A new range of 1.5 to 2.0 tonne electric forklifts have been launched by Doosan, with the firm optimistic the products will help bolster its market share. 

The four-wheel B18X-7 is able to turn to 86 degrees, reducing the forklift's turning radius by 160 mm to 1,795 mm, which will allow it to operate in narrower confines than its predecessors, Logistics Manager reports. 

One major new addition is the side lift-in lift-out battery change system, which makes it possible to change batteries quickly and safely with a hand pallet truck.

Sales statistics from the British Industrial Truck Association show that 37 per cent of counterbalance trucks sold in the UK last year were electric – and an increased focus on reducing carbon footprints was cited as one factor behind this trend. 

Doosan chief executive officer Tim Waples said diesel models traditionally offered better performance and reliability - but his company's new models mean there is no longer a compromise.