Greenland Technologies partners with Shandong on lithium battery forklifts

Greenland Technologies Holding Corporation, a technology developer and manufacturer of electric industrial vehicles and drivetrain systems for material handling machines and vehicles, has announced a strategic partnership with Shandong Zhongcha Heavy Industry Machinery Co. , a multinational heavy machinery and automotive manufacturing company, focused on providing lithium-powered electric lift trucks.

The partnership is structured to accomplish two strategic objectives, according to Greenland. First, the companies are joining forces to launch a lithium battery forklift, which utilizes Greenland’s new integrated drivetrain system that will be available for sale in the U.S. by Greenland starting in July 2021. Second, the two strategic partners will combine R&D resources to develop the next stage of lithium powered forklifts to ensure they remain positioned for market leadership over the longer term.

Headquartered in Jinan, Shandong, China, Shandong Zhongcha Heavy Industry Machinery Co. was founded in 2009 through a merger between Weichai Holding Group, Shandong Construction Machinery Group and Shandong Auto Industrial Group.

Raymond Wang, CEO of Greenland, commented, “This is another major development for our business, as we align with a powerful, well-funded strategic partner with extensive experience and customer relationships in our target markets. We have already spoken with numerous customers with very positive feedback for a lithium battery forklift solution. Importantly, we are confident we can bring our jointly-developed lithium battery powered forklift to market at a price point competitive with legacy acid battery powered vehicles. The competitive price point combined with the fact our vehicle is a safer, cleaner vehicle with a higher customer return on investment than traditional forklifts, gives us a winning market position with high-volume potential. We look forward to working together with Shandong, as we build a mutually successful, long-term partnership.”

According to Greenland, deliveries for its new GEF-series EV forklift, will start in September 2021 in the North American market.