Bobcat Company has introduced a new line of lithium-ion battery packs for Class I electric forklifts. The batteries will be available in North America in the first quarter of 2026, with earlier availability in select global markets.
According to the company, the batteries are designed to deliver consistent power in high-demand material-handling environments.
“With this lithium-ion battery line, Bobcat is expanding its electric power portfolio to support forklift operations transitioning to advanced power solutions,” said Jaesung Choi, product manager, Bobcat Company.
Battery Specifications And Performance
The lithium-ion packs are designed for cushion-tire, pneumatic-tire, and 3-wheel forklifts. The lineup includes 48-volt and 80-volt models available in 400Ah and 600Ah capacities.
Bobcat states the batteries charge up to 50% faster than many comparable systems. The packs do not require watering, daily maintenance, or battery swaps.
The batteries are certified to UL 2580 standards for battery safety. When installed in a forklift, the vehicle’s UL 583 certification is updated to confirm compliance with electric forklift equipment requirements.
Design Features For Demanding Environments
The batteries are built with a reinforced structure designed to withstand vibrations up to 5G. The system includes thermal management and laser-welded connections to support consistent operation under heavy loads and long duty cycles.
An integrated cold-weather heat pad activates automatically in low temperatures to help maintain output in freezer facilities and winter climates. The batteries also feature an IP65-rated dust- and water-resistant design for indoor and outdoor use.
Additional features include user-focused charging and discharging interfaces, automatic sleep mode, a quick wake-up function, and accessible components intended to support fleet and rental applications.
Total Cost Of Ownership And Industry Showcase
Bobcat says the modular battery and weight system is designed to improve installation flexibility and reduce service complexity, contributing to lower operating costs over time.
The company will showcase the lithium-ion battery packs at MODEX 2026, April 13-16 in Atlanta.
