Krones AG has become the first industrial company in Germany to operate an electric forklift in the 25-tonne load class. At its Bavaria production site, the company introduced a Konecranes E-VER 25-1200 C to replace a diesel unit – slashing operational CO₂ emissions while improving lifting performance and operator comfort.
Industry context and challenge - Balancing operational demands and emission reductions
German mechanical engineering company Krones AG designs and delivers production and packaging solutions for the food & beverage, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries worldwide. At its manufacturing site in Bavaria, components are constantly being moved between areas and lifted into position. Operations depend on flawless internal logistics.
Environmental considerations are increasingly shaping how this work is carried out. Krones AG has defined clear 2030 climate targets, including measures to lower energy consumption and reduce emissions at its own production sites. The company has set a long-term ambition to achieve net-zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2040.
Against this backdrop of demanding internal logistics and strict environmental targets, Krones AG evaluated how electrification could reduce operational emissions without compromising efficiency. Long-standing Konecranes distributor Carl Beutelhauser Kommunal- und Fördertechnik GmbH & Co was brought in to support the transition to an electric Konecranes E-VER 25-1200 C forklift.
Solution from Konecranes - The electric forklift truck enters operations
The 25-tonne capacity lift truck is equipped with a Li-ion battery that uses the European CCS2 fast charging standard. The charge level can be increased from 20 to 100 percent in approximately 80 minutes. Hydraulic return flow is also used to replenish the battery.
The vehicle’s compact length and reduced wheelbase support efficient operation in restricted internal spaces, without affecting the required load center. Long forks allow large and heavy components to be handled safely, while the 180-degree rotating seat gives operators a clear line of sight during reversing.
The E-VER 25-1200 C also comes equipped with Konecranes TRUCONNECT® for remote monitoring. Operational and condition data collected from the forklift supports more efficient maintenance planning and reduces downtime.
Results and impact - Measurable emission reductions and performance gains
By upgrading their operations with the electric forklift, Krones AG has achieved a measurable reduction in CO₂ emissions from its internal logistics operations.
When calculated for 1,000 operating hours per year, the truck reduces annual CO₂ emissions by around 35 tonnes. As Krones AG operates the equipment using electricity from renewable sources, the annual reduction exceeds 50 tonnes of CO₂.
This has been achieved alongside measurable performance improvements in several areas. The electric forklift provides a lifting speed up to 25 percent higher than its diesel predecessor. During lowering operations, up to 15 percent of the energy used is recovered and returned to the battery – further supporting overall energy efficiency.
The electric drivetrain delivers noise levels up to 50 percent lower than the previous diesel truck, along with significantly reduced vibrations. The lift truck is equipped with the Konecranes OPTIMA cabin, which has a spacious layout and large glass surfaces to provide clear all-round visibility. A rotating seat supports a more ergonomic and controlled working environment during intensive daily operations.
The deployment also positions Krones AG as the first industrial company in Germany to operate an electric forklift in this load class – setting a new benchmark for the electrification of heavy internal logistics.
“We wanted to send a clear signal – for modern logistics, for the environment, and for our employees. You immediately notice that the electric forklift is not a compromise, but a real step forward. The combination of proven Konecranes lifting technology and state-of-the-art electric drive makes the E-VER a flagship project for our sustainable logistics,” says Rüdiger Aumer, Head of Internal Transport at Krones AG.
“This project sets a new standard for electrification in German industry. With the electric forklift, customers can transition from diesel without compromising on performance, reliability or uptime. This delivery was made possible through our long-standing collaboration with Carl Beutelhauser. The company played a key role in delivering a solution tailored to the site’s operational requirements, ”says Uwe Höß, Area Sales Manager Germany, Lift Trucks, Konecranes.
From diesel to electric: results at-a-glance
• CO₂ reduction: ~35 tonnes per year (calculated for 1,000 operating hours); >50 tonnes when operated using renewable electricity
• Performance: Up to 25% higher lifting speed compared with the diesel predecessor
• Energy efficiency: Up to 15% energy recovery during load lowering
• Operator environment: Up to 50% lower noise levels and reduced vibrations
