According to BYD, the ECB50 is an important contribution to climate improvement. The 5-ton electric forklift truck offers a clean alternative to applications where the until recently internal combustion engine, especially diesel forklift trucks, were the only option.

In addition to a high lifting force, if continuous operation is required, diesel forklifts are often put in practice. If the customer wishes to have a zero-emission lift truck, he can opt for an electric forklift truck, but a replacement battery is required for continuous operation.

Equipped with a lithium-ion battery, the ECB50 makes it easier to reload the truck and eliminates the need for an expensive exchange battery. The largest battery on the market available for this truck has a capacity of 810 Ah. This means that after the test measurements, the battery is suitable for average operation (with a single charge) of 6.5 hours in the most productive H mode. In the more economical L mode, an operating time of up to nine hours is possible. The performance of the BYD ECB50 is average in almost every respect in this heavier truck class.

A big advantage is the fast charging time of the lithium-iron-phosphate battery. The battery can be fully charged in just 2.5 hours with the appropriate 300-amp charger. This means that multi-shift operation is also possible without intermediate loading. In addition to the 810 Ah charger, BYD also supplies the new power pack with a 540 Ah battery. For both batteries, the manufacturer specifies a service life of eight years or 10,000 hours, whereby a minimum capacity of 65 percent is guaranteed at the end of this period. In addition to the 300A charger, a 200A charger is also available.

The Chinese manufacturer claims to offer an effective solution at the lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) on the market. According to the manufacturer, the savings compared to a 16-hour leasing contract for five years amounts to 38,000 euros. With the purchase (and a term of ten years) the saving amounts to even more than 75,000 €.

Providing a green and affordable alternative to the traditional combustion market was clearly more important than developing a modern design. The shape of the ECB50 is classic and angular, but has the necessary safety features and offers the driver sufficient comfort. Apart from the bright colour display and the electro-hydraulic parking brake, the test truck is very simple. However, numerous options are available, such as hill assist, dual pedals, joystick control of mast functions and steering synchronization. What’s more, the impressive looking truck is surprisingly smooth and easy to operate. The stability is convincing and the materials used are resistant under harsh conditions. The welds are still clearly visible, yet this is often the case with a handmade pre-series model.

IFOY test verdict

The BYD ECB50 has been developed in line with the market and is based on almost all average values of this class. The truck feels and works remarkably stable and its performance is a realistic alternative to combustion engine trucks. Only the finish deserves more attention. As with the smaller models from the Chinese manufacturer, the lithium-iron phosphate battery and the corresponding quick charger are the main strengths. The calculated savings can be realized, as well as the maintenance of the battery and the truck can be reduced to a minimum.