Heavy Duty Electric Forklifts: A High-Performance Alternative to IC Engines
Aprolis, Carer partner in France, offers a complete range of heavy duty electric forklifts from 4.5 to 20 tonnes. These electric heavy duty forklifts represent the future of intensive handling, combining the power of IC engines with the quietness and efficiency of electric propulsion.
Why Choose a Heavy Duty Electric Forklift?
Carer heavy duty electric forklifts offer performance equivalent to IC engine models while eliminating pollutant emissions. Designed for the most demanding industrial applications, this equipment meets the needs of the automotive, steel, port and heavy logistics sectors.
With a lifting capacity ranging from 4,500 kg to 20,000 kg and lifting heights that can reach 10,000 mm, our heavy duty electric forklifts stand as the reference in electrified heavy handling.
The Carer range: solutions for every need
- R Series (4.5 to 16 tonnes): Developed for intensive handling in mixed indoor/outdoor use
- F Series (6 to 9 tonnes): Designed for optimal balance between capacity and maneuverability
- FHD Series (6 to 10 tonnes): High-density version for demanding applications
- Z Series (6 to 16 tonnes): Excellent visibility thanks to elevated operator position
- KR-H2 Series: From 4.5 to 8 tonnes, lifting height up to 2,800 mm
- KF-H and KF-HD2 Series: From 6 to 10 tonnes for standard containers
- KZ-H Series: 10 to 12 tonnes, ideal for heavy loads in containers
Available from 4.5 to 12 tonnes, they offer a compact footprint and exceptional maneuverability in confined spaces, essential characteristics for port logistics operations and multimodal transport.
- ZHD Series (10 to 12 tonnes): Robust construction for intensive industrial applications
- ZHC Series (10 to 14 tonnes): Solid tire forklift for specific floors
- ZH Series (14 to 18 tonnes): Exceptional capacities with reinforced stability
- A Series (7 to 16 tonnes @ 600 mm): Maximum versatility for all applications
- Capacity up to 20,000 kg with load center at 900 mm
- Maximum lifting height: 10,000 mm
- Power and performance comparable to IC engine forklifts
- Zero emissions for use in controlled environments
Carer Technologies: Excellence in Service of Performance
AC Asynchronous Electric Motors
All our heavy duty electric forklifts are equipped with AC asynchronous technology motors, guaranteeing:
- Maximum power: Acceleration and gradeability comparable to IC engines
- Superior reliability: Fewer wear parts, 40% reduced maintenance
- Energy efficiency: Energy recovery during braking up to 15%
- Precise control: Millimetric dosing of hydraulic movements
Flexible Energy Solutions
Our heavy duty electric forklifts offer a choice between several battery technologies:
Lead-Acid Batteries
Economic solution for moderate use: 5 to 8 hours autonomy in intensive use, 8 hours charging time, 1,500 cycles lifespan. Ideal for 1x8 or 2x8 operations.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Optimal performance for intensive 24/7 use: fast charging (2 hours for full charge), opportunity charging possible without memory effect, over 3,000 cycles lifespan, no maintenance required, up to 20% productivity gain.
Unique Interchangeability
Switch from lead-acid to lithium without forklift modification: scalable investment according to your needs, upgrade possible at any time, same technical platform for all batteries.
Ergonomic and Safe Cabin
Our electric heavy duty forklifts incorporate spacious cabins designed for operator comfort and productivity:
- 360° panoramic visibility: "Securit" glass on all sides, glass roof for optimal vertical control
- Ergonomic operator position: Multi-adjustable suspended seat, adjustable armrest joystick, telescopic steering column, ergonomic pedal assembly
- Active safety: Certified overhead guard, reinforced structures, full LED lighting, reverse alarm
Complete instrumentation: Multifunction LCD display, battery charge indicator, hour meter, integrated diagnostics
SPED Department: Your Custom-Built Forklifts
Carer's Special Products Equipment Design (SPED) department designs and manufactures customized solutions for your specific handling needs. This unique service allows you to obtain heavy duty electric forklifts perfectly adapted to your operational constraints.
Customization Examples
- Special equipment: coil clamps, telescopic forks, hydraulic rotators
- Particular configurations: exceptional lifting heights, reduced widths, custom capacities
- Sector adaptations: steel industry, paper industry, automotive, aerospace
Our design office analyzes your constraints and develops the optimal solution by combining proven technologies of our electric heavy duty forklifts with custom innovations.
Heavy Duty Electric Forklift Advantages
Operational Performance
- Zero emissions: Indoor use without ventilation constraints, compliance with the strictest environmental standards
- Low noise level: Only 70-75 dB, improved working conditions, reduced nuisance for neighbors
- Handling precision: Optimal control of heavy loads thanks to electronic hydraulic dosing
- Travel speed: Up to 20 km/h loaded and unloaded for maximum productivity
- Gradeability: Performance comparable to IC engines thanks to powerful traction motors
- Usage versatility: Indoor and outdoor without restriction
Economic Advantages
- Reduced operating cost: Electric energy up to 60% cheaper than diesel or gas over 5 years
- Simplified maintenance: No oil changes, no air filter, no clutch, 30 to 40% savings on maintenance costs
- Exceptional durability: Robust construction with lifespan over 15,000 hours
- Residual value: Better resale value thanks to growing demand for electric
Environmental Benefits
- Reduction of your fleet's carbon footprint
- Contribution to your company's CSR objectives
- Improvement of your sites' energy balance
- Anticipation of future environmental regulations
Industrial applications
Our heavy duty electric forklifts excel in numerous industrial sectors.
Handling of steel, aluminum and copper coils, transport of metal sheets and profiles, handling of long products, demanding environments with high temperatures.
Management of presses and dies, transport of heavy production equipment, handling of batteries and electrical components, body parts logistics.
Loading and unloading of shipping containers (specialized K series), handling of various palletized goods, intensive cross-docking operations, rail-road transshipment.
Transport of paper rolls of all formats, handling of finished paper pallets, pulp handling, applications in humid environments.
Handling of precast concrete elements, transport of heavy construction materials, handling of marble and natural stone products, construction sites requiring emission-free equipment.
Handling of big bags and containers, transport of bulk raw materials, management of palletized finished products, cold rooms and controlled environments.
Aprolis Solutions: rental, sales and service
Optimize your cash flow with our long-term rental packages including:
- Preventive and corrective maintenance included
- Technical assistance
- Flexible contract durations (36 to 120 months)
→ Discover our long-term rental solutions for heavy duty electric forklifts
For your occasional or seasonal needs:
- Availability from our fleet of heavy duty electric forklifts
- Daily, weekly or monthly rental
- Delivery and collection included
- Operator training possible
→ Discover our short-term rental solutions for heavy duty electric forklifts
Become owner of your equipment with our tailored solutions:
- Outright purchase with cash or installment payment
- Finance lease: preserve your borrowing capacity
- Customized financing solutions according to your situation
→ Discover our purchase and financing solutions for heavy duty electric forklifts
Our Carer-certified technicians ensure maintenance of your heavy duty electric forklift fleet:
- Customized maintenance contracts
- Scheduled preventive interventions
- Responsive emergency breakdown service
- Original spare parts in stock
- Nationwide network of 45 branches
→ Discover our maintenance contracts for heavy duty electric forklifts
Our experts analyze your needs to optimize your fleet:
- Audit of your current fleet
- IC engine vs electric profitability study
- Handling flow optimization
- Recommendations on suitable models
- TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) calculation over 5-10 years
Why Choose Aprolis for Your Heavy Duty Electric Forklifts?
- Recognized expertise: Over 50 years of experience in heavy handling, heavy duty application specialists
- Carer Partner in France: direct access to manufacturer, in-depth technical training, original spare parts
- Permanent stock: Fast delivery throughout France, wide choice of available configurations
- After-sales service: Nationwide network of 45 branches, manufacturer-certified technicians, 7/7 technical hotline
- Complete solutions: From initial audit to preventive maintenance, operator training included, support throughout lifespan
European presence: Aprolis operates in France, UK, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Luxembourg
Request Your Customized Quote
Our experts analyze your needs and propose the heavy duty electric forklift suited to your applications. Benefit from complete support for your transition to electric.
- ✓ IC engine/electric comparative profitability study
- ✓ Fast response with detailed technical proposal
- ✓ 5-year TCO calculation
- ✓ Customized financing support
Contact our specialists or fill out our form to receive your customized quote.

Frequently asked questions about heavy duty electric forklifts
What is the autonomy of a heavy duty electric forklift?
With lead-acid battery: 5 to 8 hours of intensive use with an 8-hour charging time. With lithium-ion battery: continuous 24/7 operation possible thanks to opportunity charging (charging during breaks). A full lithium charge takes approximately 2 hours.
Can a heavy duty electric forklift be used outdoors?
Yes, all Carer heavy duty electric forklifts are designed for mixed indoor/outdoor use. They are equipped with weather protection, suitable tires and powerful traction motors offering excellent performance on slopes (up to 18% when loaded).
What is the cost of a heavy duty electric forklift compared to IC engine?
At purchase, a heavy duty electric forklift represents a 15 to 25% premium compared to an IC engine equivalent. However, over a 5-year period, savings on energy costs (60% savings) and maintenance (30 to 40% savings) allow to recover this investment and achieve an overall saving of 30 to 40% on total TCO.
What lifting heights are available?
Lifting heights vary by model: K Series (containers): up to 2,800 mm; R, F, Z standard series: up to 8,500 mm; Heavy duty series: up to 10,000 mm. Different mast types are available: standard, duplex, triplex and quadruplex according to your needs.
What maintenance is required for a heavy duty electric forklift?
Maintenance of a heavy duty electric forklift is considerably simplified compared to IC engines: no engine oil changes, no air or fuel filter replacement, no clutch maintenance. Main operations consist of: hydraulic fluid level checks, tire condition monitoring, battery maintenance (lead-acid only), brake system checks. With lithium-ion battery, maintenance is even more reduced.
What is the difference between Carer forklift series?
Each Carer series meets specific needs: K Series: specialized for container handling with reduced height; R Series: versatile for intensive indoor/outdoor use; F Series: optimal balance between capacity and compact dimensions; Z Series: elevated operator position for maximum visibility; A Series: very high capacity (up to 20 tonnes) for heavy applications. Our experts advise you on the most suitable model for your needs.
Go Electric with Aprolis and Carer
Carer heavy duty electric forklifts represent the future of heavy handling. By choosing Aprolis as your partner, you benefit from the expertise of the French leader in heavy handling and the recognized know-how of Italian manufacturer Carer.
Our commitment: to support you in your energy transition with efficient, economical and environmentally friendly solutions. From equipment selection to team training, through maintenance and financing, Aprolis is by your side at every step.
Contact us today to discover how our electric heavy duty forklifts can transform your handling operations.