Zhongli (EP Equipment) Electric Forklifts: Brand Overview & Product Portfolio

Zhongli (EP Equipment) Electric Forklifts: Brand Overview & Product Portfolio

1) Who is Zhongli?

Zhongli is the Chinese name of EP Equipment (中力/中力股份). The group, headquartered in Hangzhou, specializes in electrified (lithium) warehouse equipment — from electric pallet trucks, stackers, and reach trucks to sit-down electric forklifts. EP/Zhongli originated in the 1990s–2000s, expanded multiple plants (Anji – Zhejiang Anji; Jiangsu – Jingjiang; etc.), and has led the electric warehouse equipment market in China for years. In 2024, the company was listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (code 603194).

Technology orientation: EP/Zhongli focuses on lithium-ion (LFP) batteries, integrated BMS, fast “opportunity charging,” and optimized chassis designed natively for lithium (not retrofitted from lead-acid platforms).

2) Core Product Lines (per OSHA/ISO Classifications)

A. Class III – Walkie equipment for standard warehouses

• Electric Pallet Trucks (e.g., EPT20-15ET2): 1.5-ton capacity, turning radius ~1475–1485 mm, 24V/65Ah battery (lithium option), ideal for narrow aisles and medium duty.

• Stackers (e.g., ES10/12/16 series): 1–1.6-ton capacity, up to 4–5 m lift, duplex/triplex masts, optional counterbalanced mini-types for closed pallets.

Strengths: Low CAPEX, energy-saving, user-friendly, simple maintenance — ideal replacements for manual pallet jacks in “last 50 meters” warehouse operations.

B. Class II – Reach Trucks & high-rack solutions

• Reach Truck CQD16/20L (Li-ion): 1.6–2.0 tons, up to 8–12 m lift, proportional valve, color display, electric steering.

• Reach Truck CQD16/20RV(F)2: energy-optimized (full AC motors, electric steering), quieter, with lift heights ~9.5–12.5 m.

• Deep-Reach CQD15SD (Scissor/Double-deep): up to 11.5 m, maintaining rated load at ~8.15 m, reaching deeper double-deep racks for higher storage density.

When to choose Reach Trucks: When warehouses must go vertical (high racks, 2.7–3.2 m aisles) instead of expanding floor area.

C. Class I – Sit-down electric counterbalanced forklifts

• L1 Series (CPD15/20/30/35L1): Four-wheel lithium-native chassis, spacious cabin, fast charging, IPX4 for light outdoor use, 1.5–3.5-ton capacity — ideal IC-engine replacements for medium–high duty.

• TVL Series (CPD15/18/20TVL): Compact, ultra-tight turning (~1550 mm for 1.8-ton), 80V/205Ah battery with on-board charging — convenient for frequent-stop narrow-aisle ops.

Advantages: Native-lithium frame for better weight distribution, wide cabin, clear visibility; safe LFP batteries (CE/MSDS/UN38.3 certified), fast charging, quiet & clean operation.

D. Specialized & Automated Solutions

• Order Pickers & Tow Tractors: Distribution center solutions.

• AGV/AMR & robotic forklifts: 1-ton+ automated models for warehouse automation (often project-customized in Vietnam).

• Cold storage/corrosion-resistant versions: Special materials, seals, lubricants, and battery heaters for −25°C to 0°C operations.

3) Battery & Charging Platform – The electrification differentiator

• Lithium LFP + integrated BMS: Safe (thermal stability), long lifespan, 10–30 min mid-shift opportunity charging; lower maintenance (no watering/swapping).

• IPX4 outdoor-ready design (L1): Handles light rain, flexible for yards/open docks.

• Full ecosystem: From 1.5-ton pallet trucks to 3.5-ton counterbalanced forklifts & 12 m reach trucks — covering a complete material-handling workflow.

4) Selection Recommendations for Vietnam

Scenario 1: General trading warehouse, 1–1.5-ton pallets, 2.5–3 m aisles

• Inbound/outbound: EPT20-15ET2

• Stacking ≤5 m: ES series

• High-rack 8–10 m: CQD16/20L or RV(F)2

Scenario 2: Manufacturing/light outdoor, 2–3 shifts/day

• Diesel replacement (2–3 tons): CPD20/30/35 L1(S)

Scenario 3: High-density distribution centers

• Narrow aisles, 10–12 m racks: CQD16/20L or CQD25RV(F)

• Order picking: Order Pickers + optional AGV/AMR

5) Quick Comparison: Lithium L1 vs Traditional Lead-acid

• Charging: Lithium enables opportunity charging (less downtime); lead-acid needs dedicated charging rooms, battery swaps, scheduled maintenance.

• Chassis: L1 “native lithium” optimizes balance & ergonomics; lead-acid conversions have layout compromises.

• Environment: L1 rated IPX4 — safe for light outdoor conditions.

6) Implementation Notes

• Survey aisle width, rack height, turning radius, load at height; for reach trucks, also consider lift/lower speed and reach distance.

• Plan shift hours, electrical infrastructure, opportunity charging points (brand-specific).

• Consider ambient temperature; cold/corrosive warehouses need specialized builds.

• Choose dealers with lithium-trained technicians and parts stock (BMS/industrial electrics).

7) Key Models at a Glance

• EPT20-15ET2 (1.5-ton Walkie): Cost-effective, agile, widely used in Vietnam.

• CQD16/20L, CQD16/20RV(F)2 (1.6–2.0-ton Reach Trucks): High-rack, color display, electric steering.

• CPD15/20/30/35L1(S) (1.5–3.5-ton Counterbalanced): Lithium-native, IPX4, spacious cabin.

• CPD15/18/20TVL (Compact Lithium): Tight turning, on-board charging.

8) Conclusion

Zhongli (EP Equipment) excels in full-scale electrification with native-lithium platforms spanning walkies, reach trucks, and counterbalanced forklifts. For diesel-to-electric transitions, L1/TVL lines are ideal pilots; for high-rack optimization, look to the CQD series. For standard warehouses, an EPT20-15ET2 plus ES stacker set can fully “electrify” internal logistics cost-effectively.