BT is one of the most respected names in electric material handling equipment. Originally a Swedish manufacturer, BT Industries was acquired by Toyota Industries Corporation in June 2000, creating a global leader in the forklift truck industry. Since its inception, BT has been a pioneer in warehouse equipment, from inventing the first standardised European pallet to launching the first driverless truck in the 1970s. Today, BT operates as part of Toyota Material Handling, offering a comprehensive range of electric forklifts, pallet trucks, reach trucks, order pickers, and stackers built to the highest standards of quality, durability, and reliability.
The BT Product Lineup
BT’s electric forklift range is divided into several distinct product families, each designed for specific material handling applications:
Powered Pallet Trucks – BT Levio & BT Tyro
BT’s electric pallet trucks are available in pedestrian, platform, and stand‑in configurations, with load capacities ranging from 1.3 to 2.5 tonnes.
The BT Tyro series is the entry‑level electric pallet truck, perfect for light‑duty applications and occasional horizontal transport. The LHE130B handles loads up to 1,300 kg on a 24V system with a Li‑ion battery cassette. The Tyro combines the simplicity of a manual pallet truck with the productivity benefits of electric power, making it ideal for small shops, supermarkets, and lorry loading applications.
The BT Levio series represents a step up in performance and versatility. The LWE130 is a compact, lightweight powered pallet truck ideal for confined spaces such as on‑board delivery vehicles. The Levio S‑series stand‑in trucks offer travel speeds up to 12.5 km/h with 360° steering, while the P‑series platform trucks combine high speed with load capacities up to 2.5 tonnes. The LWI160 is the first Toyota truck designed solely around a modular Li‑ion battery concept, making it compact, incredibly light, and highly energy efficient. With models available from 1.3 to 2.5 tonnes, the Levio range covers everything from light warehouse duty to intensive logistics operations.
Reach Trucks – BT Reflex
The BT Reflex series is BT’s flagship reach truck line, offering load capacities from 1.2 to 2.5 tonnes and lift heights up to 13 metres. These trucks are suitable for pallet stacking in manufacturing sites, warehouses, drive‑in racking, and even cold storage facilities down to ‑30°C.
Key innovations include the patented transitional lift control system for smooth, shock‑free lifting, 360° steering for exceptional manoeuvrability, and the Totalview Concept with clear mast and fork carriage design for outstanding visibility. The Reflex is available with Toyota’s modular lithium‑ion solution in Standard, Intensive, or Max configurations. The O‑series features super‑elastic tyres and 145 mm ground clearance for both indoor and outdoor operation. An automated (driverless) version, the RAE series, uses laser‑based navigation and sensors for autonomous pallet handling.
Order Pickers – BT Optio
The BT Optio series is designed for efficient order picking at heights up to 3.4 metres. With load capacities from 1.0 to 2.7 tonnes, these narrow‑chassis trucks (810 mm wide) excel in confined spaces.
The Optio features an auxiliary lift that allows operators to position the load carrier at an ergonomic working height. Man‑up versions elevate the operator to 1.8 metres for efficient first, second, and third‑level picking. Walkie functions enable one‑handed operation, while the E‑man steering concept and low step‑in height enhance driver comfort. All Optio trucks come with telematics hardware as standard and can be connected to Toyota’s I_Site fleet management system.
Pallet Stackers – BT Staxio
The BT Staxio series offers electric pallet stackers with load capacities from 1.2 to 2.0 tonnes and lift heights up to 6 metres. These trucks are available in pedestrian and platform versions.
The P‑series platform stackers are designed for long‑distance travel in large warehouses, offering high speeds, high residual capacities, and ergonomic power steering. The unique 5‑point chassis provides excellent stability on ramps and uneven surfaces. The SPE120, SPE140, SPE160, and SPE200 models offer speeds from 6.0 to 10.0 km/h with smart truck telematics as standard. The SWE120 pedestrian stacker features a clear‑view mast, Click‑2‑Creep for safe control in tight spaces, and fingertip controls.
Electric Counterbalanced Forklifts – C‑Series
BT also manufactures electric counterbalanced forklifts, such as the C3E200, a 2,000 kg capacity electric forklift with a 16.1 hp motor, cushion tyres, and a maximum speed of 9.1 mph. These trucks are designed for efficient material handling in logistics, retail distribution, manufacturing, and construction supply.
Electric Side Loaders – VCE Series
For specialised applications, BT offers electric side loaders such as the VCE 150 A, with a 1.25‑tonne nominal load, 48V system, 2×5.5 kW traction motors, 14.5 kW hoist motor, and lift heights up to 8.19 metres. Side loaders are ideal for handling long, bulky loads in narrow aisles.
Very Narrow Aisle Trucks – BT Vector
BT’s Vector series offers very narrow aisle (VNA) electric forklifts in man‑up or man‑down versions, with fixed or articulated chassis options, designed to maximise performance and durability while optimising storage space.
Battery Technology – Lead‑Acid vs. Lithium‑Ion
BT electric forklifts are available with both traditional lead‑acid and advanced lithium‑ion (Li‑ion) batteries. Lithium‑ion variants deliver 30% faster charging, 50% longer cycles, and zero maintenance compared to lead‑acid. BT’s Li‑On ProSeries handles 2,000+ cycles versus 1,200 for traditional models.
The BT Levio LWI160 is the first Toyota truck designed solely around a modular Li‑ion battery concept, making the truck compact, light, and highly energy efficient. The BT Reflex is available with three intelligent energy packs—Standard, Intensive, or Max—to perfectly fit different operations and charging habits. The BT Tyro features an exchangeable cassette‑type Li‑ion battery that can be charged anywhere by plugging into a standard power outlet. Lithium‑ion batteries are also 30% more energy‑efficient than lead‑acid alternatives.
Smart Technology and Connectivity
All new BT electric forklifts come with smart truck telematics hardware as standard. These trucks can be easily connected with I_Site from Toyota Material Handling, offering insights into battery management, geolocation, shock detection, and much more. I_Site enables fleet managers to develop higher levels of safety, productivity, and efficiency through real‑time operational data.
Safety features across the BT range include PIN code access to ensure only authorised operators can use the trucks, Operator Detection Assist (ODA) using advanced sensor technology to monitor the operator’s position, and optimised cornering control that adjusts to the type of application.
Why Choose BT Electric Forklifts?
BT electric forklifts are built according to the Toyota Production System, ensuring the highest levels of quality, durability, and reliability. Whether you need a basic pallet truck for light‑duty applications, a high‑performance reach truck for 13‑metre stacking, or a specialised side loader for long loads, BT offers a solution engineered for productivity, safety, and low total cost of ownership.
With a legacy of innovation spanning decades, a comprehensive product range, and the backing of the world’s largest forklift manufacturer, BT electric forklifts represent a smart investment for warehouses, distribution centres, and manufacturing facilities worldwide.
Contact your local Toyota Material Handling dealer today to explore the full BT electric forklift range and find the right model for your operation.