Hybrid concept forklift premiered
August 1st 2008 Visitors to CeMAT 2008
witnessed the European
premiere of the Toyota
Hybrid Concept Forklift – a
concept truck using
technology inspired by
the Toyota Prius.
The Toyota Hybrid
Concept Forklift is designed
to cut CO2 emissions and
fuel consumption while
delivering the same overall
performance as internal
combustion (IC) models. The
Prius hybrid vehicle was
launched in 1997 and won
the European Car of the Year
award in 2005.
Previously displayed only
in Japan, the Toyota Hybrid
Concept Forklift combines
electric and internal
combustion technology.
The concept forklift
combines an IC engine,
electric generator and
battery in a design that
allows the engine to operate
with optimum fuel/emissions
efficiency. The forklift shifts
automatically between
battery and engine mode,
simultaneously recharging
the battery during operation.
Toyota says it aims to
develop core technologies
that dramatically reduce
exhaust emissions. The
company is exploring a range
of technologies using
existing fuels as well as
alternative energy sources. More articles from Toyota Material Handling (UK) Ltd: | 
