Jungheinrich has started practical customer trials of sodium-ion batteries in industrial trucks as the company explores alternatives to conventional lithium-ion battery technology for intralogistics applications.
The Hamburg-based materials handling equipment manufacturer said the tests are intended to validate the performance, reliability and operational suitability of sodium-ion batteries under a range of working conditions.
Jungheinrich did not disclose which customers are participating in the field trials or specify the exact types of vehicles involved.
Industrial trucks such as forklifts, tractors and tugger trains have traditionally relied on diesel engines or lead-acid batteries.
More than a decade ago, Jungheinrich became one of the first manufacturers to introduce lithium-ion-powered materials handling equipment to the market, applying battery technologies already used in electric passenger vehicles to warehouse and logistics operations.
By 2017, the company had secured a major order for more than 1,000 lithium-ion-powered industrial vehicles.
Jungheinrich has since expanded its electrification portfolio with products including the high-voltage electric forklift Jungheinrich FalcOn.
The latest sodium-ion initiative reflects broader industry interest in alternative battery chemistries that reduce dependence on critical raw materials such as lithium and cobalt.
According to Jungheinrich, sodium-ion batteries offer potential advantages including lower material costs, improved sustainability and strong performance in extreme temperatures.
The technology also relies on more widely available raw materials, with sodium potentially sourced from materials such as sea salt.
Martin von Werder, head of technology development at Jungheinrich, said the company is continuing to invest in next-generation battery systems.
“We are working intensively on new battery technologies so that we can continue to offer our customers high-performance, sustainable and cost-effective solutions in the future,” von Werder said.
The company stated that it is working with international battery cell manufacturers and research partners to adapt sodium-ion battery technology specifically for intralogistics requirements.
According to Jungheinrich, initial laboratory and field testing has already generated insights into battery lifespan, operational performance and safety characteristics.
The company added that the project reflects its strategy of evaluating emerging technologies early and accelerating their commercial adoption where practical.
“By testing the sodium-ion battery, Jungheinrich is reaffirming its commitment to embracing innovation at an early stage and playing an active role in shaping it,” the company said.
“The aim is to pass on the benefits of new technologies to customers as quickly as possible, thereby contributing to sustainable and future-proof logistics,” it added.
The trials come as industrial equipment manufacturers increasingly explore alternatives to lithium-ion batteries amid supply chain concerns, raw material costs and sustainability targets.