On January 8, 2026, BYD Forklift officially released the world’s first mass-produced sodium-ion electric counterbalance forklift at its global product launch event in Shaoguan, Guangdong. The launch marks the first large-scale commercial application of sodium-ion battery technology in industrial vehicles and signals a new stage in power solutions for the material handling industry.

The new sodium-ion forklift is designed to operate reliably in extreme temperatures, with stable performance from -40°C to 60°C, making it suitable for cold storage and severe cold regions. Compared with traditional lithium batteries, the sodium-ion battery shows better low-temperature performance and supports fast charging and high-rate discharge. BYD also targets a service life matching the full lifecycle of the forklift.

Thanks to the characteristics of sodium-ion batteries, the forklift can use a smaller-capacity battery while still meeting heavy-duty operation requirements, helping reduce both purchase and operating costs. In addition, sodium resources are more abundant and stable in supply, which provides further potential for long-term cost optimization after large-scale production.

BYD stated that the launch is based on its long-term technical accumulation in battery research and its full industrial chain integration capability, from cell development to complete vehicle manufacturing. The company believes that sodium-ion forklifts will open a new segment in the industrial vehicle market and provide a new solution for users working in special and low-temperature environments.