Hyster's Configurable Electric Forklifts Offer Long Run Times

The integrated lithium-ion battery power of the Hyster J230-400XD series provides the performance and reliability required by demanding environments, while offering a zero-emission alternative to internal combustion engine power.
Aug. 12, 2025
3 min read

Hyster offers an expanded lineup of high-capacity electric forklifts that offer the configurability to match a range of heavy-duty applications. The integrated lithium-ion battery power of the Hyster J230-400XD series provides the performance and reliability required by demanding environments, while offering a zero-emission alternative to internal combustion engine power.

The J230-400XD series is available with a range of battery sizes to match duty cycle and charging requirements, configurable up to 280kW. The 350-volt architecture provides a right-sized solution for internal combustion-like performance and energy efficiency. This solution offers long run times and minimizes energy loss without the additional cost and complexity of high voltage systems.

Hyster now offers this model series of integrated lithium-ion big trucks with load capacities from 23,000 to 40,000 pounds and 24-, 36-, or 48-inch load centers.

“This expanded line of high-capacity lithium-ion trucks is an example of our continued commitment to provide a practical electric solution with a competitive total cost of ownership that can be tailored to meet the needs of as many applications as possible, from lumber and metals to ports and other intense operations,” said Ricky Hirani, global commercial product leader, big trucks, Hyster. “We also took steps with this series to help ease the transition for operations pursuing decarbonization. This includes a high level of commonality with equivalent diesel Hyster models, tools to help monitor and manage batteries and compatibility with common charging infrastructure.” 

Combined charging systems
All Hyster electric big trucks incorporate the combined charging systems as standard. This global electric vehicle charging standard enables operations to cost effectively scale charging for multiple applications and types of equipment through a single, standardized charging connector that has been adopted across numerous industries and geographies. Equipment with the right battery pack and charger, the truck in a typical duty cycle can add approximately an hour of work time from 11 minutes of charging at 90 kW. Each truck includes an onboard Battery Management System that provides detailed information on battery health and overall performance. BMS also helps monitor overheating, control overcharging and manages lift interrupt at low charge. 

Multiple performance modes allow operators to tailor deceleration and regeneration to suit specific tasks. Based on the deceleration level selected, regenerative braking sends energy back to the battery, helping increase time between charges. The cockpit-style cabin keeps all truck information and controls within reach. A range of seat configurations and an adjustable control arm helps keep operators comfortable. Batteries are integrated into the existing high-capacity truck design, helping provide the same level of rear visibility as on most equivalent I.C.E. models.

About the Author

Michael Roth

Editor

Michael Roth has covered the equipment rental industry full time for RER since 1989 and has served as the magazine’s editor in chief since 1994. He has nearly 30 years experience as a professional journalist. Roth has visited hundreds of rental centers and industry manufacturers, written hundreds of feature stories for RER and thousands of news stories for the magazine and its electronic newsletter RER Reports. Roth has interviewed leading executives for most of the industry’s largest rental companies and manufacturers as well as hundreds of smaller independent companies. He has visited with and reported on rental companies and manufacturers in Europe, Central America and Asia as well as Mexico, Canada and the United States. Roth was co-founder of RER Reports, the industry’s first weekly newsletter, which began as a fax newsletter in 1996, and later became an online newsletter. Roth has spoken at conventions sponsored by the American Rental Association, Associated Equipment Distributors, California Rental Association and other industry events and has spoken before industry groups in several countries. He lives and works in Los Angeles when he’s not traveling to cover industry events.

Sign up for Rental Equipment Register Newsletters