A 1.5 ton electric forklift is a battery-powered industrial truck with a rated capacity of 1,500 kg (approximately 3,300 lbs). It is one of the most popular sizes for warehouse operations, offering a balance of lifting capacity and maneuverability for a wide range of indoor material handling tasks.
Key Specifications
Specifications vary by model, but the table below shows typical figures for popular 1.5-ton electric forklifts currently in production.
Specification EP EFS151 Noblelift FE3R15E UniCarriers TX3-15S SOCMA FB15
Load Capacity 1,500 kg 1,500 kg 1,500 kg 1,500 kg
Load Center 500 mm — 500 mm 500 mm
Voltage 48 V 48 V 48 V 48 V
Traction Motor 6 kW — 2 x 5.5 kW 8 kW
Hoist Motor 5.5 kW — 9.3 kW 8.2 kW
Turning Radius 1.54 m 1.59 m 1.45 m 1.78 m
Overall Width 1,060 mm — 1,075 mm 1,070 mm
Overall Height 1,995 mm — 2,110 mm 1,995 mm
Lift Height 3,000 mm 3,000 mm 3,300 mm 3,000 mm
Weight (w/ battery) 2,200 kg 2,440 kg 2,432 kg 2,690 kg
All models listed use a 48-volt electrical system and a 500 mm load center, with standard mast configurations providing approximately 3,000 mm of lift height.
Popular Brands and Models
Several major manufacturers offer 1.5-ton electric forklifts with features tailored to different applications:
Jungheinrich EFG BA 113/115 – This model features the smallest aisle width in its class, making it ideal for warehouses with narrow aisles or limited space. It offers 48V batteries for one or two-shift operation, and features regenerative braking and 3-phase AC technology. Available with lithium-ion technology for fast charging and zero maintenance.
TYPHON VIGOR 1.5 – A compact 1.5-ton electric forklift designed for low-ceiling indoor use. It features a 60V/260Ah lithium battery with a 10-hour runtime on a 6-hour charge. Maximum lifting height is 4,500 mm with a three-stage mast, and the turning radius is 2,210 mm. Solid rubber tires provide durability for warehouse operations.
Heli CPD15 – A 1.5-ton AC electric battery forklift offering a battery capacity of 400 Ah (550 Ah optional) and a newly designed wide-view mast for excellent visibility.
Manitou ME 315 FOB – A 1.5-ton electric forklift with a traction motor of 4.5 kW and a hoist motor of 8.6 kW. Travel speed reaches 16 km/h both with and without load, and the turning radius is compact for warehouse maneuvering.
Noblelift FE3R15E – A 48V electric forklift with a weight of 2.44 tons and a turning radius of 1.59 meters. Known for its compact design and reliable performance.
EP EFS151 – A 1.5-ton electric forklift with a traction motor of 6 kW and a hoist motor of 5.5 kW. Travel speed ranges up to 45 km/h with or without load, making it one of the fastest in its class.
UniCarriers TX3-15S – Features dual 5.5 kW traction motors and a 9.3 kW hoist motor, with a turning radius of just 1.45 meters. Travel speed reaches 16 km/h both with and without load.
PALFINGER FLM 15 – A compact truck-mounted electric forklift with a 1.5-ton capacity and the lowest weight in its class at 1,420 kg (without forks). Designed for confined work areas.
Price Range (2026)
Prices for 1.5-ton electric forklifts vary significantly based on brand, battery type, and configuration:
Price Tier Range Typical Models
Entry-Level / Chinese Brands $6,300 – $8,000 OEM brands, basic 48V models
Mid-Range $8,000 – $12,000 TYPHON, EP, Noblelift
Premium Brands $12,000 – $20,000+ Jungheinrich, Manitou, UniCarriers
The real "sweet spot" for serious warehouse buyers is the $8,000 to $12,000 range for new 1.5-3 ton units, where approximately 80% of the market action occurs. Lithium battery upgrades typically add to the upfront cost but offer longer runtime and lower total cost of ownership.
Selecting the Right 1.5-Ton Electric Forklift
1. Aisle Width
If your warehouse has narrow aisles, the Jungheinrich EFG BA 113/115 offers the smallest aisle width in its class. The UniCarriers TX3-15S also features a tight 1.45 m turning radius.
2. Battery Type
Lithium-ion batteries, as seen on the TYPHON VIGOR 1.5, offer fast charging (6 hours for 10 hours of runtime) and zero maintenance. Lead-acid batteries are more affordable upfront but require longer charging times and regular maintenance.
3. Lift Height
Standard mast configurations lift approximately 3,000 mm, but some models like the TYPHON VIGOR 1.5 offer three-stage masts with maximum lift heights of 4,500 mm.
4. Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
Most 1.5-ton electric forklifts are designed primarily for indoor use. The Jungheinrich EFG BA 113/115 can also operate outdoors, making it one of the more versatile options in this class.
The bottom line: A 1.5-ton electric forklift offers 1,500 kg capacity with compact dimensions ideal for warehouse operations. Prices range from approximately $6,300 for entry-level models** to **over $20,000 for premium brands. Popular models include the Jungheinrich EFG BA 113/115 (smallest aisle width in its class), TYPHON VIGOR 1.5 (lithium battery, 10-hour runtime), and UniCarriers TX3-15S (1.45 m turning radius). Consider lift height requirements, battery type, and aisle width when selecting the right model for your operation.
