Get FinancingBobcat Launches New Lithium-Ion Battery Packs For Ride-On Electric Forklifts
Posted On: February 23, 2026
Bobcat recently announced a new line of high-performance, lithium-ion battery packs for electric sit-down forklifts. The new batteries give owners a superior alternative to traditional lead-acid power packs with faster charging and lower total cost of ownership. Bobcat plans North American availability in Q1 2026, and sooner for certain markets elsewhere.
“With this new lithium‑ion battery line, Bobcat is expanding its electric power portfolio to support forklift businesses and their growing shift toward advanced power solutions,” says Bobcat product manager Jaesung Choi. “These batteries are purpose‑built for rigorous, day‑to‑day use, offering durability, efficiency, and productivity for the most demanding material-handling applications.”
Battery Uptime Benefits
Bobcat’s new Li-ion battery packs are designed expressly for electric Class I cushion tire, pneumatic-tire, and three-wheel forklifts. The 48- and 80-volt units come in 400- and 600-ampere-hour (Ah) capacities designed to supply consistent power in high-utilization environments such as warehouses and manufacturing and distribution centers.
The manufacturer says the new batteries can recharge up to 50% faster than many comparable systems, eliminating battery swapping and making them more appealing to rental operations and facilities running extended or multiple work shifts. Their Li-ion design avoids the watering and daily maintenance requirements of conventional lead-acid batteries.
Built Bobcat Tough
Bobcat engineered the new battery packs with a reinforced internal structure and laser-welded connections to withstand vibration up to 5G. The housing has an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance in indoor, outdoor, and mixed-use environments.
The Li-ion units’ precise thermal management provides stability under heavy loads and long duty cycles. An integrated cold-weather heating pad activates automatically to maintain the batteries’ performance in low temperatures. This allows the power packs to serve in cold conditions, such as chilled warehouse work.
The new Bobcat power cells are certified to UL 2580 (battery) safety standards. When installed, they update the machine’s UL 583 (truck) certification to confirm compliance with electric forklift equipment requirements. The company will show off the new lithium batteries at the Modex 2026 manufacturing and supply chain show in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 13 to 16, 2026.
Find New & Used Bobcat Forklifts For Sale
Explore TreeTrader.com to find new and used Bobcat equipment for sale, including Bobcat pneumatic-tire forklifts from a variety of sellers. Bobcat is a Doosan company.