Manitou Group, as a world reference in handling, aerial work platforms and earth moving sectors, and Kiloutou, Europe’s third largest equipment rental company, are previewing the first “retrofit” electric telehandler. An opportunity for the groups to test a solution that is both sustainable and circular.
The partnership between Manitou Group and Kiloutou, which first began in early 2023, is really coming into its own with the exclusive presentation of the first electric telehandler based on a used combustion model. After studying the technical feasibility of the project for the past year, Manitou Group’s R&D and Services & Solutions teams have come up with an electrification kit in line with the specifications shared by Kiloutou. All the safety criteria are met, and performance is equivalent to the internal combustion version.
The retrofit is a transitional solution that is both sustainable and circular, with a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared with an internal combustion machine. Once fitted with its electrification kit, the converted equipment will be integrated into the IMPAKT offer, dedicated to alternative, more environmentally friendly powertrains and available from Kiloutou branches in France.
Retrofit key figures:
- 2,000 hours of development
- 50 people involved in the project
- 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared with internal combustion equipment
- 25% reduction in the environmental score* with the electrification kit
- 5 years of use minimum after installing the electrification kit**
* Weighted average of 16 indicators (climate/biodiversity/health/resources) compared with keeping an internal combustion machine
** Number of years required in the specifications following equipment modification