This exciting new technology, covered by 7 patents and with 7 additional patents pending, is the first of its kind in the world, and opens up exciting new opportunities for improved energy efficiencies and a greener world for electric truck users around the globe.

Komatsu developed this system in response to customer demands for a more energy efficient electric forklift that would run for long periods of time at peak performance levels. The Komatsu electric hybrid delivers by working for eleven hours per day with a one-hour opportunity charge during the shift. This new technology utilizes a sealed, maintenance-free battery, built-in inverter charger, capacitor, and on-board charge controller to keep the truck running at peak performance throughout its work cycle.

The truck draws its power from two energy sources, a capacitor, and a sealed, maintenance-free, motive power industrial battery. The controller efficiently captures five different sources of regenerated current and stores the energy in a large capacitor. This capacitor then delivers current to the truck, as directed by the on-board controller to deliver power as needed to achieve peak performance levels. Komatsu’s hybrid electric forklift is commercially available in the Japanese market and will soon be available in other global markets, including North America. It is currently available on the AE50, four-wheel pneumatic electric model family, but is quickly being expanded to other electric truck families.

Komatsu Forklift U.S.A. with its headquarters, product support and production facilities in Covington, Georgia, offers a wide range of internal combustion engine and electric model forklifts with capacities from 3,000 to 35,000 pounds. Komatsu stands behind their products with superior service, genuine OEM parts, and a comprehensive warranty program administered through a dependable dealer network with over 195 locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central & South America. Since 1921 Komatsu has been a global leader in the construction and mining equipment industry. And since 1945, Komatsu Forklift has built upon that heritage by producing innovative, high-quality, durable and reliable forklifts to meet and exceed the needs of their customers.

For further information please contact Komatsu Forklift U.S.A., Inc, Marketing Department, 14481 Lochridge Blvd., Covington, Georgia, 30014. Phone Number (770) 788-3440, Fax Number (770) 385-6003, or visit the Komatsu Forklift website at http://www.kfiusa.com or send e-mail to ^{kallmandinger@kfiusa.com}