both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in half. The hybrid system combines a 2.5-liter diesel engine with an electric motor and nickel-metal hydride battery power.

Toyota Industries explains that this is a dual hybrid system. One system is used for traveling, with the engine driving a generator to charge the battery. The battery powers the drive motor for motion. A second, parallel hybrid system, is used for load handling. This system uses both the engine and the generator to run its load handling hydraulic pump.

“Toyota has been a leader in hybrid development for years with the very popular Prius vehicle,” notes Brett Wood, president of Toyota Material Handling U.S.A., the U.S. distributor for Toyota material handling products and a subsidiary of Toyota Industries Corp. “We are excited to see hybrid technology entering the mainstream of material handling. This is a huge step forward for our industry.”