The trucks designed for the demanding European market by Chinese manufacturer BYD are more highly developed than rival machines made in Asia. The Chinese trucks with “European character” are all equipped with twin drive motors for additional manoeuvrability and maintenance-free wet brakes instead of drum brakes.

BYD offers the ECB 18C in a basic and a comfort version, the main difference being in the cabin features: the basic version is fitted with a mechanical lever, while the comfort version comes with electrohydraulic levers and deluxe Grammer seat.

The BYD is a good-looking machine. It is fitted with a bright, modern colour display made in-house by BYD. The selected settings and battery discharge level are easily visible. The armrest can be adjusted to suit the sitting position of the driver. Practical mini-levers make mast operation extremely convenient while offering excellent precision of mast positioning. The duplex mast in the IFOY test provides a good view of the fork tips, and all-round visibility is also good. There is a mast cushioning feature at floor level. The forklift is remarkably compact yet is in no way restrictive for the driver. Legroom and foot space are generous, and the overall finish of the BYD is far superior to that of its Chinese competitors.

The software settings of the truck are also adapted to European standards, ensuring extremely responsive handling. The driver can also choose from three operating modes on the display menu: H (High), M (Medium) and L (Low).

In “High”, the forklift shows strong acceleration, and the 80-volt battery gives ample power to the compact vehicle. Steering is predictable but could be slightly smoother on empty runs. Different tyres would also be an improvement in this respect. The power and adjustment of the curve control system have been greatly improved compared to the first edition of the BYD truck.

In addition, handling and operation of the forklift are predictable and easy. In the view of the test team, the BYD handles best of all in the “Medium” setting.

The lithium-iron phosphate batteries were developed to minimise operating costs. The battery is a fast charger, and the producer claims it has a service life equivalent to that of the machine itself. BYD still guarantees 65 percent capacity after 10 years of operation. Moreover, the battery is completely maintenance-free and can be charged anywhere – without the need for an expensive charging station or replacement batteries.

Despite its powerful performance, energy consumption of the BYD is below the test average. Thanks to the different drive modes, the driver can also influence energy consumption and therefore save additional energy. Fully electric steering or automatic steering pump shutoff in stationary operating mode could generate further potential for cost efficiency.

A battery change is no longer necessary for full-day operation, even in multi-shift duty. It is sufficient to connect the truck to the charger, preferably during every break. This is fast and easy via the side door on the forklift. The battery has no memory effect and can be charged at any time irrespective of the charging status. Thanks to its iron-phosphate technology, the BYD passed a series of tests designed primarily to test reliable battery use with flying colours.

The test measurements show that the BYD runs for almost five hours in the most heavy-duty mode, easily bridging the gap to the next break, when the battery can be almost completely recharged. In the “M” mode, the machine keeps going for just under six hours.

IFOY test verdict

In the ECB18C, BYD has brought an attractive forklift on to the market which need not fear comparison with its European competitors. Indeed, BYD even offers significant value added in terms of battery technology. The battery can be re-charged rapidly, as often as desired and without memory effect, which means even three-shift duty is possible with the same battery. All the driver needs to do is charge the truck during every break.