California's Bold Move on Forklift Emissions: A Blueprint for a Greener Future

      Zero-Emission Forklift Regulations On June 27, 2024, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) gave the green light to the Zero-Emission Forklift Regulations.

    This regulation mandates the gradual phase-out of large spark-ignition forklifts. It also places restrictions on the production and sale of Class IV and Class V LSI forklifts within California. The ultimate aim is to make all forklifts zero-emission by 2038.

Effective January 1, 2026, fleet operators are prohibited from acquiring any additional LSI forklifts. By March 31, 2026, they must reach out to power suppliers to deliberate on the potential installation or upgrade of electrical services.

Starting from January 1, 2028, existing target forklifts will be phased out in a model-year-by-model-year manner. And when it comes to replacements, only zero-emission equipment will be allowed.

       Under the new regulations, old internal combustion forklifts will be phased out progressively. Beginning in 2025, internal combustion forklifts manufactured in 2012 and earlier will be prohibited from operation, and the ban will expand year by year. For instance, forklifts of the 2013 model will be taken out of service in 2026, the 2014 models in 2027, and so on. By the end of 2035, all regulated forklifts must comply with unified emission standards.

      Even though electric pallet trucks represent a relatively small portion of non-road emissions, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regards electrification as an effective initial step. Angie Polanco, an engineer at CARB, noted that the electrification of forklifts facilitates the rapid introduction of zero-emission vehicles. Many indoor forklifts have already achieved zero emissions, which has set a solid foundation for the implementation of this policy.

        Market research indicates that the demand for electric forklifts is expected to grow at an average annual rate of over 10% within the next five years. This growth is mainly driven by environmental regulations and corporate sustainability goals. Manufacturers of forklifts for the livestock industry are also introducing electric models, which are equipped with enhanced battery systems and intelligent layout designs to boost work efficiency and safety. Additionally, some companies are investing in the research and development of hydrogen fuel cell forklifts. These forklifts can achieve zero emissions and allow for quick hydrogen refueling during short breaks, making them suitable for high-intensity working conditions.

       Forklift operators are obliged to register all their forklifts with the state government and submit annual reports containing details such as the brand, model, manufacturing year, lifting capacity of each forklift, as well as specific data on power sources and capacities, to ensure compliance with zero-emission regulations.

With the continuous advancement of technology and the growing market demand, electric pallet trucks electric pallet trucks and zero-emission solutions are set to become the mainstream choices in the future logistics industry. This not only helps companies reduce their carbon footprint but also enhances overall operational efficiency and drives the sustainable development of the  industry.

    In the current scenario where transportation, logistics equipment, and environmental protection are given high priority, forklift operators must strictly adhere to the new regulations to ensure that all equipment meets zero-emission standards and avoid potential penalties.