Hyundai Material Handling has emerged as a major force in electric forklifts, with its high-voltage B-X Series setting a new benchmark for heavy-duty electric performance. Designed to match diesel forklifts in power and productivity while eliminating emissions and reducing operating costs, Hyundai's electric lineup spans from compact 3-wheel warehouse trucks to heavy-duty 9-tonne industrial machines, with 10-18 tonne versions scheduled for release in 2026.
The B-X Series: Hyundai's Flagship Electric Lineup
The B-X Series is Hyundai's most advanced electric forklift range, engineered for intensive, heavy-duty applications. Operating at 309-348V high voltage, these trucks deliver diesel-comparable performance with zero emissions.
B-X Series Models and Capacities
Model Range Load Capacity Voltage Key Application
25-35B-X 2,500 – 3,500 kg (5,500 – 7,700 lbs) 48V/80V General warehouse, light industrial
40-55B-X 9,000 – 12,000 lbs 309V Heavy-duty indoor/outdoor
60-90B-X 13,500 – 20,000 lbs 348V High-capacity industrial
10-18 tonne (2026) 10,000 – 18,000 kg High-voltage Ports, heavy industry
Key B-X Specifications (25-35B-X)
Voltage: 48V / 600-700Ah
Travel Speed (Unloaded): 15 km/h
Turning Radius: 2,135 – 2,457 mm
Overhead Guard Height: 2,175 mm
Overall Width: 2,360 – 2,553 mm
Performance Advantages
Up to 14 hours of operation on a 2-hour charge
IP67 and IP69K ratings for outdoor use in wet, harsh, or cold conditions down to -40°F
UL and CE certified – the only electric forklifts in their class with UL certification
Estimated 10-year savings of $58,000 (4-5 tonne) to $76,000 (6-9 tonne)
70% lower annual fuel and maintenance costs compared to diesel equivalents
Break-even point at Year 3
15% savings on electric bills with lithium-ion battery
Advanced Safety Systems
Anti roll-back system for ramp protection
Operator Presence Sensing System (OPSS)
Deep drop battery design for lower center of gravity
Optional auto tilting for precise fork positioning
Seatbelt interlock and password protection
The 9 Series: Proven Electric Performance
The 9 Series is Hyundai's established electric forklift line, available in 48V and 80V configurations for customers seeking proven reliability with market-leading energy efficiency.
9 Series Models and Specifications
Model Capacity Voltage Travel Speed Turning Radius
25-35BH-9 2,500 – 3,500 kg 80V / 500-600Ah 19 km/h (unloaded) 1,925 – 2,144 mm
40-50B-9 4,000 – 5,000 kg 80V / 700Ah 18 km/h (loaded) 2,670 – 2,705 mm
16-20B-9 1,600 – 2,000 kg 48V 10.6 mph 85-90 in (length to forks)
9 Series Features
100% AC ZAPI control system with brushless AC motors
Curve control for smooth, precise turning
3.5-inch LCD monitor displaying speed, battery discharge, hour meter, working mode
Grammer™ full suspension seat for operator comfort
Side battery removal for easy replacement
Gradeability: 22%-24% for BH models
Compact 3-Wheel Electric Forklifts
For tight spaces and maneuverability, Hyundai offers the 20BCS-9 and similar 3-wheel electric stand-up models.
20BCS-9 (3-Wheel Stand-Up)
Load Capacity: 3,000-4,000 lbs
Voltage: 36V
Travel Speed: 7.5 mph
Tire Type: Cushion
Rental Rate: $265/day, $665/week
Battery Technology Options
Hyundai electric forklifts offer flexible battery choices:
Battery Type Key Features Best For
Lithium-Ion (LFP) 2-hour rapid charging, zero daily maintenance, 14-hour runtime, 15% energy savings Multi-shift, high-throughput operations
Lead-Acid Lower upfront cost, proven technology Single-shift, budget-conscious operations
Lithium-Ion Advantages
Rapid charging in just 2 hours
No daily maintenance – no watering, no equalization
Consistent performance throughout shift – no voltage sag
Opportunity charging during breaks and shift changeovers
Side battery replacement without expensive crane equipment
High-Voltage Architecture (B-X Series)
40-55 B-X: 309V LFP battery (173Ah standard)
60-90 B-X: 347.7V LFP battery (200Ah standard, 268Ah option)
Higher voltage = lower current = less heat generation = consistent performance throughout shift
Cost and Pricing
Condition Price Range Notes
New Hyundai Forklifts $25,000 – $85,000 Full warranties and customization
Certified Used Models $12,000 – $45,000 150-point inspections
Entry-Level Electric $20,000 – $45,000 Smaller capacity units
Total Cost of Ownership Advantage
$58,000 estimated savings over 10 years (4-5 tonne range)
$76,000 estimated savings over 10 years (6-9 tonne range)
70% lower annual fuel and maintenance costs than diesel
Break-even at Year 3
Safety and Operator Comfort Features
Safety Systems
Operator Presence Sensing System (OPSS): Restricts driving, lift, and tilt when operator leaves seat
Anti-Roll Back System: Prevents rollback on ramps and inclines
Deep Drop Battery Design: Low center of gravity for enhanced stability
Seatbelt Interlock: Stops forklift if seatbelt is not fastened
Password Setting System: Protects against unsupervised use and theft
Operator Comfort
Ergonomic cabin with ideally positioned seat for precise control
Reduced steering wheel diameter by over 1.5" for precise handling
Multifunction LCD cluster with real-time data display
Grammer™ full suspension seat with adjustable armrests
Panoramic mirror for expanded rear view
Serviceability
Side battery replacement without expensive equipment
Controller self-diagnosis through the cluster without specialized equipment
Wet disc brakes for greater reliability and lower maintenance
Where to Buy Hyundai Electric Forklifts
Hyundai electric forklifts are available through authorized dealers worldwide. Major distributors include:
Thompson Lift Truck (Southeast US) – Hyundai 20BCS-9 available
Triwest Forklifts (Australia) – 25, 30, 35BE-X models
Hyundai Material Handling – Direct sales through regional dealers
Online Marketplaces – Machinio, Aucto, and other industrial equipment platforms
Rental Options
20BCS-9 (3-Wheel): $265/day, $665/week
Standard electric forklifts available for daily, weekly, and monthly rental through authorized dealers
The Bottom Line
Hyundai electric forklifts offer a compelling alternative to internal combustion models, with the high-voltage B-X Series delivering diesel-comparable performance at significantly lower operating costs. The combination of 2-hour rapid charging, 14-hour runtime, IP67/IP69K weather protection, and estimated 70% lower annual fuel and maintenance costs makes these machines ideal for operations transitioning from diesel to electric. With capacities ranging from 1.6 tonnes to 9 tonnes (and 10-18 tonne models coming in 2026), Hyundai provides electric solutions for virtually every material handling application.